Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

1. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and place the halves face-down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes until the flesh is tender and can be easily scraped into spaghetti-like strands.
• Once cooked, use a fork to shred the squash and place it in a large bowl.

2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

• While the squash bakes, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is warmed through.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti squash strands, spreading them evenly.
• Add half of the cheese mixture, spreading it over the squash layer.
• Spread half of the meat sauce mixture on top of the cheese layer.
• Repeat the layers, then sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake and Serve

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

1. Choose a Large Squash: A larger spaghetti squash provides more noodles, making for a more filling dish.
2. Drain Excess Moisture: Spaghetti squash can be watery, so after baking, let it rest for a few minutes and press out any excess moisture with a paper towel before layering.
3. Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies for a hearty vegetarian version.
4. Add More Flavor: For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle with Italian seasoning over the cheese layer before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 26g

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta is a delicious way to indulge in the comforting flavors of pasta while staying health-conscious. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the cheesy, rich, and savory layers without compromising on your health goals!

Serving and Storage Tips for Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Serving Tips

1. Let it Cool Slightly: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve clean slices.
2. Pair with a Fresh Side: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A light side dish adds freshness and complements the rich, cheesy layers.
3. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top each serving with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a pop of color and flavor.
4. Portion Control: Since it’s a rich dish, serve in moderate portions. This meal is satisfying and filling, so smaller portions can go a long way.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, let the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
2. Freezing: If you’re planning to freeze, portion the casserole into individual servings and wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
3. Reheating Instructions:

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on high, or until heated through.
• Oven: For a larger portion, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out, removing it in the last few minutes to allow the top to get bubbly.

Tips for Freezing and Reheating for Best Texture

• Avoid Excess Moisture: Before freezing, make sure the casserole is fully cooled and slightly press down on the squash layer to remove any extra moisture, as this can affect the texture.
• Use Fresh Herbs as Garnish After Reheating: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top after reheating adds brightness to the dish.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta just as delicious as when it was first made!

1. Can I use other types of ground meat instead of beef?
Yes! This recipe is versatile and works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Each variation brings a slightly different flavor, so feel free to choose based on your preference.

2. How do I prevent my casserole from getting watery?
Spaghetti squash can release a lot of moisture, which may lead to a watery casserole. To avoid this, after baking the squash, use a paper towel to press out any excess water from the squash strands before layering them in the dish. Additionally, allowing the casserole to cool slightly before cutting will help it set.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella with dairy-free or vegan cheese alternatives. Coconut or cashew-based cheeses work well in this dish for a creamy, dairy-free option.

4. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for starting from a cold state. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights!