Spaghetti Squash with Meat Ragu is my go-to spaghetti squash meal! Roasted Spaghetti Squash topped with a simple-yet-delicious meat sauce simmered with tomatoes, onions, carrots and celery. It’s so good, you won’t miss the pasta!
Spaghetti Squash with Meat Ragu
I love swapping pasta for spaghetti squash, especially with dishes that are saucy and flavorful like this one. More spaghetti squash recipes I absolutely love are Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese, Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Bowls and Spaghetti Squash Primavera.
You cut out a great deal of carbs and calories by swapping out the pasta for spaghetti squash which also happens to be gluten-free and grain-free.
The beauty of this dish is you can totally make this family-friendly. I know my kids prefer to have their meat sauce with pasta (plus they need their carbs too) so I cook some pasta for them and serve this with spaghetti squash for my husband and I. It’s a very generous amount and extremely satisfying.
How To Make Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce
Variations and Tips
- You can swap the beef for turkey if you wish.
- I prefer the flavor of roasted spaghetti squash, but to cut back on time you can make the spaghetti squash in the microwave which is so much quicker. Simply poke it all over with a knife and cook about 6 to 8 minutes, until the skin gives when pressed.
- The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.I don’t recommend freezing spaghetti squash.
Spaghetti Squash with Meat Ragu
Ingredients
- 8 cups cooked spaghetti squash, from 2 medium, about 6 lbs total
- salt and fresh pepper, to taste
For the Meat sauce:
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 4 oz 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 lb 95% lean beef
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, I prefer Tuttorosso
- 1/4 cup white wine, omit for whole30
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and fresh pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membrane. Season with salt and bake about 1 hour, or longer if needed on a baking sheet, cut side up. If you prefer the microwave, cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and fibers and place on a microwave safe dish and cover. Microwave 8-9 minutes or until soft.
- Meanwhile, in a large deep sauté pan, melt butter and add oil. Add onions, celery and carrots and sauté on medium-low for about 3 to 4 minutes, until soft.
- Add the beef and season with salt. Brown the meat and cook, breaking it into smaller pieces with your spoon until cooked through.
- When cooked, add the tomatoes and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add wine and simmer until it reduces a bit, then add bay leaf and cover, reducing heat to low. Simmer at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- When spaghetti squash is cooked, let it cool for about 10 minutes. When cool, use a fork to remove flesh, which will come out in spaghetti looking strands.
- Keep covered and set aside keeping warm until sauce is ready. Serve topped with meat sauce and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
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