Ground Beef Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Introduction

This Ground Beef Spaghetti Squash Casserole is the perfect blend of cozy comfort and nutritious eating. It transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a cheesy, hearty, and satisfying low-carb meal that feels indulgent — but is actually good for you.

Spaghetti squash replaces traditional pasta, offering a lighter, gluten-free base that pairs beautifully with the rich tomato-beef sauce and creamy melted cheese. Each bite is savory, cheesy, and full of flavor — making it a family favorite that you’ll crave again and again.

This recipe brings together the comfort of a baked pasta dish and the wholesomeness of vegetables, all in one casserole dish.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this casserole because it’s the perfect comfort food with a healthy twist. It gives you that baked spaghetti or lasagna vibe without the heaviness of traditional noodles. The spaghetti squash soaks up the meaty sauce and cheese, creating layers of texture and flavor that are both rich and satisfying.

It’s also extremely versatile, meal-prep friendly, and budget-conscious — you can easily adapt it with different cheeses, sauces, or veggies. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and keeps your body feeling great.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• ✅ Low-carb and keto-friendly
• ✅ Comforting yet nutritious
• ✅ Packed with protein and veggies
• ✅ Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
• ✅ Delicious family-friendly dinner

This casserole delivers everything you love about cheesy baked pasta — but with fewer carbs and more nourishment. It’s a must-try if you’re looking for a healthy comfort meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes (includes squash roasting)
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~340 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 lbs / 1.5 kg)
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Roast the spaghetti squash and shred it into strands.
2. Cook the ground beef with onion and garlic.
3. Add tomato sauce, herbs, and simmer.
4. Mix beef sauce with spaghetti squash.
5. Layer with cheese and bake until bubbly.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush each half lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 30–40 minutes until tender.
6. Once cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the “spaghetti” strands into a large bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 6–8 minutes).
3. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.

Step 3: Combine the Squash and Sauce

1. Add the shredded spaghetti squash to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the rich tomato-beef mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread half of the squash mixture into the dish.
3. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta (or cottage cheese) evenly over the top.
4. Add the remaining squash mixture and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
3. Slice into squares and serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main dish with a light green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Pair it with garlic bread or cauliflower breadsticks for a hearty meal.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil or sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Roast the squash cut-side down to prevent sogginess.
• Drain any extra liquid from the squash before mixing it into the sauce — this keeps the casserole firm.
• For extra creaminess, stir a little ricotta into the sauce before baking.
• Meal prep tip: Bake in individual ramekins for grab-and-go lunches.
• Make it cheesy: Add a layer of provolone or cheddar for more flavor.

Variations

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken Casserole – Swap ground beef for lighter proteins.
2. Spicy Italian Style – Add Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes.
3. Vegetarian Option – Skip beef and add lentils, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
4. White Sauce Version – Replace tomato sauce with Alfredo or creamy garlic sauce for a rich twist.
5. Mexican-Inspired – Add taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Cool completely, then wrap the casserole tightly with foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl
• Fork (for scraping spaghetti squash)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave instead of roasting?
Yes! Pierce the squash several times with a knife and microwave for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q2. Can I use frozen spaghetti squash?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it completely before using to avoid excess moisture.

Q3. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese both work well.

Q4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q5. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! All ingredients are low in carbs, making it an excellent keto dinner option.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Spaghetti Squash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise on health. With layers of tender spaghetti squash, flavorful beef sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s everything you love about baked pasta — without the carbs or guilt.

This dish is hearty, wholesome, and family-approved — perfect for cozy dinners, weekly meal prep, or freezing for later.