Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce Recipe

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Published: 11/8/2022

Updated: 12/5/2024

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Savor the comforting flavors of spaghetti squash paired with a hearty meat sauce—a satisfying twist on a classic favorite. Grab your fork and dive into this plate of deliciousness!

 

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Type of Cuisine:

American

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Prep Time: 20 minutes.

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

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How Many Servings?

4-6 servings

Table of Contents

Spaghetti squash with meat sauce isn’t just a trend—it’s a delicious, low-carb, high-fiber alternative to traditional pasta with roots in Central and South America. Packed with vitamins and minerals, spaghetti squash shines when roasted, bringing out its natural sweetness. Paired with a robust, meaty tomato sauce, it’s a comforting yet guilt-free dinner that’s sure to impress. The secret? Using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce

  • Spaghetti Squash: Provides a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor, serving as a healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
  • Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity and peppery note while enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
  • Onion: Offers a sweet and savory base flavor that complements the meat sauce.
  • Celery: Contributes a mild, earthy, slightly herbal essence to the sauce.
  • Ground Beef: Brings a hearty, meaty taste that pairs well with the tomato-based sauce.
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic kick, enhancing the overall savory profile of the sauce.
  • Tomatoes (Chopped and Diced): Offer a sweet and tangy flavor that forms the base of the sauce.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Season the sauce, enhancing the overall taste and balancing the flavors.
  • Oregano and Dry Thyme: Infuse the sauce with aromatic herbal notes, adding depth and complexity.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Bring a bright, fresh, and slightly peppery flavor, adding freshness to the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese contributes a savory, salty, and umami-rich element, finishing the dish with indulgence.

Tips and Variations

  • Choosing the Perfect Spaghetti Squash: Select one that feels heavy for its size, with a hard, blemish-free exterior and an even yellow color.
  • Customize Your Sauce: While ground beef is a classic choice, feel free to get creative. Try a traditional Bolognese with a beef and pork blend, a vegetarian mushroom-based sauce, or lentils for a hearty, meat-free alternative.
  • Explore Noodle Alternatives: Spaghetti squash is a fantastic low-carb option, but zucchini noodles or traditional pasta can also work beautifully. Choose what best suits your taste and enjoy a warm, comforting meal tailored to you.

What to Serve with Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce

Spaghetti squash paired with meat sauce is a flavor-packed dish that shines with the right accompaniments. Elevate your dining experience with crusty Italian bread, like rustic Italian scaccia bread or classic garlic bread. These breads act as the perfect vessels, sponging up all those lingering, delectable sauce notes. For those keeping a keen eye on their carb intake, consider complementing your main course with a refreshing side salad or some sumptuously roasted vegetables. The versatility of this dish ensures it can cater to diverse palates with effortless ease!

How to Make Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce Recipe
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Preparation

1.
Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the inside of each half lightly with olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Mark as complete
2.
Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce
Place the squash halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Mark as complete
3.
Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce
While the squash roasts, heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, then stir in the diced celery and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
Mark as complete
4.
Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon to prevent clumping. Stir in the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned. Next, add the freshly chopped tomatoes and canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
Mark as complete
5.
Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce
Once the spaghetti squash is roasted and slightly cooled, use a fork to scrape the inside of each half to create spaghetti-like strands. Add the squash strands to the meat-tomato sauce and stir gently to ensure they are well coated. Mix in the thinly sliced fresh basil, then adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper to taste, if needed.
Mark as complete
6.
Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce
Spoon the meat sauce and squash mixture back into the empty squash shells, filling them generously. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and return the squash to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes.
Mark as complete
7.
Spaghetti squash with rich meat sauce served in a white plate.
Remove the stuffed squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious spaghetti squash with meat sauce!
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
2 spaghetti squashs (medium size)
1/4 cup olive oil plus extra for brushing
1 large onion (chopped)
2 celery sticks, chopped small
1 lb ground beef
10 cloves of garlic, minced
4 large tomatoes, chopped small
1 can of diced tomatoes 15 oz
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons dry oregano
2 teaspoons dry thyme
A handful of fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 cup of parmesan cheese

Preparation

1
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the inside of each half lightly with olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2
Place the squash halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3
While the squash roasts, heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, then stir in the diced celery and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
4
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon to prevent clumping. Stir in the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned. Next, add the freshly chopped tomatoes and canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
5
Once the spaghetti squash is roasted and slightly cooled, use a fork to scrape the inside of each half to create spaghetti-like strands. Add the squash strands to the meat-tomato sauce and stir gently to ensure they are well coated. Mix in the thinly sliced fresh basil, then adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper to taste, if needed.
6
Spoon the meat sauce and squash mixture back into the empty squash shells, filling them generously. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and return the squash to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes.
7
Remove the stuffed squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious spaghetti squash with meat sauce!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

Cool Before Storing: Allow the spaghetti squash with meat sauce to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and maintains the dish's quality.

Airtight Containers: Transfer the spaghetti squash and meat sauce to separate airtight containers. This ensures the squash doesn't become too soggy from the sauce.

Refrigeration: The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to keep it for a more extended period, consider freezing the meat sauce and spaghetti squash separately. The sauce can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, while the squash is best used within 1-2 months for optimal texture.

From the Refrigerator: If stored in the refrigerator, transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir occasionally for even reheating. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until hot.

From the Freezer: If the meat sauce and spaghetti squash are frozen, it's best to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, follow the above instructions for reheating from the refrigerator.

Stovetop Method: For the meat sauce, you can reheat it on the stovetop. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

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By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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