Spaghetti squash is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. This article presents two mouthwatering recipes that showcase the unique qualities of spaghetti squash:
1. **Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole:** This hearty and comforting casserole combines the classic flavors of spaghetti and meatballs with the healthy goodness of spaghetti squash. The spaghetti squash is roasted until tender, then topped with a mixture of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage meatballs, a flavorful tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses. The result is a satisfying and wholesome dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
2. **Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai:** This Asian-inspired dish puts a unique twist on the traditional Thai noodle dish. Spaghetti squash is used as a base instead of rice noodles, providing a healthier and more nutritious alternative. Stir-fried with a combination of colorful vegetables, tofu, and a tangy peanut sauce, this spaghetti squash pad Thai is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Both recipes offer a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy spaghetti squash. Whether you're looking for a classic comfort food dish or a more exotic Asian-inspired meal, these recipes have something for everyone.
SPAGHETTI SQUASH AND MEATBALLS
Cut some carbs from a classic comfort food by swapping out pasta in favor of roasted spaghetti squash. You'll be amazed how satisfying these veggie "noodles" can be -- especially when paired with our homemade meatballs. They're tender, juicy and packed with flavor.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Halve the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Sprinkle the cut sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, then brush both sides with olive oil. Put the squash, cut-side up, in a baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Roast 20 minutes, then uncover and continue roasting until the squash is tender, about 35 more minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the meatballs: Brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Pulse the celery, carrot, onion, garlic and parsley in a food processor to make a paste. Transfer half of the vegetable paste to a bowl; add the ground beef, ground pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, 1 cup parmesan and 1 teaspoon salt and mix with your hands until just combined. Form into about 24 two-inch meatballs; transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until firm but not cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the remaining vegetable paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until it looks dry, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato puree; rinse each can with 1 cup water and add to the pot. Stir in the basil, oregano and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a simmer, then add the meatballs and simmer until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the basil.
- Use a fork to scrape the spaghetti squash flesh into strands; transfer to a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons grated parmesan. Season with salt. Divide the squash among bowls and top each with some meatballs, sauce and the remaining 1 tablespoon parmesan.
- This recipe makes extra sauce and meatballs. Let cool completely, then freeze in a storage container for up to one month.
SPAGHETTI SQUASH MEATBALL CASSEROLE
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
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
SPAGHETTI SQUASH CASSEROLE
Spaghetti squash, like zucchini, can take over a garden. This is an excellent way to put that abundance to good use. I got the original recipe at a cooking class, and I've made it many times since. It's unique and tasty. -Mina Dick, Boissevain, Manitoba
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h5m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cut squash in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds. Place with cut side down in a baking dish; add water. Cover and bake at 375° for 20-30 minutes or until it is easily pierced with a fork. When cool enough to handle, scoop out squash, separating the strands with a fork. In a skillet, cook beef, onion, red pepper and garlic until meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain; add tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper and squash. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Transfer to an ungreased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with the cheese and parsley; let stand a few minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 160 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 226mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 14g protein.
Tips:
- Choose the right spaghetti squash: Look for a spaghetti squash that is firm and heavy for its size. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes.
- Cook the spaghetti squash properly: To cook the spaghetti squash, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the flesh can be easily scraped into spaghetti-like strands.
- Make sure the meatballs are fully cooked: To make sure the meatballs are fully cooked, cook them in a skillet over medium heat until they are browned on all sides. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what will really bring your spaghetti squash meatball casserole to life. Choose a sauce that is flavorful and has a good consistency. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own.
- Top the casserole with cheese: Cheese is a classic topping for spaghetti squash meatball casserole. It adds a delicious richness and creaminess to the dish. You can use any type of cheese that you like, but mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are all good choices.
Conclusion:
Spaghetti squash meatball casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover spaghetti squash and meatballs. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a hearty and satisfying casserole that the whole family will love.
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