SPAGHETTI SQUASH MEATBALL CASSEROLE

Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

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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

Steps:

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., 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., 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., 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 362 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 69mg cholesterol, Sodium 618mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges