This baked spaghetti squash and meatballs is a great weeknight meal! Ripe spaghetti squash is mixed with marinara, mozzarella cheese, and browned meatballs, then baked until the cheese melts and the dish is golden. Delicious!.
This spaghetti squash and meatball bake is amazing. It can’t be beat. As the weather cools down and sweaters and scarves come out, this dish is perfect. It’s so tasty and hearty.
We loooove spaghetti squash season! I mean, sure, technically it can be found in every season these days. But the fall will forever have me craving spaghetti squash. After roasting, the squash is so nutty and flavorful. I’m not interested in using it instead of pasta; I like it for what it is and how it tastes. The kids love it too!.
This meal is really simple: roast some squash, brown some meatballs, and then mix it all together with marinara and cheese. I make baked spaghetti often, it’s a highly requested dish in this house. So I knew it would be perfect with the tender strands of spaghetti squash.
This is how it all fits together! If you do it this way, you’ll get it done pretty quickly and easily.
There are a lot of steps I take to get the squash ready to bake. First, I cut it in half and remove all the seeds. Then I sprinkle salt and olive oil on top and place the squash cut side down on a pan. I roast mine for 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size.
Then I start making the meatballs. I mix the meat, roll it into balls, and put them in a pan to brown. All sides should be golden and seared, but they don’t need to be fully cooked. They will finish cooking in the oven.
By the time the meatballs are browning, the squash is just finishing up. That’s when I use a fork to pull out the squash strands. I wait until it’s cool enough to touch.
I think this is most delicious when it is layered with marinara. I’m going to put marinara on the bottom of a baking dish and then put the squash noodles on top of that.
Then come our meatballs! I nestle them in with the spaghetti squash. I do another good layer of marinara then sprinkle on lots of cheese. It’s time bake!.
I bake until the dish is melty and cheesy and golden brown. Then add a sprinkling of fresh herbs and it’s done!.
Now, you probably can use frozen meatballs for this. I haven’t tried, but I suggest baking for the time that it’s called for on the packaging. You can also use any variety of meat for this: pork, chicken, beef, turkey – any of it.
The leftovers are also incredible! They reheat great and are just as delicious. Very much like traditional baked spaghetti – the flavors get even better as they sit.
And my family just LOVES meals like this – where everything is in one dish. For some reason, the meatballs and squash served together like this is better than cooking them separately.
Carb-conscious eaters don’t have to miss out on the fun of spaghetti and meatballs. With spaghetti squash standing in for pasta and lean turkey meatballs providing protein, you can recreate this family favorite in a lighter, healthier way When made right, this dish delivers on both nutrition and bold, satisfying flavor
Spaghetti Squash Shines as a Low-Carb “Pasta”
The brilliant ingredient swap that makes this dish work is using spaghetti squash in place of spaghetti. Once cooked, the stringy flesh of spaghetti squash pulls apart into noodle-like strands reminiscent of spaghetti
One cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains only 42 calories and 10 grams of carbs, a fraction of what you’d find in an equal amount of pasta. It’s also packed with nutrients like vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
While raw squash can be tough, it transforms into a tender and mild “pasta” when roasted or boiled. Simply halve or quarter the squash, scoop out the seeds, and bake cut-side down until easily pierced with a fork.
Turkey Meatballs Offer Lean, Flavorful Protein
In place of heavy, dense beef or pork meatballs, this recipe opts for lean ground turkey With about half the calories and fat of ground beef, turkey makes a lighter yet still hearty and protein-rich base for meatballs.
To prevent dry or bland turkey meatballs, the key is mixing in lots of flavor. Onion, garlic, oregano, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs bulk up the meatballs and provide seasoning. Egg or broth can also be used as a binder to keep them moist.
Some quick-cooking techniques for juicy turkey meatballs include baking them in the oven or simmering in sauce on the stovetop. Pan-frying also gives a nice sear while ensuring they cook through.
Build Flavor with Aromatic Veggies and Herbs
One way to pack extra flavor into turkey meatballs is sautéing onion and garlic as an aromatic base before mixing into the meat. Mushrooms lend additional umami depth when cooked down into a rich, intensely-flavored sauce for the meatballs.
Fresh herbs are another simple way to brighten up the flavors. Oregano, basil, parsley, or a blend of Italian seasonings can allspice up turkey meatballs and sauce. Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese also provide a tasty, savory accent.
Put it All Together for a Satisfying Low-Carb Meal
Once you’ve cooked both components, it’s time for assembly! Here are two easy options for plating up your spaghetti squash and turkey meatballs:
1. Bake the squash and meatballs together:
- Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds
- Fill each half with turkey meatballs and top with tomato sauce
- Bake at 375°F until squash is tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 45 minutes
2. Serve squash strands and meatballs separately:
- Follow instructions to roast squash and brown meatballs on the stovetop
- Toss squash strands with a bit of olive oil or sauce
- Pile strands on a plate, top with meatballs, and garnish with parsley and Parmesan
Either way, the preparation is fairly simple and hands-off. The result is a colorful, low-carb dish with all the comfort of spaghetti and meatballs – minus the carb crash later!
