Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large spaghetti squash; 1/2 lb lean ground beef; 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper

Published: July 7, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-Carb Delight: Enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt of high-carb pasta.
Flavorful Layers: The combination of marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella creates a rich taste.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps, even beginner cooks can master this dish.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to elevate your meal.
Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready will help you follow the recipe seamlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Medium skillet
Fork
Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: Essential for roasting the spaghetti squash evenly and containing all the delicious layers.
Medium skillet: Perfect for browning the beef and mixing it with marinara sauce effectively.
Fork: Used to shred the spaghetti squash easily; it’s a must-have tool for this recipe.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the ricotta mixture without mess.

Ingredients

For the Base

1 large spaghetti squash

For the Meat Sauce

1/2 lb lean ground beef
24 oz marinara sauce

For the Cheese Mixture

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and discard the seeds and membranes.

Step 2: Bake the Squash

Place the squash halves in a baking dish. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until just fork tender. Let cool for 10 minutes, then use a fork to loosen and shred the squash.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and cook, stirring and breaking up the beef until cooked through and browned, about 7-10 minutes. Strain any excess grease from the pan. Add marinara sauce and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Mixture

Mix ricotta with Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella in a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Pour about half of the marinara sauce mixture over the spaghetti squash halves. Use a fork to stir together. Spread the ricotta mixture on top, followed by adding more marinara sauce. Top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Final Bake

Transfer to the oven again and bake for another 10-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned in some spots. Broil on high for an additional 2-3 minutes if desired for extra browning. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously satisfying Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta!

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Classic Presentation

Serve the spaghetti squash halves directly on plates for a rustic look. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Family Style

Place the entire baking dish in the center of the table. Allow everyone to serve themselves, making it a communal and interactive meal.

Individual Portions

Use ramekins or small baking dishes to create individual servings. This adds a personal touch and makes it easy for guests to enjoy their meal.

With a Salad

Pair your pasta with a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the rich flavors of the spaghetti squash pasta.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Finish each serving with fresh basil or parsley. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds an appealing visual element to your dish.

How to Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

To achieve the best results with your Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta, consider these helpful tips.

Choose ripe squash: Select a firm and heavy spaghetti squash. A ripe squash has a deep yellow color and feels solid when tapped.
Bake until tender: Ensure you bake the squash until it’s just fork-tender. Overcooking can lead to mushy strands, which may affect texture.
Season well: Don’t skimp on seasoning throughout the cooking process. This enhances overall flavor and ensures every layer tastes delicious.
Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for unique flavors in your ricotta mixture.
Add vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into your marinara sauce for extra nutrition and taste.
Let it cool slightly: Allowing the pasta to rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Serving side dishes alongside your Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta can elevate your meal even further. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment that pairs perfectly with any pasta dish, offering a crunchy texture contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers roasted with olive oil make for a colorful and healthy side.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the main dish.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil offers bright flavors that complement the pasta.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus spears provide elegance and crunch, enhancing your meal’s visual appeal.
Caprese Salad: Layers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a fresh and flavorful side dish.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad loaded with vegetables is nutritious and filling without overwhelming the main dish.
Zucchini Noodles: For an extra veggie boost, serve spiralized zucchini tossed lightly in olive oil as an additional side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Boldly skip the preheating: Forgetting to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is ready before putting in your squash.
Boldly ignore doneness checks: Overcooking the spaghetti squash can make it mushy. Check for fork tenderness around the 50-minute mark to avoid this mistake.
Boldly rush the cooling: Not letting the squash cool properly will make it difficult to shred. Allow at least 10 minutes of cooling time for easier handling.
Boldly neglect seasoning: Skipping proper seasoning can leave your dish bland. Taste and adjust seasoning of both the beef and marinara sauce for optimal flavor.
Boldly pile on too much sauce: Using too much marinara sauce can make the dish watery. Use just enough to coat the squash without overwhelming it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
It will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container, cover, and heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta.

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta?

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta is a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pasta that features spaghetti squash mixed with a savory beef and marinara sauce combo topped with cheesy goodness.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a lean substitute, providing a different flavor while still keeping it healthy and delicious.

How do I know when my spaghetti squash is cooked?

You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce the skin with a fork and when it’s tender enough that you can shred it into strands.

Can I customize Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or even swap out cheeses based on your preference for added flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta is not only flavorful but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for any dinner table. You can easily customize it with additional veggies or different types of cheese. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love its rich taste without the carbs!

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