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Cheesy Garlic and Herb Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce


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4.1 from 96 reviews

  • Author: stella
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A delightful and healthier alternative to traditional pasta, featuring spaghetti squash tossed with a savory meat sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 40 minutes, or until tender.
  2. While the squash roasts, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. Once the spaghetti squash is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Using a fork, scrape the strands of squash into a bowl.
  4. Mix the spaghetti squash strands with the meat sauce until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg