Winter squashes are delicious, and one of the most popular kinds is Spaghetti Squash. Although it can be baked or microwaved, the slow cooker is the easiest way to cook it because it doesn’t take any monitoring. Once cooked, the squash can be mixed with all kinds of ingredients to make main or side dishes. Spaghetti Squash with Ham and Veggies is a luscious vegetable side dish that goes with grilled, broiled, or sautéed chicken, pork chops, or fish. It also makes a light main dish and is great served with crusty bread. You can omit the ham for a vegetarian version.

If you cook the squash ahead, this main dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. You can also freeze it if it’s more convenient. If you have an extra large slow cooker, you can cook several ahead so that you have cooked squash ready for any number of recipes. You can also vary the vegetables according to what’s in your fridge.

8 Servings

3 to 4 pounds spaghetti squash
2 cups water

1/4 cup butter
1 medium onion, chopped
8 ounces lean ham, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
3 to 4 jalapeno peppers, cored, seeded, and chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Using a large knife, make a few slits over the surface of the spaghetti squash.
2. Place in a 4-6 quart slow cooker and pour the water over.
3. Cover, set the slow cooker to low, and let cook 4-6 hours.
4. Remove from the slow cooker, let cool a little, cut in half, and remove the seeds.
5. Scrape the squash into a bowl (or into a zip-type bag if making ahead - refrigerate until ready to assemble the dish).
6. Melt the butter in a large skillet; add the onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the pieces begin to soften.
7. Add the ham and cook 2-3 minutes.
8. Stir in the zucchini and peppers; stir-fry 2-3 additional minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
9. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
10. Pour the cream over and stir until it boils; add the Parmesan cheese, stir until melted, and serve immediately.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 327 Calories from Fat 208
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 64% Protein 15% Carb. 22%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 23 g
Saturated Fat 13 g
Cholesterol 77 mg
Sodium 612 mg
Total Carbohydrate 18 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 12 g

Vitamin A 65% Vitamin C 117% Calcium 0% Iron 7%