So, I’m pretty much obsessed with spaghetti squash. It’s fun to fix and it’s fun to eat. My obsession started about two years ago when I made Spaghetti Squash Casserole for the first time – it’s just been a downward spiral since then. It could be worse. It could be a downward spiral with chocolate and peanut butter. Oh – wait a minute. I have that too.
I’ve already showed you guys via video how I normally prepare a spaghetti squash. But, being the crock pot lover that I am, I thought I would be a genius and try it in there – turns out, it’s already been done. Y’all even told me that in the spaghetti squash post. I believe the Bible says, “there is nothing new under the sun…” and dude, the Bible is always right.
So, here is my take on the crock pot spaghetti squash. A bit different than what I’ve seen online – because as you know, I have to Stacyify recipes around this joint.
First, get yourself a good ole spaghetti squash. I get mine at the Farmer’s Market…and I buy several because they keep well in my basement. When they are out at the market, I pick them up at Food City – and they are actually for sale there all year long.
Now, wash that puppy and poke it several times all over with a knife. Why? Well, because we don’t want exploding squash. I cannot be held responsible for wasted time cleaning squash off the ceiling – I know you have other things to do, like eat bonbons and take long luxurious baths. (BHAHAHAHAHAHA!)
Put it down in the crock you have that it will fit in. If it’s large, and some of them are as big as a small animal – not that I’ve put a small animal in my crock…unless chicken counts – but I digress. Anyway, put it in your crock and add 1 ½ cups of water. That’s it.
This differs from the recipes I saw online, because they used more water and cooked on high. As we already know, I’m a bit afraid of the high setting on my crock (and also the broil setting on my oven), so I try to only use it for things that NEED it. And honestly, the first time I made it this way my day was going to be berserk, so I knew I needed it to be in there 8 hours.
NOTE – After making this several times, I’ve found that the best time for me is on low for 6 hours.
When it’s done, pull it out and let it stand for 30 minutes so you can handle it. YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE SQUASH! (Movie quote?) It will look quite a bit darker than when you put it in – kinda like you in a tanning bed – tanning beds give me the freak out, FYI. They’re like caskets. But, I digress…again.
It’ll be hot – I just pulled mine out with the stem. If you have no stem, use oven mitts.
It will be super easy to cut in to. Way easier than cutting when it’s raw. Which makes this method a total winner for me. I’ll be making it this way each time – unless I lose my mind (which happens regularly) and forget I need the extra cooking time…then I’ll fall back to my old method.
See all those seeds in the middle? Just scrape them out – they’ll come out easily – much more easy than with my other method. Can you see that the crock pot just makes life better?
Use a fork and pull the sides in toward the middle to make the “noodles.” It’s a lot of fun and super easy at this point. I make sure I get them ALL out. Because I hate wasting food…I much prefer to eat it. Chocolate.
Season as desired. I like butter, salt, and pepper. Now you can use it for anything you like. We like Spaghetti Sauce served over it. It’s also good with Pioneer Woman’s Cajun Chicken Pasta. You can use it for just about any recipe that calls for cooked spaghetti noodles. Bon Appetit! *I’ve always wanted to say that!*
Crock Pot Spaghetti Squash
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 ½ cups water
- Wash squash.
- Poke several times with a fork or knife.
- Place in crock with water.
- Cover and cook on low 6- 8 hours.
- Remove and cool 30 minutes.
- Slice carefully and remove seeds.
- Shred insides with a fork.
- Season and serve.
Yield: 1 squash (bahahahaha!)
I microwave my spaghetti squash. Poke it all over with a fork, cook 8 minutes. Then turn over and cook 8 more minutes. Viola! Thanks for the recipe, I’m going to try it tonight.
Regards
Ross Alisha
I have some friends who do that too!
If my squash is too big for my crock pot can I cut off one end and have it still come out good???
I have never tried it! It might cook differently – lose moisture while cooking and dry out more quickly. Keep and eye on it and let me know how it goes!
