Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole

The first time I tried making Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole, I was intrigued by the idea of transforming a humble vegetable into something that felt like indulgent comfort food. I had recently discovered the wonders of spaghetti squash, and with pizza being a household favorite, it was a no-brainer to combine the two. Picture a cozy evening, the aroma of Italian seasoning and bubbling mozzarella cheese wafting through the kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it even made it to the table. That magical moment of pulling the squash from the oven, the bright yellow strands perfectly tender, made me realize I was onto something special.

This dish has since become a staple in my home, offering a delightful twist on traditional pizza while sneaking in some extra veggies. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole never fails to impress. The kids love it, and honestly, so do the adults! Each bite is a comforting blend of familiar flavors, with the spaghetti squash serving as a fantastic vessel for all the tasty toppings we love.

So, if you’re looking to mix things up in the kitchen and want to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious, I can’t recommend Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole enough. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your go-to comfort food, too!

What’s In This Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole

Creating the perfect Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole all starts with the ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building flavor and texture, making it a delightful dish. The spaghetti squash serves as a nutritious base, while the combination of ground beef, marinara, and mozzarella cheese provides that comforting pizza taste we all adore.

• 1 medium spaghetti squash: The star of the dish! This vegetable transforms into spaghetti-like strands when cooked, making it a healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
• 1 Tbsp olive oil: Essential for roasting the squash and enhancing flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
• 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey: Provides protein and heartiness to the casserole.
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: Brings classic pizza flavors into the dish.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
• 2 cups favorite marinara: The sauce that ties everything together and adds moisture.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Guarantees that gooey, melty topping we love.
• 15 to 20 pepperonis: Adds a fun, classic pizza topping (turkey pepperoni for a lighter option).
• Optional toppings: fresh basil, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes: For a touch of freshness and extra flavor!

Recipe Directions for Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole

Making Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole is a fun and rewarding process. Start by preheating your oven, and let the delicious aromas begin! Follow these steps to create a meal that will impress everyone at the table.

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This temperature is essential for perfectly roasting your spaghetti squash. A hot oven ensures that the squash cooks evenly, giving it that tender texture.

2. Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the seeds with a spoon. This step is crucial as it prepares the squash for roasting, allowing it to take on flavor while it cooks.

3. Brush the cut sides with about a teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and helps promote browning during the roasting process.

4. Place both halves cut side down on a prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the skin is easily pierced with a fork, and the flesh is tender.

5. While the squash is roasting, drizzle a bit of olive oil into a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they turn fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your sauce.

6. Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbled, ensuring to drain any excess fat if necessary. You want the meat to be flavorful and well-cooked, which adds richness to the casserole.

7. Stir in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

8. Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out all the insides, creating those spaghetti-like strands. This is a fun step that lets you see the transformation of the squash!

9. Toss the spaghetti squash with the meat sauce and let it cook for about 3 more minutes on the stove. This step ensures that all those flavors heat through and combine nicely.

10. Transfer the combined spaghetti squash and meat sauce to a 9×13 casserole dish lightly coated with nonstick spray. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Layer pepperonis on top, and if desired, sprinkle additional Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for added flavor.

11. Bake the casserole in the oven, uncovered, for about 25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end; you want that cheese to be perfectly melted and slightly golden.

12. Serve and enjoy! This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, and paired with a fresh salad or some crusty bread!

Make It Your Own

Getting creative with Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole can be a lot of fun! Here are some tips to make this dish your own:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking, just be sure to cover it tightly. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
• Pairing: Serve this casserole with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a nutrition boost!
• Spiciness: If you like a kick, add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for heat.

Serving Options for Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole

When it comes to serving Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole, the options are plentiful! Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

• Casual Family Dinner: This dish makes for a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Set it on the table with a side of garlic bread and a simple greens salad for a super hearty dinner.
• Game Day Treat: Whether it’s a football game or movie night, serve up portions of this casserole as a fun, shareable dish.
• Meal Prep: Make a large batch on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week. It keeps well and makes for easy reheating for lunches or dinners.
• Flavorful Add-Ons: Consider serving with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavor.
• Seasonal Pairings: Pair with a fresh, crisp salad during the warmer months or a side of roasted vegetables when it’s chilly outside.
• Special Occasions: This casserole can be dressed up for gatherings or casual get-togethers alike. Just add a nice bottle of sparkling water or homemade lemonade to elevate the meal!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole is a delightful combination of flavors that brings comfort and satisfaction. Its versatility makes it a perfect option for any day of the week. I encourage you to give it a try — you might find that it becomes a favorite in your household just like it did in mine!

Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole combines the best of pizza and pasta into one deliciously satisfying dish. Packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to be a hit with everyone. Give it a try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Oven
• Cutting Board
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 cups favorite marinara
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 15 to 20 pepperonis I used turkey pepperoni
• Optional toppings: fresh basil, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
• Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the seeds with a spoon.
• Brush the cut sides with about a teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Place both halves cut side down on a prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
• While the squash is roasting, drizzle a bit of olive oil into a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they turn fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
• Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbled, ensuring to drain any excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it's cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out all the insides.
• Toss the spaghetti squash with the meat sauce and let it cook for about 3 more minutes on the stove.
• Transfer the combined spaghetti squash and meat sauce to a 9×13 casserole dish lightly coated with nonstick spray. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Layer pepperonis on top, and if desired, sprinkle additional Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for added flavor.
• Bake the casserole in the oven, uncovered, for about 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the casserole before baking, just be sure to cover it tightly. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
• Tip 3: Serve this casserole with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• Tip 5: Feel free to add in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a nutrition boost!

Keyword easy weeknight dinner, healthy pizza alternative, Italian Comfort Food, spaghetti squash casserole

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Meet Maya Carlson

I believe that every dish tells a story through its colors and textures. I apply my artistic eye to everything we make. I love being hands-on with every recipe, helping to plate a savory stew just as beautifully as a dessert. I enjoy the challenge of making every single genre of food look as good as it tastes. If we are cooking, I am right there in the mix, styling and seasoning until it’s perfect.