Enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal with this Baked Spaghetti Squash with Beef and Veggies recipe. The spaghetti squash is baked until tender, then filled with a mixture of sautéed beef, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini. Topped with melted cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is a healthy and satisfying option for any day of the week. Make this recipe in just under 60 minutes and serve it as a main course for lunch or dinner. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet!
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and pulp.
- Place the spaghetti squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the spaghetti squash is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash, separating it into strands.
- Combine the spaghetti squash strands with the beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture back into the hollowed-out spaghetti squash shells. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the filled spaghetti squash halves back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Spaghetti squash is a low-calorie and low-carb alternative to pasta, making it a great choice for those watching their calorie intake or following a gluten-free diet.
Spaghetti squash is a good source of dietary fiber and contains vitamins A, C, and B-6, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.
Baking the spaghetti squash intensifies its natural sweetness and adds a slight nutty flavor to the dish.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different types of cheese for the topping.