How to Make Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce | Paleo Recipes | Allrecipes.com

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in fat.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is healthier.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: tomato paste

Fresh tomatoes can be used for a fresher taste.

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Cut the spaghetti squash lengthwise using a chef's knife.

Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

Place the squash halves cut-side down in a baking dish and pour in 1/4 cup of water.

Roast the squash in the preheated oven until tender for 30 to 40 minutes.

While the squash is roasting, place 1 1/2 lb of ground beef into a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add one diced white onion and cook, stirring until the beef is crumbly and evenly browned.

Drain off any excess grease and transfer the beef to a bowl.

Pour 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil into the empty skillet over medium heat.

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1 diced zucchini, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 1 chopped red bell pepper; stir and cook the vegetables for a few minutes.

Add one 14 1/2 oz can of crushed tomatoes and one 8 oz can of crushed tomatoes.

Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh oregano, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh thyme, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, and 1 tbsp of red pepper flakes (or less depending on heat preference).

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to taste.

Simmer the sauce until the vegetables are cooked through and tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the reserved ground beef and onions back into the skillet and season with salt to taste if desired.

Simmer the sauce over low heat while the spaghetti squash roasts.

When the squash is ready, use a fork to gently scrape the inside making spaghetti-like strands.

Divide the squash evenly between eight plates.

Drizzle each serving with 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil and spoon on a generous serving of the meat sauce.

Sprinkle on chopped fresh basil right before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens