Hearty Bratwurst & Pepper Spaghetti Squash Bake
Transform your dinner table with this delightful casserole combining the sweetness of bratwurst with the vibrant crunch of bell peppers, all nestled in tender strands of spaghetti squash. Perfectly seasoned with aromatic herbs, this comforting bake is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe bursts with flavor and will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash
1 (large, halved and seeded)
Bratwurst
4-5 (casings removed and crumbled)
Bell Peppers
2 (diced)
Red Onion
1/2 (diced)
Garlic Cloves
3 (minced)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash cut side down on a greased or buttered baking sheet, ensuring it’s well coated for easy removal. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the squash is tender. Allow it to cool slightly until you can handle it, then use a fork to gently shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Set aside.
2
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). While the squash is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bratwurst, removing the casings first. Cook, crumbling the meat, until it’s browned and fully cooked, usually about 5-7 minutes.
3
To the skillet with bratwurst, add the diced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
Incorporate the shredded spaghetti squash into the skillet, then add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Heat through for about 3-4 minutes or until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.
5
Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded parmesan cheese, ensuring it's evenly coated throughout. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch or oval 2-quart casserole dish. Spread evenly across the dish.
6
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top to create a golden, cheesy crust. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary base of the Hearty Bratwurst & Pepper Spaghetti Squash Bake?
The base of this dish is tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash, which serves as a healthier alternative to traditional pasta.
How should I prepare the spaghetti squash for roasting?
Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut side down on a greased or buttered baking sheet.
What is the initial oven temperature for roasting the squash?
The squash should be roasted in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to cook the spaghetti squash?
The squash typically takes about 40 minutes to become tender enough to shred.
How do I turn the squash into 'spaghetti' strands?
Once the squash has cooled slightly, use a fork to gently shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
What should I do with the bratwurst before cooking?
You should remove the casings from the bratwurst and crumble the meat.
How long do I need to cook the crumbled bratwurst?
Cook the bratwurst for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked through.
Which vegetables are added to the skillet with the bratwurst?
Add diced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic to the skillet.
How long should the peppers and onions sauté?
Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes until they reach a crisp-tender consistency.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
Yes, use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes and ensure they are drained before adding them to the mixture.
What dried herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil for seasoning.
What type of cheese is used for the casserole?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
How is the parmesan cheese divided during the cooking process?
Mix 3/4 cup of the cheese directly into the squash mixture and save the remaining 1/4 cup for the topping.
What is the recommended size for the casserole dish?
Use a greased 9x13 inch rectangular dish or an oval 2-quart casserole dish.
What temperature should the oven be for the final bake?
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the final baking stage.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
The casserole bakes for a total of 30 minutes.
When do I add the final layer of cheese to the top?
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking to create a golden crust.
Is it necessary to drain the mixture before putting it in the casserole dish?
Yes, you should drain any excess liquid after combining the squash and vegetables to prevent a watery casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is described as ideal for meal prep and family dinners.
How many bell peppers are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 diced bell peppers.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You should use 3 minced garlic cloves.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
While the recipe features bratwurst, it is noted as having a vegetarian option, which can be achieved by using plant-based sausages or omitting the meat.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered for the full 30 minutes.
How many bratwursts do I need?
You will need 4 to 5 bratwursts for this recipe.
How do you ensure the squash is easy to remove from the baking sheet?
Ensure the baking sheet is well greased or buttered before placing the squash cut side down.
What should I do after removing the casserole from the oven?
Allow it to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle.
Does this recipe contain red onion?
Yes, it uses 1/2 of a diced red onion.
Is this recipe considered a low-carb option?
Yes, it is marketed as a healthier pasta alternative because it uses spaghetti squash instead of wheat pasta.
How long should the final mixture be heated in the skillet before baking?
Heat everything together for about 3-4 minutes until well combined before transferring it to the dish.