Jump into fall with this super simple and delicious Healthy Spaghetti Squash Chili. This simple twist on a traditional table pleaser is filling, flavorful, and perfect for those heathy eating habits you’ve been trying to stick to!
Chili is a household staple for our family. I can remember eating it ever since I was a child. Traditionally, we always put in over a bed of hot rice, sprinkle with cheese, and then dig in. I wanted something filling and delicious, but lower on the carbs and overall, just healthier. <Insert this recipe.> This has the same great taste, most of the ingredients you’d find in a chili, with the added component of spaghetti squash tied through out. My kiddos love it so it’s our new go-to this fall!
How do you cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot?
First, cut the spaghetti squash in half. I cut mine width-wise, because thats how it best fits in my Instant Pot. Use a spoon to scrap out the seeds and stringy middle. Pour 1 cup of water into the pot, place the trivet inside then the squash on top. Put top on and press ‘manual cook’ for 8 minutes. Once the Instant Pot finishes cooking, carefully release the pressure. Once pressure is completely released, take off lid and slowly remove the squash with large tongs. I allow mine to sit for 5ish minutes to cool off. Once cool enough to work with, use a fork to peel away the squash from the outer shell. You are ready to eat or combine with anything you want!
Can I use anything other than ground beef?
Absolutely! I usually use the leanest ground beef I can get my hands on. You can also use ground chicken or ground turkey and they taste just as good. The chili seasoning really overpowers the meat flavors. If you want to get a little wild, substitute in sausage and it takes this recipe to a whole new level! Want to make your own chili seasoning? I have a great one HERE!
Ingredients for our Healthy Spaghetti Squash Chili:
- Spaghetti Squash
- Kidney Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Tomato Sauce
- Canned Diced Tomatoes
- Chili Seasoning
- Lean Ground Beef
How to make our Healthy Spaghetti Squash Chili:
First, you will want to cook the spaghetti squash. Instructions for how to do that are above. Once the squash is cooked, set aside and rince out the container of the Instant Pot.
Next, turn Instant Pot on to ‘saute’. Add the ground beef to the heated pot and brown. This should take 8-10 minutes.
While the ground beef is cooking, open the two cans of beans and drain the juice. I usually take it one step further and rinse the beans as well.
When the meat is done cooking, drain the grease. Next, add in an entire packet of chili seasoning. If you are using homemade seasoning, the equivalent is 2 tablespoons of chili seasoning. Completely mix the beef and seasoning together.
Next, add in the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and both cans of beans. Stir and combine together. Keep the Instant Pot on ‘saute’ so that heat keeps cooking the newer ingredients.
Last, shred the spaghetti squash with a fork and add to the rest of the ingredients. Stir completely.
Last, put the Instant Pot top on and turn to slow cook on high. Allow the contents to heat for about 20-30 minutes. Then you can serve!
Garnish with cheese and enjoy this delicious and filling spin on traditional chili!
If you love a hearty, filling meal, but want something a little healthier, check out these great options below!
✔️ HEARTY ITALIAN CHICKEN SAUSAGE STEW
✔️ SWEET POTATO BLACK BEAN CASSEROLE
✔️ CREAMY ZUCCHINI CHICKEN BAKE
✔️ BUFFALO CHICKEN CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE
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Healthy Spaghetti Squash Chili
Jump into fall with this super simple and delicious Healthy Spaghetti Squash Chili. This simple twist on a traditional table pleaser is filling, flavorful, and perfect for those heathy eating habits you've been trying to stick to!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 15.5 oz can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 15.5 oz can pinto beans, drained
- 1 15.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
- 1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 Spaghetti Squash, cooked and shredded
- 1 Packet of Chili Seasoning
- Shredded Cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti squash as directed above and set aside.
- Set Instant Pot to 'saute'.
- Once heated, add ground beef to the Instant Pot and cook completely, about 8 minutes. Drain grease.
- Add chili seasoning to the meat and stir.
- Add drained kidney beans and drained pinto beans to the meat. Add in canned tomatoes and can of tomato sauce. Stir.
- Last, add the spaghetti squash and stir.
- Set Instant Pot to Slow Cook on High for 30 minutes. Cover.
- Once thoroughly heated, serve and garnish with shredded cheese.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
14Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 232Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 470mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 5gSugar: 5gProtein: 17g
(Nutritional information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)