Easy Ground Beef and Spaghetti Squash Casserole – A Healthy & Delicious Meal!

Looking for a comforting, low-carb, and flavorful dish? This Easy Ground Beef and Spaghetti Squash Casserole is just what you need! Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the spaghetti squash, this casserole is the perfect balance of healthy and tasty. 🍽️

The best part? It’s simple to prepare and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy all the deliciousness of pasta without the extra carbs! Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe. 😋

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Low-Carb & Healthy – Enjoy the goodness of spaghetti squash without the carbs!
✅ Full of Flavor – Savory ground beef, tomatoes, and melted cheese bring the perfect combination.
✅ Quick & Easy – Prep and bake in just 45 minutes.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead for an easy weeknight dinner.

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need for this healthy casserole:

🍖 For the Ground Beef Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef – You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• 1 medium onion – Diced, for added flavor. 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced, because garlic makes everything better! 🧄
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – To bring out the rich flavors of the dish. 🌿
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – For a juicy, tangy touch. 🍅
• 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste. 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – To season the meat. 🧑‍🍳

🍠 For the Spaghetti Squash Layer:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash – The star of this dish, providing a pasta-like texture. 🍝
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – To roast the squash to perfection. 🫒
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Optional, for a bit more flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt – For seasoning.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – To season the squash.

🧀 For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and adds creaminess. 🧀
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For an extra cheesy finish. 🧀
• Fresh parsley – Chopped, for garnish and a pop of color. 🌿

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prep the Spaghetti Squash

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
3️⃣ Drizzle olive oil over the squash and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4️⃣ Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5️⃣ Roast for about 40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the strands easily come apart with a fork.

💡 Pro Tip: While the squash is roasting, prep the ground beef filling!

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🥩 Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1️⃣ In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3️⃣ Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
4️⃣ Stir in the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula until browned and fully cooked.
5️⃣ Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes!

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🧑‍🍳 Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1️⃣ Once the spaghetti squash is done, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands.
2️⃣ In a large casserole dish, layer the roasted squash, then top with the ground beef mixture.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the casserole.
4️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a crispy top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef and Spaghetti Squash Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some fun ways to serve it:

🍅 With a side salad – A light, crisp salad complements the richness of the casserole.
🍞 Serve with garlic bread – For those who want a little extra indulgence!
🥄 Top with fresh parsley – Adds freshness and a pop of color to each serving.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months in a ziplock bag or freezer-safe container.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.

💡 Pro Tip: If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

2️⃣ Can I use another vegetable instead of spaghetti squash?
You can use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as an alternative if you prefer!

3️⃣ Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the ground beef mixture for more flavor and nutrition.

4️⃣ Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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🍽️ Conclusion – A Delicious, Low-Carb Meal!

This Easy Ground Beef and Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a fantastic, healthy alternative to traditional pasta casseroles. It’s simple, flavorful, and a hit with anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious yet satisfying meal. 🍝

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out today, and let me know how it turned out! 😍