Latest Posts
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
The Ultimate Comfort Food Makeover
If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts cozy and healthy, this Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. It’s everything we love about comfort food—rich, creamy, and cheesy—but with a wholesome twist. By swapping traditional pasta for spaghetti squash, you get all the flavors you crave without the carb overload, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even holiday gatherings.
Whether you’re serving a family meal or looking for a dish to impress your friends, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, loaded with nutrients, and irresistibly delicious. Plus, the vibrant fall ingredients and gooey melted cheese make it a real crowd-pleaser. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be coming back for seconds!
Try some of our other recipes!
Diet-Friendly Adaptations
Whether you’re following a specific diet or accommodating guests, this casserole is easy to adapt!
- Keto: Use full-fat cheese and ensure your marinara sauce has no added sugar.
- Paleo: Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cheese, and use a compliant marinara sauce.
- Vegetarian: Skip the ground turkey and add sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat for a hearty and satisfying version.
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives, or sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
These adaptations make this recipe versatile and accessible for everyone at your table!
Make It Yours: Easy Swaps and Additions
One of the best things about this Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole is how adaptable it is! Whether you want to tweak it to suit your taste or accommodate dietary needs, here are some fun and easy variations to make this recipe your own:
1. Make It Vegetarian: Swap out the ground turkey or chicken for plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms. The mushrooms will add a rich, meaty texture that’s perfect for a vegetarian version.
2. Add a Protein Punch: Looking to boost the protein content? Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or even shrimp for an extra hearty meal.
3. Cheese Swap: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, you can experiment with sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even smoked gouda for a different cheesy profile.
4. Amp Up the Veggies: Toss in more veggies like zucchini, kale, or broccoli for added nutrition. Just sauté them lightly before mixing them into the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
5. Go Spicy: Add a little heat by mixing in diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or some crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a great way to spice things up!
6. Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Want a crunchy topping? Sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and Italian seasoning over the casserole before baking for a golden crust.
7. Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cheese with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Nutritional yeast can also be used to give it a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
8. Herb Lovers: Elevate the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary. Sprinkle some on top before serving for an aromatic finish.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a dish that’s perfect for your taste buds and dietary preferences. The possibilities are endless, and you might just discover a new favorite version of this recipe!
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Knife – For cutting the spaghetti squash in half.
- 1 Spoon – To scoop out the seeds from the squash.
- 1 Baking Sheet – For roasting the spaghetti squash.
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil – To line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
- 1 Large Skillet or Frying Pan – To cook the filling (ground turkey, vegetables, and sauce).
- 1 Spatula or Wooden Spoon – For stirring and mixing the filling.
- 1 9x13-inch Baking Dish – For assembling and baking the casserole.
- 1 Fork – To shred the spaghetti squash into strands.
- 1 Cheese Grater – If you’re grating your own cheese.
- Oven Mitts – For safely handling hot baking dishes.
- Mixing Bowl (Optional) – If you prefer to mix the filling and squash strands before adding them to the baking dish.
Ingredients
- 1 Medium spaghetti squash (about 3–4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
- 1 Small onion, diced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or orange for sweetness)
- 1 cup Baby spinach (optional, for added greens)
- 1 lb. Ground turkey or chicken (can substitute with plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1½ cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, roast the spaghetti squash with a sprinkle of garlic powder and paprika.
Instructions
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the squash halves, season with salt and pepper, and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes or until the flesh is tender and can easily be shredded with a fork. Let cool slightly.
Cook the Filling:
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the ground turkey, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
- Mix in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fold in the spinach, allowing it to wilt.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Using a fork, scrape the spaghetti squash flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Add these to the skillet with the filling, mixing gently to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Add Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
Notes
Meal Prep Tips
This Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a meal prep superstar! Here’s how you can plan ahead and enjoy it throughout the week:- Make Ahead: Roast the spaghetti squash and cook the filling up to two days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, assemble the casserole, top with cheese, and bake.
- Freezing: Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it yet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Reheating: This casserole reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave. For the best results, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
- Portion Control: Divide leftovers into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Storage and Leftovers
Proper storage is key to making the most of your Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole. Here’s how to handle leftovers:- In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
- In the Freezer: This casserole freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers for individual meals or store it as a whole casserole. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips: For the best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F. To maintain the creamy texture, avoid overheating.
A Dish Worth Sharing
This *Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole* is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a dish, bringing together the best of comfort and healthy eating. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or as part of a festive holiday spread, this casserole is sure to impress. The gooey cheese, tender spaghetti squash, and savory flavors come together to create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.
We hope this recipe finds a special place at your table! If you give it a try, we’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add your own twist or stick to the classic version? Share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media so we can see your delicious creations. And don’t forget to subscribe to *Satisfy Your Cravings* for more recipes that bring joy and flavor to your kitchen!