Julie, Humorous Homemaking Team
I just read in your blog that spaghetti squash can be stored in the basement. How long? If I buy in the late summer early fall at the farmers market, will they last all winter and do you have any storage suggestions?
Just make sure it’s cool and relatively dark. I can usually keep mine for a couple months in our basement.
I had never made spaghetti squash before and I’m glad I ran into your page with directions. Not only because I hate the idea of putting that giant squash in my tiny microwave, but also because it’s nice to find other homemakers who look for cheap ways to keep the family healthy and happy. Here’s to a (hopefully) successful dinner tonight!
Thank you for this. Taking the spaghettis out of the squash was a snap. And, for the first time, i had no problem with the seeds. I’m living with chronic illness and, right now, chemotherapy. Anything that makes it more likely for me to cook instead of my husband is a real gift. And, besides, I just love spaghetti squash.
I like the directions, “Wash Squash.” In some states, though, that would be, “Warsh Squarsh!” Anyway, I have one in my cp right now for primavera tonight 🙂 I love that my oven won’t be on an hour. Yikes, but my electric bill has gone up!
Just bookmarked your page. I don’t know what I like more. Your recipes. Or your sense of humour! Looking forward to reading through the rest of your pages!!
Definitely the recipes. 🙂
Recipes are awesome. But I love your sense of humour. A lot like mine. Also, i tried the squish in the crock pot. excellent!!! I’m trying a pie pumpkin today!!!
I’m so glad to hear that! I love the pie…I need some.
It’s punkin time baby!!! I scraped my pumpkin last night. Easiest time ever!! Thank you so much for your awesome idea!!! I’m gonna make it in to a paleo pie tonight and see how it does before thanksgiving (Can) 🙂
Punkin!!!!
You know it!! Punkin, baby. Punkin!
This is great!!! I really don’t like cutting raw spaghetti squash and I love my slow cooker! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! Let’s crock!
Visiting from Foodie Friday and I definitely pinned this and *WILL* actually try it soon. I just bought some spaghetti squash and anything in a crockpot makes me happy. And the fact that I almost cut my finger off last time I tried cutting a raw spaghetti squash!
Been there, cut that. 😉
What a great time saver.
Thanks!
We love Spaghetti Squash, this is a great recipe! Have a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
I will, Miz Helen!
Awesome! I will definitely be trying this sometime. Thanks!
🙂 It should make things easier for you with two!
What a great idea to cook it in the crockpot! I have to give this a try, so much easier to cut. Agree with you on the casket..
I know…cutting a raw squash almost requires machinery.
I wish I had read this 10 minutes ago before I dislocated my shoulder (not really) cutting my first spaghetti squash! I will be pinning this and doing it this way from now on! Thanks so much!
Been there. Cut that.
Looks so good!
Come link up with me today!
http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com
Thanks for the invite.
Another dinner winner! 🙂
I love using my crockpot for things other than making the usual casserole or soup.
Thanks for inspiring me to try this. I have never had that type of squash before. I love all the great healthy recipes you’ve been sharing lately, keep them coming!
Oh really?! You MUST try them very soon! Like right now. Go ahead. I’ll wait.
This looks amazing! Thank you for sharing! I am visiting you from the Fun Friday Blog Hop. I am now following you on Pinterest and G+.
I look forward to following along and reading your posts.
~Yaumara
http://ylindo01.blogspot.com
Thank you. 🙂 I followed you back on Google+. Still trying to wrap my mind around that one.
Thanks for the inspiration! Great idea!
You’re welcome!
Great idea. I usually throw mine in the oven but this seems easier and cooler (hate having the oven on for an hours). Thanks for the tip!
Crock pots save the day!
Brilliant!! Do you think this will work the same with other squashes? Say butternut or acorn? My life would be soooo much better if it does! Great timing on this post too… especially with Fall coming 😀
Yes, I plan on making them all this way!
