Spaghetti Squash Casserole With Pasta Sauce
If you're looking for a hearty and healthy dinner recipe, try making a spaghetti squash casserole with pasta sauce. This dish is a great way to get in your veggies while still enjoying the comfort of a warm and filling casserole. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences.
What is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash that is named for its stringy flesh, which resembles spaghetti noodles when cooked. It's a great alternative to traditional pasta, as it's low in calories and carbs but high in fiber and nutrients. Spaghetti squash is also versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, including casseroles.
Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 jar of pasta sauce
- 1 pound of ground beef (optional)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and pulp using a spoon.
- Place the two halves of the squash cut-side down in a baking dish and add 1/4 inch of water to the dish.
- Bake the squash for 30-40 minutes or until it's tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until they're soft and translucent.
- If you're using ground beef, add it to the skillet and cook until it's browned.
- Add the pasta sauce to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.
- Once the squash is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands.
- Add the spaghetti squash strands to the skillet with the pasta sauce and stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Customizations:
One of the great things about this recipe is that it's easy to customize to your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use a different type of pasta sauce or add additional spices to the sauce to change up the flavor.
- Skip the ground beef or use a different type of protein, such as ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Add additional veggies to the casserole, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crunchy texture.
Conclusion:
Overall, spaghetti squash casserole with pasta sauce is a delicious and healthy dinner option that's easy to make and customize. Whether you're looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta or just want to get in more veggies, this recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family.