Ground Beef Spaghetti Squash Boats

Introduction

Ground Beef Spaghetti Squash Boats are a wholesome, low-carb twist on classic spaghetti. Instead of traditional pasta, this dish uses roasted spaghetti squash as a naturally “noodle” base, filled with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce mixture, and topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and visually appealing meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even dinner parties.

The beauty of this dish is its combination of hearty protein, flavorful tomato sauce, and the lightness of spaghetti squash, making it healthier than traditional pasta dishes without sacrificing taste. It’s also customizable, making it easy to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a beloved comfort food and transforms it into a lighter, nutrient-rich meal. The spaghetti squash has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with savory ground beef and melted cheese. The “boats” presentation makes it fun to serve, and the combination of textures—from the tender squash strands to the rich beef filling—keeps every bite satisfying.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Low-carb and healthy: A great alternative to traditional pasta.
• Flavorful: Savory ground beef, onions, garlic, and herbs complement the sweet squash.
• Visually appealing: Served in the squash shell for a fun presentation.
• Family-friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different proteins, vegetables, or sauces.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5–10 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Low-Carb

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Squash:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3–4 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Brush cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes until tender.
2. Cook Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onions and garlic, sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
4. Assemble Boats: Using a fork, scrape spaghetti squash strands gently to create “noodles.” Divide beef mixture evenly into the squash halves. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Return stuffed squash to the oven for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the top before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut squash in half and remove seeds. Brush with olive oil, season, and roast cut-side down for 35–40 minutes.
3. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, drain fat.
4. Sauté onion and garlic in skillet for 3–4 minutes.
5. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
6. Stir Parmesan cheese into beef mixture.
7. Scrape spaghetti squash strands and divide beef mixture evenly into squash halves.
8. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve the boats directly on plates for a fun, family-style presentation.
• Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
• Optional: drizzle extra tomato sauce over the top.

Recipe Tips

• Use a fork to gently scrape spaghetti squash strands; over-scraping can break the squash apart.
• Roast squash until just tender to avoid mushy noodles.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Use a mix of cheeses (like cheddar or provolone) for more flavor.

Variations

• Turkey or Chicken Version: Replace beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Version: Use black beans, lentils, or tofu instead of meat.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• Mexican Flavor: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning and top with cheddar and cilantro.
• Low-Sodium: Use no-salt-added tomato sauce and adjust seasoning.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual squash halves (without cheese) for up to 2 months. Add cheese when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Skillet for cooking beef
• Fork (for scraping squash)
• Oven

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I cook the squash in the microwave?
A: Yes, poke holes in the squash, microwave on high for 10–12 minutes, then cut and scrape.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead?
A: Yes, prepare filling and squash in advance and assemble just before baking.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes, though freshly shredded melts better and avoids clumping.

Q: Is this dish low-carb?
A: Yes, using spaghetti squash instead of pasta reduces carbs significantly.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Spaghetti Squash Boats are a healthy, hearty, and delicious alternative to traditional spaghetti. With tender squash “noodles,” savory ground beef filling, and melted cheese topping, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings while keeping things lighter. It’s visually fun, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. Once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.