Cheesy Beef & Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Savor the flavors of a classic pasta dish, transformed into a low-carb delight with this Cheesy Beef & Spaghetti Squash Casserole! Inspired by my beloved Beef and Pasta Bake recipe, this dish combines the heartiness of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce, all nestled in tender spaghetti squash strands. With melted cheddar and parmesan cheeses on top, it delivers comfort food satisfaction without the carbs. This version has become a family favorite—so much so that my husband prefers it even over traditional pasta! Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish is sure to please both meat lovers and those seeking lighter fare. Enjoy it with your favorite side salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
carrot
1 (shredded)
celery
2 (stalks, chopped)
minced ground beef
1 (lb)
prepared low-carb spaghetti sauce
24 (ounces, can)
oregano
1 (teaspoon)
large spaghetti squash
1
grated cheddar cheese
1 (cup)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 (cup)
salt and pepper
(to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, shredded carrot, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion is translucent and the vegetables have softened.
3
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it's browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4
Stir in the prepared low-carb spaghetti sauce and oregano, then cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5
While the beef mixture simmers, prepare the spaghetti squash. Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise, removing seeds and membranes.
6
Place the squash halves face down in a microwave-safe casserole dish and add about 1 inch of water. Cover and microwave on high for approximately 10 minutes, or until the squash flesh is tender. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
7
Once cooked, let the squash cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands. Pat the strands gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
8
Fold the drained spaghetti squash into the beef mixture until well combined.
9
Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof baking dish and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
10
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
11
Before serving, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main substitute for pasta in this recipe?
Spaghetti squash is used as a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
What vegetables are included in the base of the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion, garlic cloves, shredded carrot, and chopped celery.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
How long does the beef mixture need to simmer?
After adding the sauce and oregano, let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
What kind of sauce is recommended for this dish?
A prepared low-carb spaghetti sauce is recommended to keep the dish keto-friendly.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash before cooking?
Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
How long do I microwave the spaghetti squash?
Microwave the squash halves face down in 1 inch of water for approximately 10 minutes.
Can I bake the spaghetti squash instead of microwaving it?
Yes, you can bake the squash in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes until tender.
How do I create the squash strands?
Once the squash is cooked and slightly cooled, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
Why should I pat the squash strands with a paper towel?
Patting the strands helps remove excess moisture so the casserole doesn't become watery.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses grated cheddar cheese for the topping and freshly grated parmesan cheese for finishing.
How long does the final casserole bake?
Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, it is a low-carb delight designed to provide pasta-like satisfaction without the high carb count.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of minced ground beef.
What seasoning is added to the sauce?
One teaspoon of oregano is added to the sauce mixture.
How much cheddar cheese should I use?
Use 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese to top the casserole.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, bake it uncovered so the cheese can melt and lightly brown.
Can I use olive oil for sautéing?
Yes, use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to heat the skillet for the vegetables.
What should I do if the beef has excess fat?
You should drain the excess fat after browning the meat and before adding the sauce.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is recommended to serve the casserole with your favorite side salad for a complete meal.
Is there carrot in this recipe?
Yes, 1 shredded carrot is added to the vegetable sauté for extra flavor and nutrition.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
You will need one 24-ounce can or jar of low-carb spaghetti sauce.
What is the final step before serving?
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
How many celery stalks are used?
Two chopped stalks of celery are used in this dish.
What is the texture of the squash once cooked?
The squash becomes tender and can be easily separated into strands that mimic pasta.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.