Spaghetti squash recipes with ground beef are a perfect way to enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal during the colder months. This hearty dish combines roasted spaghetti squash with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese—making it a winter favorite in my home. Inspired by my Nonna’s rustic casseroles, this recipe brings together American comfort food with just the right touch of Italian flavor.
Whether baked as a casserole or whipped up in a skillet, it’s a satisfying low-carb dinner that serves four—ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
🥘 Why You’ll Love The Spaghetti Squash Recipes with Ground Beef
- Wholesome Comfort: All the cozy flavors of a pasta bake, minus the carbs.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Meal Prep Ready: Keeps well and is easy to reheat for lunch or dinner.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this spaghetti squash and ground beef casserole:
For the Squash:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3–4 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, preferably 85/15)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups marinara or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
🔪 Instructions
1. Roast the Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the squash lengthwise, remove the seeds, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings.
- Place face-down on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes or until tender.
- Let cool slightly, then scrape with a fork to create spaghetti-like strands.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture
- As the squash roasts, warm a skillet over medium-high heat..
- Sauté the onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook another minute.
- Add the ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, toss in the herbs and seasonings, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Combine & Bake
- Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl or directly in a casserole dish, combine squash strands with beef mixture.
- Spread into a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve hot!
👩🍳 Tips & Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar or provolone for a twist.
- Craving heat? Toss in more chili flakes or some diced jalapeños.
- Go Low-FODMAP: Skip the onion and garlic and use infused oils instead
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate in a sealed container and enjoy within 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute intervals or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freeze : individual portions for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating..
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on brand or portion.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Is spaghetti squash keto-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s low in carbs and a great substitute for pasta in keto recipes.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep the dish up to a day in advance—just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
🥄 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, nourishing dish to warm up your winter evenings, this spaghetti squash recipe with ground beef delivers every time. It’s got the comforting essence of a traditional pasta bake with a healthy twist that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is a satisfying, simple solution.
I hope this dish fills your kitchen with the same joy it’s brought to mine.Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your version—I’d love to hear how it turns out!
