Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta is a comforting, low-carb dish featuring spaghetti squash layered with a rich ground beef marinara sauce and creamy cheese mixture, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
- Place squash halves face down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Scrape out squash flesh with a fork to create noodle-like strands.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Pour in marinara sauce, stir, and simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and half the shredded mozzarella until creamy.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half the spaghetti squash, half the cheese mixture, and half the meat sauce.
- Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti squash, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Top with remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and let set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook spaghetti squash to avoid mushy texture.
- Season meat sauce and cheese mixture well for depth of flavor.
- Allow dish to rest before cutting to help layers set.
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Customize by adding vegetables or spices to the meat sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta, low carb spaghetti squash recipe, cheesy spaghetti squash bake, healthy spaghetti squash casserole, ground beef spaghetti squash