Description
Hearty Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta delivers comfort and flavor in one skillet meal. Italian-inspired ingredients merge with low-carb nutrition for a delightful dinner you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation Setup: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and slice spaghetti squash lengthwise, removing seeds and placing halves face-down on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roasting Squash: Roast squash for 30-40 minutes until flesh becomes tender and easily separates into spaghetti-like strands.
- Meat Sauce Creation: In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic, then add ground beef, browning thoroughly and seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs; drain excess fat and incorporate marinara sauce, simmering briefly.
- Cheese Blend Preparation: Whisk ricotta, cream cheese, and half the mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
- Layering Foundation: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), shred roasted squash using a fork, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Dish Assembly: Create first layer with half the spaghetti squash strands, spread evenly in baking dish, distribute half the cheese mixture, then add a layer of meat sauce.
- Final Layering: Repeat layering process with remaining squash, cheese, and meat sauce; top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Baking Process: Cover dish with foil, bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
- Serving: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Prevent Watery Squash: Pat roasted spaghetti squash strands dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firmer texture and preventing a soggy dish.
- Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences or to experiment with different flavors.
- Cheese Blend Consistency: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, lump-free cheese mixture that blends easily.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast Italian herbs briefly in the skillet before adding meat to release their essential oils and intensify the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 398
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg