Baked Spaghetti Squash With Tomato Meat Sauce
Baked spaghetti squash with tomato meat sauce is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional spaghetti. This dish is perfect for those who are looking for a low-carb, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly meal. Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that is known for its unique texture and mild flavor. When cooked, the flesh of the squash separates into strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. The squash is then topped with a homemade tomato meat sauce that is bursting with flavor. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the spaghetti squash:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the tomato meat sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Brush the inside of each half with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a fork, scrape the inside of each half of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands. Place the spaghetti squash strands into a casserole dish. Pour the tomato meat sauce over the top of the spaghetti squash and stir to combine.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce is heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!
Meta Description:
Baked spaghetti squash with tomato meat sauce is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional spaghetti. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.
Meta Keywords:
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