Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef

This delicious spaghetti squash recipe with ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese is a lighter alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Packed with veggies and full of flavor, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Method for Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle the inside with olive oil, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and you can easily scrape out the strands with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

1. While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

1. Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
2. Place the strands into a large bowl and mix in the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture.
3. Transfer the mixture back into the spaghetti squash shells (or into a baking dish if you prefer).
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Place the squash halves (or baking dish) back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts for Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 600mg

This dish offers a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber while being lower in carbs than traditional pasta. The spaghetti squash gives a fresh, light texture that pairs perfectly with the rich tomato sauce and savory ground beef.

Conclusion

Spaghetti squash with ground beef is a nutritious, delicious, and satisfying meal that is perfect for those looking for a lighter alternative to pasta. With the added cheese, vegetables, and tomato sauce, this dish bursts with flavor while still being healthy. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without the heaviness of traditional pasta!