Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a classic dish elevated by serving it in hollowed-out spaghetti squash bowls. This innovative presentation adds a healthy twist while maintaining its rich, cheesy flavors.

Ingredients

🍝 2 medium-sized spaghetti squash

🫒 Olive oil

🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

🍝 1 pound spaghetti

🥩 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

🍅 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce

🧀 8 oz cream cheese, softened

🧀 1 cup ricotta cheese

🥄 1/2 cup sour cream

🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil

🧅 1 medium onion, chopped

🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced

🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

🌿 Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1- Prepare the Squash Bowls:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Slice each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

• Drizzle the inside of the squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

• Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender but still holds its shape. Set aside to cool slightly.

2- Cook the Spaghetti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

• Drain and set aside.

3- Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

• Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

• Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream until smooth.

5- Assemble the Squash Bowls:

• Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to gently shred some of the flesh, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges to maintain the bowl shape. You can mix some of the shredded squash strands with the spaghetti or reserve them for another use.

• Mix the cooked spaghetti with the cheese mixture until well coated.

• Fill each squash half with a layer of the spaghetti and cheese mixture.

• Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti in each squash half.

• Top each with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

6- Bake the Assembled Bowls:

• Return the filled squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7- Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

• Serve each squash half as a complete meal or slice them for sharing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Equipment: Oven, baking sheet, large pot, large skillet, medium bowl

Cooking Tips

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and pork sausage.

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to easily mix with other cheeses.

#MillionDollarSpaghetti #HealthyTwist #SpaghettiSquash

YouTube channel - BAKER TV Too: https://www.youtube.com/@BAKERTV

Million Dollar Spaghetti in Spaghetti Squash Bowls