What an awesome idea!!! I just tried this method and was so disappointed to come home to find spaghetti squash mush. I can’t use it in the dish I had planned for. Next time, I will check it at 7 hours. Just a tip for others with a fast – slow cooker. Contradictory, eh? 🙂
I’m sorry – each slow cooker is different. Mine don’t cook overly hot.
I’ve never tried spaghetti squash, but I really want to! This sounds like a wonderful starter dish, too! Thank you so much for linking up to Mouthwatering Mondays!
GIRL!!!! Try it. Stop what you’re doing, go buy one.
Hi Stacy,
I’m reporting in to say that one of my crocks doesn’t get super hot even on high. I cooked the spaghetti squash in it on high while we were gone about 4 hours. Worked wonderfully–in case you need it done in less time. Keep up the good work.
The high setting scares me – just like broil on the oven.
Will have to try this! Not sure how to cook spaghetti squash so everyone in the family can eat it (some can’t have dairy, some can’t have tomatoes), so I don’t buy it very often. But i want to try this because it looks like fun!
It IS fun!
Is the Pioneer Woman’s Cajun Chicken Pasta sauce an E or S meal? It has wine in it, but you saute the chicken in oil….
It’s S…I always replace wine with chicken broth.
I would like to see your Roasted Radicchio recipe with photo instructions when u get a chance. I know you have tons of time on your hands hehehe
I found it on Pinterest. 🙂
HOLY YUM! This is brilliant! I so adore all winter squash, but love spaghetti, acorn and kobocha the most. Thank you for sharing this!! I love this idea and am going to throw my acorn squash in the slow cooker as we speak right now:) Thanks Stacy!!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I don’t know what kobocha are! I just stocked up on spaghetti, butternut, acorn, and delicata at the market. 🙂
Thanks! I love this idea. I use my crock pot to make sweet potatoes. Just throw em in rinsed and walk away. Oh man are they tasty so I cannot wait to get a spaghetti squash in there. By the way the seeds roasted are fabulous so after you pick them out, lay them on a sheet of foil sprinkle a little salt and roast in over for 8-10 mins for a nutrient rich treat!
Yep, that’s what we do too…I have a post about it floating around here somewhere.
BTW… I’m pretty new to your blog but I have to say every time I read one of your posts it makes me laugh. Thanks for being a great writer! Love your sense of humor:)
🙂 Thank you!
I’ll be trying this recipe right away. However, I need to digress a moment and ask what are those brown whitish things next to the broccoli in the picture at the end? Just curious;)
Roasted Radicchio.
Sounds good. I will def try this. But….what is the oval stuff in the 10:00 position??
Rejena
Roasted Radicchio. 🙂
This is great to know! By the way, you crack me up!
Thanks! 🙂 I’m glad.
I never thought to try that!
I know you don’t use a microwave, but for those of us who do, you can also cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. Poke it, then microwave it…usually takes about 5 minutes or so.
Good tip!
sounds good but would other squash work?
Yes, but you won’t get “spaghetti.” 🙂
omg! why have I never thought of this!? Brilliant!
I’m brilliant! Nah…just obsessed with my crock. 😉
Me too! I cook in my crockpot at least 5x a week, sometimes more! It’s a lifesaver – if not for my crockpot we’d be eating fast food every evening. We don’t get home sometimes until after 6pm. Thank you for all your wonderful posts. You are such an inspiration! 🙂
Crock pots rock!
Spaghetti squash has also become one of my favorite things too. I’ve done a lot of reading I guess people use spaghetti squash to replace the noodles in chicken noodle soup. GENIUS! I used it in place of potatoes in a potato casserole for Thanksgiving. It was great.
I have RA so cutting it raw is impossible for me. I usually cook it whole in the oven. Same concept; different methods. People need to learn other options so improvisions can be made for whatever reason
Yum, yum! Gonna get more at the market tomorrow.