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Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash

A comforting and hearty low-carb dish that elevates spaghetti squash with flavorful meat sauce and creamy cheeses, leaving you feeling lighter than traditional pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Spaghetti Squash
  • 1 medium spaghetti squash Choose a heavy squash, not squishy.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For roasting the squash.
  • to taste salt Always salt the squash before roasting.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef or sausage Choose based on preference.
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce Jarred or homemade, ideally with garlic.
  • 1 cup cottage cheese Adds creaminess.
  • 1 cup cream cheese For richness in sauce.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese For topping.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese For additional cheesy flavor.
  • to taste Italian seasoning, salt, pepper To season the sauce.
  • 1 small onion, chopped Optional for flavor depth.
  • to taste extra veggies (mushrooms, zucchini, spinach) Optional, add to meat sauce.

Method
 

Preparation of Spaghetti Squash
  1. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  2. Place the squash face-down on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Roast in the oven at 400°F for about 35-40 minutes until the flesh shreds easily with a fork.
  4. Once cooled, scrape the flesh with a fork to create 'noodles'.
Cooking the Meat Sauce
  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until crumbled.
  2. Add the chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until the onion is soft.
  3. Drain excess grease, then stir in the pasta sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Mix in any additional veggies if desired.
  5. For a creamier sauce, stir in a spoonful of the cheese mix before assembling.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Combine the spaghetti squash and meat sauce in a baking dish.
  2. Layer with cottage cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
  3. Top with Parmesan cheese.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  5. Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for a golden cheese top.

Notes

Make ahead by layering the casserole and storing it in the fridge for up to two days. Fully baked spaghetti squash casserole keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen in slices.