Baked Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional spaghetti, then look no further than baked spaghetti squash with meat sauce. This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also low in carbs and calories, making it the perfect meal for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Here’s how to make baked spaghetti squash with meat sauce:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Brush the inside of the squash with olive oil and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
- While the squash is baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until it has thickened.
- Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands and place it in a large bowl.
- Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti squash and toss to combine. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
- Top the dish with mozzarella cheese and broil for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
- Use different seasonings, such as cumin or chili powder, to give the dish a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti squash with meat sauce is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional spaghetti. It’s easy to make and can be customized in many ways to suit your tastes. Give it a try and see how you like it!
