Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole

Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole

1 servings
One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We're crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Ingredients

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash

    about 4 pounds

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 pound lean ground beef

    90% lean

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion

    chopped

  • 1 garlic clove

    minced

  • 2 cups chopped collard greens
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
  • 2 plum tomatoes

    chopped

  • 1 cup pasta sauce
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. 1

    Cut the squash lengthwise in half; discard seeds. Place halves on a microwave-safe plate, cut side down. Microwave, uncovered, on high until tender, for 15-20 minutes. Cool slightly.

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 350°. Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt with remaining seasonings; add to beef, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. In a large skillet, brown meatballs over medium heat; remove from pan.

  3. 3

    In same pan, heat oil over medium heat; saute onion until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in collard greens, spinach, ricotta and remaining salt; remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Using a fork, separate strands of spaghetti squash; stir into greens mixture. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. or 3-qt. baking dish. Top with the plum tomatoes, meatballs, sauce and cheese. Bake, uncovered, until meatballs are cooked through, 30-35 minutes.

Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole

Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole

4.8(17)1 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 17 ratings

tasteofhome.com
4.8(17 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving classic spaghetti and meatballs but looking for a lighter, veggie-packed twist? This Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole delivers all the comforting flavors you love with a nutritious boost, making it a new family favorite.

This casserole ingeniously swaps traditional pasta for tender spaghetti squash strands, offering a naturally gluten-free base that’s rich in nutrients. Packed with savory lean ground beef meatballs and a generous helping of collard greens and spinach, it’s a clever way to enjoy a hearty meal with more hidden vegetables without sacrificing taste.

Imagine fork-tender strands of spaghetti squash perfectly complementing rich, seasoned lean ground beef meatballs, infused with aromatic fennel seed, coriander, basil, and oregano. Each bite brings together the bright tang of chopped tomatoes and a classic pasta sauce, the creamy smoothness of reduced-fat ricotta, and the savory depth of the meat, all blanketed under gooey, melted part-skim mozzarella. You'll find a delightful contrast between the hearty meat and the subtle sweetness of the squash, with the added benefit of collard greens and spinach woven throughout for a truly wholesome and satisfying experience.

While delicious as is, you can easily adapt this casserole. Consider swapping the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile. If collard greens aren't your preference, other hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard would also work beautifully. You could also experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs for a touch of heat.

This hearty Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting weeknight meal. It's a complete meal on its own, offering robust flavors that satisfy.

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