This delicious and healthy spaghetti squash meatball casserole is the perfect meal for any occasion. It's quick and easy to make, and it's packed with flavor. The spaghetti squash is a great alternative to traditional pasta, and it's an excellent way to get in some extra veggies. The meatballs are moist, flavorful, and hearty. This casserole is a great way to get a healthy dinner on the table in no time.
Ingredients
This casserole requires a few simple ingredients:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Then, use a fork to scrape the strands of squash from the skin. Place the squash strands in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Add the marinara sauce and meatballs to the baking dish. Mix everything together and spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
This casserole is a great source of protein and fiber. It's also low in calories and saturated fat. One serving of this casserole contains approximately:
- Calories: 312
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
Variations
This casserole is very versatile and can be easily adapted to your taste. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Add some vegetables such as peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Use a different cheese such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.
- Add some heat with some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use a different sauce such as Alfredo or pesto.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make spaghetti squash meatball casserole?
To make this casserole, preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare the ingredients. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, or until tender. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into small meatballs and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven, scrape the strands from the skin, and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs to the dish, mix, and spread evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top and bake for 20 minutes before serving.
Is spaghetti squash meatball casserole healthy?
Yes, this casserole is a great source of protein and fiber. It's also low in calories and saturated fat.
What are some variations of spaghetti squash meatball casserole?
This casserole is very versatile and can be easily adapted to your taste. Some ideas for variations include adding vegetables, such as peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini; substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken; using a different cheese such as Monterey Jack or Gouda; adding some heat with some crushed red pepper flakes; and using a different sauce such as Alfredo or pesto.
What type of cheese should be used for spaghetti squash meatball casserole?
Mozzarella cheese is typically used for this casserole, but you can also use other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.
How long should spaghetti squash meatball casserole be cooked?
This casserole should be cooked for a total of 40-45 minutes. The spaghetti squash should be roasted for 40-45 minutes, and the casserole should be baked for an additional 20 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of ground beef in this casserole.
