This recipe is an epic mashup of a bunless bacon cheeseburger and spaghetti squash. Perfect for any day, especially when you want a low-carb burger option. And did you know cooking spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot only takes 7 minutes!
If you love spaghetti squash and bacon cheeseburgers, you’re going to love this Instant Pot cheeseburger stuffed spaghetti squash!
This dish was inspired by two delicious foods, bacon cheeseburgers and spaghetti squash, and totally came about when I was craving a bacon cheeseburger and had one lonely spaghetti squash that was needing to be cooked.
Spaghetti squash is an amazing fruit. Yes, it’s technically a fruit, though typically thought of as a vegetable. HuffPost has a comical post on different foods that aren’t what you think they are.
Anyway, it’s one of those foods that I’ve always liked, but just recently began to LOVE! I don’t love it only for its versatility, but also because it’s chock full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
I love using spaghetti squash in my Pineapple Fried “Rice” recipe, but spaghetti squash isn’t the only squash I love. I often use butternut squash for Butternut Squash Salad and Butternut Squash Ravioli.
How to pick a ripe spaghetti squash:
Look for a squash that is golden yellow or a dark yellowish color.
I like to buy my spaghetti squash at Trader Joes because they tend to be cheaper.
When is spaghetti squash ripe:
You’ll notice a ripe squash is firm, free of soft spots and cracks, is heavy for its size, and has a dry, rounded stem.
How to cut spaghetti squash:
Spaghetti squash can be difficult to cut. To cut spaghetti squash safely and easily you will want to poke holes around the whole surface area with a sharp knife. Microwave the squash for 2 minutes to soften the outside. Carefully remove from the microwave and cut lengthwise with a sharp knife.
How to cook spaghetti squash:
There are so many ways to cook spaghetti squash. They include in the oven, Instant Pot, slow cooker, and microwave. Check out my post for more information and guided direction or follow your desired method below.
How to cook spaghetti squash in Instant Pot:
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
- Place 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot.
- Add the trivet and spaghetti squash cut side up.
- Close lid and move the valve to the sealing position.
- Cook on manual, high pressure for 7 minutes.
- Release pressure manually and scoop out seeds.
- Run a fork lengthwise through the flesh to separate it into strands.
How to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave:
- Poke holes with a sharp knife around the whole surface area of the spaghetti squash.
- Microwave for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove from the microwave with hot pads ( the steam will burn you).
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
- Run a fork lengthwise through the flesh to separate it into strands.
How to freeze spaghetti squash:
After cooking and then cooling a halved spaghetti squash, run a fork lengthwise through the flesh to separate it into strands. You should have approximately 1 ¼ cups of strands per pound of spaghetti squash.
Next, strain the squash in a colander on top of a large bowl. Cover and store in the refrigerator so that the excess water will drain from the squash. Nobody wants soggy squash!
The following day, scoop all the drained squash strands into a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out all the excess air, label and date the bags, and freeze.
Instant Pot Cheeseburger Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe:
Cheeseburger Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Low-carb burger recipe made with spaghetti squash is quick and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 Large Spaghetti Squash
- 1 Pound Ground Turkey
- 1 Teaspoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
- ½ Cup Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 4 Slices Applewood Smoked Bacon, Cooked until Crispy
- 10 Cherry Tomatoes, Halved
- 2 Tablespoons Sandwich Pickles, Halved
- Ketchup, to Top
- Mustard, to Top
- Sesame Seeds, to Top
Instructions
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
- Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot insert and add the trivet.
- Add spaghetti squash, cut side up and seal with the lid.
- Move the valve to the sealing position.
- Cook on manual, high pressure for 7 minutes.
- Manually release the pressure and remove spaghetti squash. Remove the seeds and then run a fork along the squash to create strands.
- Preheat a large, nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Cook the ground turkey until cooked through and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease and add the steak seasoning.
- Top the squash with the ground turkey. Top with cheese and place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Top with crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and sesame seeds.
Instant Pot Directions:
Microwave Directions:
- With a fork or knife, poke holes all round the surface area of your spaghetti squash and microwave on high heat for 8 minutes.
- Remove from microwave with hot pads (the steam can burn you). Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a fork. Run a fork up and down the flesh to create strands.
- Preheat a large, nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Cook the ground turkey until cooked through and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease and add the steak seasoning.
- Top the squash with the ground turkey. Top with cheese and place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Top with crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and sesame seeds.
Notes
Ground beef can be substituted for ground turkey.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
