Delicious Recipes with Ground Beef and Spaghetti Squash

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big, hearty meal that warms your soul—but what if that meal could also be light, nutritious, and low in carbs? That’s where recipes with ground beef and spaghetti squash come in. This dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty flavor and wholesome nourishment. It brings together juicy, seasoned ground beef with tender strands of spaghetti squash, creating a casserole-style dinner that’s keto-friendly, gluten-free, and incredibly delicious.

“I first discovered this combo of ground beef and spaghetti squash thanks to my Thompson’s rustic stuffed zucchini boats—she always said the trick was balancing flavor with simplicity. Over the years, I gave it an American twist using spaghetti squash, one of my favorite winter squashes for its pasta-like texture and adaptability. Let me show you how to make this recipe with ground beef and spaghetti squash into a crave-worthy main course your whole family will love.

🥘 Why Ground Beef and Spaghetti Squash Are a Match Made in Low-Carb Heaven

combining ground beef and spaghetti squash brings together everything we love about comfort food with a nutritional upgrade:

• Ground beef provides rich, savory flavor and high-quality protein.
• Spaghetti squash is inherently low in carbohydrates, rich in fiber, and completely gluten-free.
• Together, they form a satisfying base for endless variations: Italian-style, Tex-Mex, cheesy casseroles—you name it!

If you’re following a keto, paleo, or Whole30 lifestyle, this recipe fits right in. It’s also a smart option for meal preppers looking for a balanced, veggie-packed dish.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (And Smart Substitutions)

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy dinner recipe that serves 4 hearty portions:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2.5–3 lbs)
• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or marinara for a shortcut)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano + basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

Optional Additions:

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (for a creamy Italian-style twist)
• Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner alternative to beef.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork..

Quick tip: Pierce the squash with a fork and microwave it for 5 minutes to make slicing easier!

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks.
5. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
6. Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 3: Combine & Bake

1. Once the squash has cooled enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the tender “noodles.”
2. Add the squash strands to the skillet with the beef mixture and toss to combine.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese (if using) and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden cheese topping.

🍽️ Variations to Try

Here’s how to make this dish your own:

Taco-Style

• Season the ground beef with cumin, paprika, and chili powder for a flavorful kick
• Use salsa instead of tomato sauce.
• Top with cheddar and fresh cilantro.

Italian-Style (Classic)

• Add ricotta and fresh basil to the beef mixture.
• Use marinara and mozzarella.
• Garnish with extra parmesan.

Mediterranean-Inspired

• Add chopped olives, spinach, and feta.
• Use crushed tomatoes and oregano.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze baked portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of water or sauce if it looks dry.

🥗 Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Ideas

This dish is a meal prep dream:

• Roast the squash and cook the beef filling ahead of time. Store separately and combine when ready to bake.
• Portion the leftovers into containers for convenient, grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or wraps to create low-carb lunch options.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 10g (Net)
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g

Nutritional values will vary based on added cheese and exact ingredients used.

❓ FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken is a great leaner alternative.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The dish is still rich in flavor.

Can I cook the squash in the microwave?
Yes. Cut and microwave face-down in a dish with 1/4 cup water for 10–12 minutes.

Is this dish keto-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s low in net carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.

🥄 Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions

Recipes with ground beef and spaghetti squash are a satisfying way to enjoy cozy comfort food without the carb crash. Whether you’re keto, gluten-free, or just trying to eat a bit healthier, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted broccoli for a balanced, filling meal.