Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce

This Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce is a hearty fall dinner featuring tender roasted squash strands topped with savory meat sauce.

 

Though the growing season is winding down here in New England there's one thing that the farm stands still have and that's squash. There are so many different varieties and on my last trip I grabbed some nice spaghetti squash.

---

What You'll Need

• Spaghetti squash

• Lean ground beef

• Garlic cloves 

• Grape tomatoes

• Pasta sauce

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil

• Italian seasoning

• Grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Prepare squash: Cut lengthwise, remove seeds, place cut side down in a pan with ½ inch water. Bake 40 minutes. Drain, turn cut side up, bake 5–10 minutes longer until tender.
3. Cook meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Add half the garlic, cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, pasta sauce and ¼ tsp pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15–20 minutes.
4. Prepare squash strands: When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add remaining garlic, cook 1 minute. Stir in squash, salt, Italian seasoning and remaining pepper, heat through.
5. Serve: Plate squash strands and top with meat sauce. Garnish with Parmesan, basil and crushed red pepper flakes. 

---

Tips and Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option or use Italian sausage for extra flavor.

• Serve in the squash shells for a rustic presentation.

• Squash and sauce can be prepared ahead and reheated for quick weeknight dinners.

---

Full disclosure, I am not saying this is a replacement for spaghetti. It's not.  But it's absolutely delicious in its own right and makes for a very satisfying meal when topped with meat sauce.

Tried this Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! You may also enjoy Taco Stuffed Delicata Squash or Roasted Squash & Rice Salad.

 

Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce

Author: Jolene's Recipe Journal

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 4 pounds)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups pasta sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh minced basil, crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. Cut squash lengthwise in half; remove and discard seeds. Place squash in a 13x9-in. baking pan, cut side down; add 1/2 in. of hot water.
3. Bake, uncovered, 40 minutes. Drain water from pan; turn squash cut side up. Bake until squash is tender, 5-10 minutes longer.
4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until beef is no longer pink, 6-8 minutes, breaking up beef into crumbles; drain.
5. Add half of the garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, pasta sauce and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes.
6. When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add remaining garlic; cook and stir 1 minute.
7. Stir in squash, salt, Italian seasoning, and remaining pepper; heat through. Serve with meat sauce and, if desired, cheese and basil.

Notes

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/garlic-spaghetti-squash-with-meat-sauce/

Other recipes you may enjoy:

Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing

Quinoa Stuffed Squash Boats

spaghetti squash, ground beef, tomatoes

Dinner, lunch,

American