Get Creative with Additional Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try experimenting with different seasoning blends in the meatballs, sauces, and squash itself. Some ideas include:
Meatballs:
- Italian (basil, oregano, fennel)
- Greek (lemon zest, mint)
- Mexican (cumin, chipotle)
- Thai (ginger, lime zest,fish sauce)
Sauces:
- Marinara
- Vodka cream
- Tomato-mushroom
- Green enchilada sauce
Squash:
- Parmesan and black pepper
- Brown butter and sage
- Lemon and dill
With so many options, you can enjoy this veggie “pasta” dish again and again without tiring of it. A new blend of flavors will keep your tastebuds excited for the next bite.
A Kid-Friendly Mealtime Makeover
Because it resembles a family favorite, spaghetti squash and turkey meatballs is an ideal way to introduce more vegetables and leaner protein into a picky eater’s diet. Kids are sure to love digging into the “noodles” and meatballs just like regular pasta.
Preparing and eating this meal together is also a great chance for kids to learn about nutrition. Talk with them about the benefits of swapping out carbs for veggies and how protein helps build strong muscles. Let older kids help with measuring ingredients and shaping the meatballs.
With its fun presentation and flavors even finicky eaters will enjoy, this meal offers an easy way to get more nutrition on the whole family’s plates. Adults will appreciate the lighter approach while kids will just see an awesome pasta dinner!
So give spaghetti squash and turkey meatballs a try for your next Italian night at home. This clever remake transforms an indulgent favorite into a nutritious, low-carb meal that may just become your new go-to way to satisfy a pasta craving. Your tastebuds and your waistline will thank you!
Baked Spaghetti Squash and MeatballsThis baked spaghetti squash and meatballs is a lovely weeknight meal! Roasted spaghetti squash tossed with marinara, mozzarella cheese and browned meatballs, baked until cheese and melty and golden. Delicious!
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray nonstick spray on a baking sheet and line it with foil.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half down the middle and scoop out the seeds. Spray or brush the cut sides with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Take the squash out of the oven and let it cool down until you can touch it.
- While the squash is roasting, mix up the meatballs. Put the breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, Parmesan, basil, parsley, and a lot of salt and pepper in a bowl. Form into meatballs about 1 to 1. 5 inches in size. Place the meatballs on a plate.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, warm up about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the meatballs all at once and brown them all over. Because they will be cooked in the oven, they don’t need to be fully cooked.
- Put ¾ cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut the spaghetti squash into strands and put them in the baking dish. Use a fork to remove the skin. Add the meatballs to the squash and the rest of the sauce on top. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. I also like to sprinkle some more Parmesan cheese on top of this.
- Bake for 20 more minutes so everything comes together. Add more Parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes that have been crushed on top. Serve!.
Baked Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
Spaghetti Squash And Turkey Meatballs
Are spaghetti squash and Turkey meatballs healthy?
Plus, spaghetti squash is loaded with beneficial vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, & magnesium. The turkey meatballs are a great source of lean protein, and are seasoned to perfection with a flavorful blend of spices and herbs.
What is Spaghetti squash with meatballs?
Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs is a flavor-packed, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Nutritious squash pairs perfectly with tender meatballs and your favorite marinara—an easy, customizable meal for any night!
How do you make Italian meatballs with ground turkey?
To make Italian meatballs using ground turkey, first, in a large bowl, combine ground turkey, garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, ¾ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, an egg white, and milk. Using your hands (or a spoon), mush all the ingredients together until well combined. Roll the meat mixture into 30 separate (3/4” – 1”) mini meatballs.
How do you cook spaghetti squash at Walmart?
Swap out traditional pasta for spaghetti squash in this classic dish, featuring tender turkey meatballs and a rich tomato sauce. Build your cart with Tasty, then choose how you want to get your order from Walmart. Use a fork to pierce holes down the side of the spaghetti squash. Microwave for 5 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
How do you cook spaghetti squash in a microwave?
Use a fork to pierce holes down the side of the spaghetti squash. Microwave for 5 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). When the squash is cool enough to touch (5-10 minutes), slice the squash open, length-wise, with a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and drizzle the squash with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
How do you cook half a squash?
Cut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Drizzle each cut side of the squash with olive oil (1 teaspoon per squash half) and sprinkle with salt (1/4 teaspoon per half) and pepper (1/16 teaspoon per half). Place squash halves on prepared pan, cut side down.