Flavorful Spaghetti Squash Twist

Category: Wholesome Meals for Every Day

This million dollar spaghetti squash transforms the humble vegetable into a decadent casserole that rivals traditional pasta dishes. You'll roast spaghetti squash until tender, then layer the strands with a richly seasoned ground beef marinara and a creamy three-cheese blend.

The dish bakes until bubbly with a golden, cheesy crust on top. With just 9g net carbs per serving, it's perfect for those seeking a lower-carb alternative without sacrificing flavor. Customize it with your protein of choice or go vegetarian with mushrooms. The multiple cheese layers create that indulgent, satisfying quality that gives this dish its 'million dollar' name.

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Updated on Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:25:03 GMT
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A plate with a stuffed pumpkin and a slice of pizza. | recipesbylena.com

This creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta transforms a humble vegetable into a decadent, comforting dish that rivals traditional pasta bakes. I created this recipe when looking for ways to satisfy my family's pasta cravings while keeping things lighter and more nutritious.

I first served this at a dinner party where several guests were watching their carbs. The empty dish and requests for the recipe confirmed what I already suspected this dish is truly worth its "million dollar" name.

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti squash: look for one with firm skin free of soft spots this forms the healthy base of our pasta alternative
  • Ground beef or Italian sausage: provides hearty protein and rich flavor Italian sausage adds extra herbs and spice
  • Marinara sauce: choose a high quality brand with no added sugar or make your own for the best flavor
  • Ricotta cheese: adds luxurious creaminess substitute cottage cheese for a higher protein option
  • Cream cheese: creates that signature silky texture that makes this dish special
  • Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses: create that irresistible golden brown cheesy top
  • Italian seasonings and garlic powder: infuse the dish with classic Italian flavors without extra chopping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the squash lengthwise, which requires a sharp knife and careful pressure. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, drizzle the flesh with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet which helps it steam and cook evenly. Roast for 30 40 minutes until the flesh easily pulls away with a fork into spaghetti like strands.
Cook the Meat Sauce:
Brown your ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once no pink remains, drain the excess fat which prevents a greasy final dish. Add marinara sauce and seasonings, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and half the mozzarella. The cream cheese should be fully room temperature for easy mixing. This trio creates the creamy, decadent layer that gives this dish its name. Make sure to mix thoroughly for even cheese distribution.
Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9x13 baking dish, spread half the spaghetti squash strands as your first layer. Top with the entire cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti squash as the next layer. Pour the meat sauce over everything, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 minutes until the casserole is hot throughout and bubbling around the edges. For a beautiful golden brown top, broil for 2 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the layers set properly.

My favorite part of this recipe is how the cream cheese mixture creates pockets of rich, molten goodness throughout the dish. My grandmother used to make a similar casserole with traditional pasta, and this healthier version always reminds me of Sunday dinners at her house.

Mastering Spaghetti Squash

Cooking spaghetti squash properly is crucial for this dish. If undercooked, the strands will be crunchy and taste raw. If overcooked, they become mushy and wet. Test for doneness by pressing the outside of the squash it should give slightly under pressure. The perfect spaghetti squash has al dente strands that hold their shape when mixed with other ingredients.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. Make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. For dairy sensitivities, dairy free cream cheese and mozzarella work surprisingly well. The recipe also accommodates different herbs try fresh thyme or oregano mixed into the cheese layer for an aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. For those not counting carbs, garlic bread makes an excellent companion for soaking up extra sauce. For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions with a small stack of fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of good olive oil. This dish also pairs beautifully with a medium bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.

Storage And Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together. For best reheating results, warm individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 20 minutes. To freeze, cool completely then wrap portions tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Three slices of pizza on a plate. | recipesbylena.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives. The cheese mixture will still provide plenty of protein and flavor, making it a satisfying meat-free option.

→ How do I know when my spaghetti squash is done cooking?

Your spaghetti squash is done when the flesh is tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. The strands should separate easily when scraped with a fork, resembling spaghetti. Typically this takes 30-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C), but cooking time may vary depending on the size of your squash.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. You can also fully cook and portion it for meal prep, as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, with approximately 9g net carbs per serving, this dish fits well within most keto diet plans. Just be sure to use sugar-free marinara sauce as specified in the ingredients list to keep the carb count low.

→ What can I serve with this spaghetti squash casserole?

This dish works well as a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar for added freshness. For those not following low-carb diets, garlic bread makes a delicious accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble completely, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For leftovers, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating. Note that the texture of the squash may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash

A decadent cheesy spaghetti squash casserole layered with seasoned ground beef and a three-cheese blend for ultimate comfort.

Prep Time
10 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
By: Lena

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences: Low in Carbs, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 large spaghetti squash
02 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
03 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free for keto)
04 ½ tsp garlic powder
05 ½ tsp onion powder
06 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste
08 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
09 ½ cup cream cheese, softened
10 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 1 tbsp olive oil
13 Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and drizzle with olive oil. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender. Scrape out the spaghetti-like strands with a fork and set aside.

Step 02

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 03

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 04

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti squash, followed by the cheese mixture, then the remaining squash. Top with the meat sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 05

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, cheesy top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Additional Notes

  1. Make it vegetarian! Swap the meat for mushrooms or lentils.
  2. Prefer extra richness? Add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese mixture.
  3. Meal prep friendly! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Greased baking dish
  • Fork

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a health professional if necessary.
  • Dairy
  • Gluten (if using prepackaged marinara containing gluten)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for general reference only and don't replace expert medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 12 grams
  • Proteins: 28 grams