Description
Spaghetti squash pasta brings Mediterranean magic to classic comfort food, merging creamy textures with robust Italian flavors. Hearty ingredients dance together, promising a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Optional Garnish:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare the spaghetti squash by slicing it lengthwise, removing the seeds, and placing the halves face-down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for 30-40 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and easily separates into spaghetti-like strands.
- While the squash roasts, sauté chopped onions and garlic in a skillet until aromatic.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly and seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and incorporate marinara sauce, simmering the mixture briefly.
- Gently shred the roasted squash using a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta, cream cheese, and half the mozzarella until smooth.
- Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish for layering.
- Construct the first layer with half the spaghetti squash strands, spreading evenly across the bottom.
- Distribute half the cheese mixture over the squash, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining squash, cheese, and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu to create a delicious vegetarian version for those avoiding meat.
- Use low-fat cheese options or dairy-free alternatives to reduce overall calorie and fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers directly into the meat sauce or cheese mixture.
- Prep the spaghetti squash ahead of time and store in the refrigerator to cut down on cooking time and make meal preparation faster and easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg