If you’ve been craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Savory Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe. It perfectly merges the tender, naturally slightly sweet strands of spaghetti squash with a rich, flavorful ground beef tomato sauce, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. Whether you’re looking to add more veggies to your dinners or just love a satisfying casserole, this recipe checks all the boxes, making it one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this casserole truly special. Each item brings its unique character, from the hearty beef to the fresh mushrooms and vibrant tomato sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella for that irresistible finish.
- Spaghetti squash (2 lbs): Offers a light, noodle-like base that’s naturally gluten-free and adds beautiful texture.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Provides a subtle richness and helps brown the beef and vegetables.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): Brings savory depth and protein to keep you satisfied.
- Onion, chopped (1): Adds sweetness and flavor complexity when cooked down.
- Baby bella mushrooms, sliced (8 oz): Impart earthiness and a lovely meaty bite.
- Garlic cloves (3): Infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that brings Mediterranean flair, but feel free to swap in your favorites.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz): Forms the hearty base of the luscious sauce.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes (15 oz): Offer smoky hints and chunky texture to the mixture.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds subtle acidity and a hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every element.
- Grated mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups): Melts perfectly to create that irresistible golden crust.
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish that lifts the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Savory Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Squash
Start by cooking your spaghetti squash using your favorite method — whether roasting, steaming, or microwaving. Once it’s tender and cool enough to handle, shred the flesh with a fork to create those signature spaghetti-like strands. This step is key for creating a satisfying casserole base that’s both light and filling. Remember to drain any excess moisture so the casserole doesn’t turn soggy.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and break it apart, cooking just a couple of minutes until it starts to brown. Then, toss in your chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms release their juices and everything mingles into a fragrant sauté.
Step 3: Build the Sauce with Garlic, Herbs, and Tomato Paste
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste to the beef mixture, stirring for about 30 seconds. This quick step lets the tomato paste caramelize slightly, intensifying the flavor and bringing a rich depth to the sauce that makes it truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Simmer Tomato Sauce and Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Pour in the tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about five minutes to marry all the flavors before seasoning with salt and pepper. This simmering creates a luscious, well-rounded sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti squash strands.
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti Squash and Cheese, Then Bake
Gently fold in the three cups of cooked spaghetti squash, making sure everything is evenly mixed. Sprinkle that generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top, then pop the skillet into the oven at 400 degrees. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it stand a few minutes before serving to let all those wonderful flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Savory Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top adds a burst of color and a bright, herbaceous note that complements the rich tomato and savory beef perfectly. For an extra touch, you could also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or grated Parmesan for a nutty kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, also make excellent sides that add crunch and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch, perfect for entertaining or family dinners. Another idea is to layer it in a casserole dish with alternating layers of spaghetti squash and the beef tomato sauce for an eye-catching presentation that highlights every delicious component.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, your spaghetti squash casserole stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal that only gets better as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole in portion-sized containers before baking for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a quick, stress-free meal on busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through and bubbly. Adding a few extra minutes helps keep the cheese melty and the edges crispy, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash instead of spaghetti squash?
While spaghetti squash gives that unique noodle-like texture essential to this recipe, you can experiment with zucchini noodles or shredded butternut squash, but the texture and moisture content will vary, impacting the final dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Spaghetti squash is naturally gluten-free, and all the other ingredients in this Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Savory Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe are free from gluten, making it a safe and delicious choice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep the hearty texture while keeping it meat-free without losing any flavor.
What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
Feel free to use other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a nice stretchy texture.
Is it okay to prepare the spaghetti squash in advance?
Yes, cooking the spaghetti squash ahead of time saves lots of prep when you’re ready to assemble. Simply store the cooked squash strands in the refrigerator for up to three days before mixing it into the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Savory Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like home. It’s comforting, wholesome, and packed with flavor and texture that will have everyone going back for seconds. If you want a meal that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for guests or family night, this is a surefire winner you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Savory Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and healthy Spaghetti Squash Casserole featuring tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash baked in a savory tomato and ground beef sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for a nutritious family dinner and offers a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pasta casseroles.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash
- 2 lbs. spaghetti squash
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning (or your favorite dried herbs)
- 15 oz. tomato sauce
- 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1.5 cups grated mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti squash. Prepare the spaghetti squash using your preferred method (roasting, microwaving, or boiling). Once cooked and cooled slightly, shred the squash strands with a fork to yield approximately 3 cups. Drain any excess moisture before adding to the casserole.
- Cook beef and vegetables. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and crumble it as it cooks for about 2 minutes. Then add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, and sauté until the mushrooms release their liquid and soften.
- Add garlic, herbs, and tomato paste. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to enhance the flavors.
- Add tomato sauce and simmer. Pour in the tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Combine with spaghetti squash and bake. Stir the cooked spaghetti squash into the sauce mixture evenly in the skillet. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious and wholesome spaghetti squash casserole!
Notes
- You can cook the spaghetti squash up to a few days in advance to save time on busy days.
- Drain the spaghetti squash well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella cheese with any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or a dairy-free alternative.
- This casserole can be made vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and increasing the vegetables or adding plant-based protein.
- Adjust Italian seasoning according to personal preference or use a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme.
