Spaghetti Squash And Meatballs Crock Pot
Are you a busy individual looking for an easy and healthy dinner recipe? Look no further than spaghetti squash and meatballs made in a crock pot! This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also low in calories and high in nutrients. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for those hectic weeknights. Here’s everything you need to know about making spaghetti squash and meatballs in a crock pot.
What You’ll Need
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
Instructions
1. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
2. Place the squash cut-side-down in the crock pot and pour in 1/2 cup of water.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs on top of the spaghetti squash in the crock pot.
6. Pour the jar of marinara sauce over the meatballs and squash.
7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
8. Once the spaghetti squash is tender, remove it from the crock pot and use a fork to scrape out the strands.
9. Serve the spaghetti squash topped with the meatballs and marinara sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to keep in mind:
- If you don’t have ground beef on hand, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or to the marinara sauce.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the meatballs and spaghetti squash ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them in the crock pot.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meatballs and use a meatless marinara sauce instead.
Conclusion
Spaghetti squash and meatballs made in a crock pot is a delicious and healthy dinner option that’s perfect for busy individuals or families. With just a few simple ingredients and some prep time, you can have a satisfying and nutritious meal on the table in no time. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy!
