Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

As a lover of comfort food, I can’t resist the charm of a hearty dish like Spaghetti Squash Lasagna. One chilly evening, I found myself craving something warm and satisfying, and that’s when I decided to put a twist on traditional lasagna. I had a beautiful spaghetti squash sitting on my kitchen counter, just waiting to be transformed into a delicious masterpiece. With the promise of layers of rich flavors and gooey cheese, I couldn’t wait to dig in!

Imagine the delight of swapping out pasta for a delightful vegetable while still enjoying the cheesy goodness and seasoned meat. It’s a great way to indulge in a classic dish without the heaviness of traditional lasagna. My family was skeptical at first, but with each bite, they were pleasantly surprised at how flavorful and satisfying it turned out to be.

Throughout my experience cooking this dish, I discovered that Spaghetti Squash Lasagna not only serves as a fantastic dinner option, but it also doubles as a healthy alternative, packed with nutrients. The natural sweetness of the spaghetti squash complements the savory beef and marinara sauce beautifully. Whenever I serve this dish, I’m reminded of the joy that comes from sharing good food with loved ones. Let’s dive into how we can create this culinary delight together!

What to Gather for Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Gathering the right ingredients for Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is essential to create a delicious meal. Each component has a purpose, contributing to the overall flavor and texture of this dish. The key players here are the spaghetti squash, which acts as a delightful base, and the savory ground beef, which provides richness. With the addition of aromatic ingredients like garlic and onion, this dish is sure to impress!

• 1 small spaghetti squash (3.5 – 4 lbs) – This will be the star of the dish, providing a wonderful, noodle-like texture when cooked.
• 1 lb lean ground beef – A hearty protein that adds richness and flavor to the lasagna.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• 1/2 yellow onion – Finely diced to add sweetness and depth.
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian flavor.
• 24 oz marinara sauce – The sauce that ties all the layers together, providing moisture and flavor.
• 3 cups low fat cottage cheese – Adds creaminess without too much fat, a great alternative to ricotta.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese – Grated to add a salty, nutty flavor as a topping.
• 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese – Shredded for that gooey, melty finish that everyone loves.

Recipe Steps for Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Let’s get cooking! Making Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow these steps to create a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This is crucial for ensuring that the spaghetti squash cooks evenly and becomes tender.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat. This will make cleanup easier later!
3. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membrane. This is where the magic happens as it will soon transform into noodle-like strands.
4. Place the spaghetti squash, cut side down, on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
5. While the squash is cooking, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is completely browned, making sure to break it up into smaller bits.
6. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease and set it aside. This will help keep the dish from being too oily.
7. When the spaghetti squash is done cooking, remove it from the oven and carefully reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees F.
8. Now, let’s turn the spaghetti squash into noodles! With a fork, scrap the squash flesh into stringy noodles and press excess moisture out using a paper towel. This step is important to prevent the lasagna from becoming soggy.
9. Lightly coat an 8” x 8” baking dish with nonstick spray. Begin layering by evenly placing half of the spaghetti squash at the bottom, followed by half of the marinara sauce, half of the ground meat, and half of the cottage cheese.
10. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and Mozzarella cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.
11. Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some valuable tips to enhance your cooking experience with Spaghetti Squash Lasagna.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Just bake it directly from the freezer, increasing the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables.
• Herb Variations: Don’t hesitate to switch up the herbs! Fresh basil or oregano can add extra depth of flavor to your lasagna.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta for creaminess or a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor.

How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Serving Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is one of the best parts! Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your dining experience:

• Plating: Serve generous portions on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.
• Side Dishes: Complement your lasagna with a crisp garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm baguette slices also make great additions.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even meal prep for the week. It’s versatile enough for any occasion.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy with seasonal vegetables. Roasted zucchini or sautéed spinach can add freshness and balance.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is a delightful dish that brings a healthy twist to a classic favorite. With its comforting layers of flavor and nutritious ingredients, it’s a meal that everyone can enjoy. I encourage you to try this recipe at home—you’ll be amazed at how delicious and satisfying it is. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies without anyone noticing!

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

The ultimate comfort food, Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is a delightful twist on a classic dish. Packed with flavors from ground beef, marinara sauce, and layers of gooey cheese, it's the perfect easy weeknight dinner. You won’t believe how satisfying and delicious it is!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 small spaghetti squash 3.5 – 4 lbs
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 yellow onion yellow onion finely diced
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 3 cups low fat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

• Grater
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This is crucial for ensuring that the spaghetti squash cooks evenly and becomes tender.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat. This will make cleanup easier later!
3. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membrane. This is where the magic happens as it will soon transform into noodle-like strands.
4. Place the spaghetti squash, cut side down, on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
5. While the squash is cooking, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is completely browned, making sure to break it up into smaller bits.
6. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease and set it aside. This will help keep the dish from being too oily.
7. When the spaghetti squash is done cooking, remove it from the oven and carefully reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees F.
8. Now, let’s turn the spaghetti squash into noodles! With a fork, scrap the squash flesh into stringy noodles and press excess moisture out using a paper towel. This step is important to prevent the lasagna from becoming soggy.
9. Lightly coat an 8” x 8” baking dish with nonstick spray. Begin layering by evenly placing half of the spaghetti squash at the bottom, followed by half of the marinara sauce, half of the ground meat, and half of the cottage cheese.
10. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and Mozzarella cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.
11. Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Previous PostDandelion Pesto

Next Post Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.