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Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Casserole is hearty, comforting, incredibly healthy and satisfying. Offering all the deliciousness of traditional pasta bakes without the carbs, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or a delightful side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Spaghetti Squash Casserole Components
  • 1 medium-large spaghetti squash (about 2-3 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken (or ground beef for a richer flavor)
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar low-sugar marinara sauce (check labels for minimal added sugars)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Skillet
  • Dutch Oven
  • Spoon
  • Fork
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits using a spoon. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    1 medium-large spaghetti squash, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  2. Roast for 40-50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your squash.
  3. While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
    1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
  5. Pour in the low-sugar marinara sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
    1 (24-ounce) jar low-sugar marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  6. Once the spaghetti squash is tender, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly so it's easier to handle. Use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands from the flesh, leaving the shell intact to hold the filling.
    1 medium-large spaghetti squash
  7. In the same skillet with the meat sauce, add the shredded spaghetti squash and stir to combine thoroughly. The warmth of the sauce will gently cook the squash strands.
    1 medium-large spaghetti squash
  8. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese over the meat and squash mixture in the skillet. Stir gently until the cheeses start to melt and create a creamy sauce.
    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  9. Spoon the mixture back into the hollowed-out spaghetti squash shells, or if the shells have broken, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  10. Place the filled squash halves (or the baking dish) back into the preheated oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  11. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
    Fresh parsley

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.