Thursday, December 19, 2013

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

This recipe is so easy, and it's a big family favorite- everyone loves it.  The kids gobble it up, and it's so healthy!

This is ALL you need...
1 spaghetti squash
1 can marina sauce (our favorite is Trader Joe's Tomato Basil Marinara of course)
1 bag frozen meatballs (the FarmRich Italian Style meatballs are delish!)

Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds and guts.  I fill the holes with meatballs (see photo below) because I can never get all the meatballs to fit in the crockpot otherwise!  Place the squash flesh side down in the crockpot (you have to do it strategically if you fill the hole with meatballs).  Place the meatballs around the squash.  Cover everything with sauce.
Cook on low for 5 hours.  Take squash out and use a fork to pull the flesh out of the squash (your "spaghetti noodles").  You can either throw it back in the crockpot with the sauce and meatballs or serve it on a platter like in my photo above.  YUM!

Four Bean Chili

I got this recipe from Weelicious and just changed it a bit.  She cooks in the crockpot, but I tried it in both the crockpot and doing it on the stove, and we all liked it much better from the stove.  It is SO good!!

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 lb. ground turkey
1- 15 oz. can white beans, rinsed and drained
1- 15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1- 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1- 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1- 28 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
2- 15 oz. cans tomato sauce
1.5 tbsp. chili powder
1.5 tbsp. cumin
2 tsp. salt

In a saute pan over medium, heat the oil and saute the onions until translucent.  Add garlic and cook 1 minute.  Add turkey and cook through, until most of the juice is evaporated.  Stir in the chili powder, cumin and salt.  Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes.