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Spaghetti Squash Bolognese

Spaghetti Squash Bolognese

from themodernnonna.com
55 min
2 servings
530 kcal per serving

This Spaghetti Squash Bolognese recipe is every low-carbie Barbie's dream dinner, and the perfect way to sneak in more veggies while still eating something cozy and delicious.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti squash

    cut in half not lengthwise seeds removed

    1 small
  • drizzle of olive oil
  • salt
    to taste
  • lean ground beef

    or veal

    1 lb
  • onion

    finely diced

    1
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    5
  • salt
    to taste
  • tomato paste
    1 tbsp
  • tomato sauce
    1 c
  • water
    ⅝ c
  • parmigiano rind

    optional

Directions

Spaghetti squash

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220C).

  2. 2

    Next, wash and cut the squash in half starting from the middle (not lengthwise). Tip: when you don’t cut it lengthwise, you will get longer more beautiful “spaghetti” strands.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Scoop out the seeds, drizzle the inside of each one with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt all over.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Place it cut side down on a parchment lined baking sheet, and bake until you can pierce with a knife right through. It can take anywhere from 30-45 mins depending on the oven. Once roasted, take it out of the oven, flip it over, and let it cool.

    Step 4

The meat sauce

  1. 1

    Now, start on the sauce. Place a pan on the stove on medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the ground meat and start breaking it apart.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Tip: when you use ground beef, pork, or veal, you don’t need any oil to begin with as the meat will release enough fat. If you use lean ground turkey or chicken, add a tablespoon of oil as they won’t render enough fat to prevent sticking.

  3. 3

    Once the meat is broken apart, stir and move it around. You will notice that there’s a lot of water. Do not drain. Allow the water to evaporate. Once the water evaporates, the meat will start to release its own oils and brown. This usually takes 8-10 minutes from start to finish.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Once the meat has browned, add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and salt. Stir and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Next, add in the tomato paste and cook for 1 min. Lastly, add in the tomato sauce, water, and parmigiano rind. Partially cover the pot with a lid so it doesn't splatter. Let the sauce simmer on low heat until it reaches your desired thickness, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    To assemble, take the cooled squash, and with a fork, separate the pasta strands by pulling them towards the middle.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Take the sauce, add it inside and top with good quality grated Parmigiano Reggiano. You can add some fresh basil, and hot pepper oil too. Enjoy!

    Step 7

About this Recipe

Indulge in Cozy Comfort: Spaghetti Squash Bolognese

Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that still aligns with your healthy eating goals? This Spaghetti Squash Bolognese is your ultimate answer! It's the perfect low-carb twist on a classic Italian comfort food, offering all the rich, savory flavors you love without the heavy pasta.

This recipe shines by transforming humble spaghetti squash into tender, delicate 'noodles' that beautifully cradle a robust ground beef Bolognese sauce. We're talking lean ground beef (or veal for extra richness), simmered with aromatic onion and garlic, brightened with tomato paste and sauce, and deepened with an optional Parmigiano rind. The result is a deeply flavorful, veggie-packed meal that feels incredibly indulgent, making it a fantastic option for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You'll Love This Healthy Bolognese

  • Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: A fantastic alternative to traditional pasta, making it ideal for various dietary needs.
  • Flavor-Packed: The slow-simmered Bolognese sauce is incredibly rich and savory.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it's a meal you can feel good about.
  • Simple Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep, you'll have a delicious, homemade dinner ready in under an hour!

Tips & Variations

To make this healthy Bolognese even more your own, consider these ideas:

  • Add More Veggies: Stir in finely diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the Bolognese sauce for extra nutrients and texture.
  • Protein Swap: Feel free to use ground turkey, ground pork, or a mix of ground meats for varied flavor and leanness.
  • Herb Power: Fresh basil or oregano stirred in at the end can elevate the Italian tomato sauce even further.
  • Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your Spaghetti Squash Bolognese with a simple green salad and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a complete, delightful meal.

Frequently Asked Questions