Description
This Spaghetti Squash and Meatball Bake is a hearty yet lighter twist on a classic pasta dish, featuring tender roasted squash, juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara, and melted mozzarella. It is a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
1 medium spaghetti squash
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the inside with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes, until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
- Once the squash is done, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
- In a large baking dish, combine the spaghetti squash strands, marinara sauce, and cooked meatballs. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ground turkey can be used for a leaner option.
Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Mix in sautéed spinach or diced zucchini for extra vegetables.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
