Welcome to a cozy dinner that’s both hearty and allergen-friendly!
This Spaghetti Squash Beef Bake combines the natural sweetness of
spaghetti squash with savory ground beef and a rich homemade tomato
sauce, creating a comforting dish that everyone can enjoy.
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and place them
cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes
or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
4. While the squash is roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and
add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a
spatula.
5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute
until fragrant.
6. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and
pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to
meld.
7. Once the spaghetti squash is done, remove it from the oven and use
a fork to scrape out the strands into a bowl.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spaghetti squash strands with
the beef and tomato mixture. Mix well.
9. Return the mixture to the squash shells, filling them generously.
10. Place the filled squash back in the oven and bake for an
additional 15 minutes to heat through.
11. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh
herbs if desired before serving.
- You can add more spices like red pepper flakes for a kick or include
other herbs to suit your taste.
- This dish can be made ahead of time; simply assemble and store in
the fridge before the final bake.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a
plant-based meat substitute.