Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole: The Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food

Craving the classic, cheesy, meaty comfort of ‘Million Dollar Spaghetti’ but looking for a healthier, low-carb alternative? Look no further! Our Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole delivers all the rich flavors and satisfying layers you love, without the guilt. This dish transforms humble spaghetti squash into a delectable, family-friendly meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to indulge in a hearty, baked casserole featuring tender spaghetti squash strands, a savory ground beef (or turkey) marinara, and a creamy, cheesy blend that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or impressive potluck dish that truly feels like a million bucks!

Why This Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a Must-Try

• Healthier & Low-Carb Comfort: By swapping traditional pasta for nutrient-rich spaghetti squash, this casserole offers a significant reduction in carbs, making it ideal for keto lifestyles or anyone seeking a lighter, yet equally satisfying, meal.
• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Layers of rich, seasoned meat sauce, tender spaghetti squash, and a decadent blend of cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella create a symphony of flavors that mimic the beloved classic, elevated with fresh ingredients.
• Family-Friendly & Make-Ahead: This Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for feeding a family or preparing for gatherings. It also reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week.

Key Ingredients for Your Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Crafting the perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Large Spaghetti Squash: The star of the show! Look for a firm, heavy squash, about 3-4 lbs. Roasting it properly ensures those perfect, spaghetti-like strands.
• Olive Oil: Essential for roasting the squash and browning the meat, adding a foundational layer of flavor.
• Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey): We recommend a lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) for flavor, or ground turkey for an even lighter option. Both work wonderfully in this Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole.
• Onion & Garlic: The aromatic base for our savory meat sauce. Freshly chopped onion and minced garlic make all the difference.
• Marinara Sauce: A 24 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce is perfect. If you’re following a strict keto diet, opt for a sugar-free variety.
• Water or Beef Broth: Thins the sauce slightly and adds depth of flavor. Beef broth will provide a richer taste.
• Dried Oregano, Salt & Pepper: Classic Italian seasonings that bring the meat sauce to life. Adjust to your taste!
• Cream Cheese (softened): The secret to the creamy, indulgent cheese layer. Ensure it’s softened for easy whisking.
• Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt): Adds a delightful tang and helps create that smooth, luscious texture in the cheese mixture.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty bite to the creamy layer. Freshly grated is always best!
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Used both within the squash mixture and generously on top for that irresistible bubbly, golden crust.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A beautiful garnish that adds a touch of freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Overview: Crafting Your Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Don’t be intimidated by the layers; this Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole is straightforward to assemble. Here’s a quick run-through of the process:

Prepping Your Spaghetti Squash for Perfect Strands

Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the spaghetti squash. Cut it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast cut-side down until tender, then scrape out those wonderful spaghetti-like strands into a large bowl. This forms the low-carb base of our Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole.

Crafting the Rich, Flavorful Meat Sauce

While the squash roasts, brown your ground beef (or turkey) and chopped onion in a large skillet. Drain any excess fat, then add minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, water (or broth), and oregano. Let it simmer to meld the flavors, seasoning to perfection.

Assembling Your Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole

In a separate bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan until smooth. Add the cooked spaghetti squash strands and 1 cup of mozzarella, tossing gently to combine. Now, it’s time to layer! Spread half of the squash mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining squash and meat sauce.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Finally, top the entire Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole

A healthier, low-carb twist on the classic million-dollar spaghetti, using roasted spaghetti squash instead of pasta, baked in a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese layers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 large spaghetti squash about 3-4 lbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz, sugar-free if keto
• 0.5 cup water or beef broth
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for mixing
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish, optional

Equipment

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish
• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
2. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender. Let cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands into a large bowl.
3. While squash roasts, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, water (or broth), and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
7. Add the spaghetti squash strands to the cream cheese mixture and gently toss to combine. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Spread half of the spaghetti squash mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Layer with half of the meat sauce.
10. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti squash mixture and then the remaining meat sauce.
11. Top with the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
13. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations for Your Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole

• Spicier Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce along with the oregano.
• Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based ground crumble.
• Make-Ahead & Freezing: You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. For longer storage, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Storage: Leftovers of this delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cheesy Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses! A sprinkle of provolone or a sharp white cheddar could add an interesting twist.

Serving Suggestions for Your Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This hearty Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. Consider something vibrant like The Ultimate Carrot Ribbon Salad with Chili Crisp: A Zesty & Spicy Side That’s Ready in Minutes for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are excellent choices to add more greens and nutrients.
• Garlic Bread (Optional): If you’re not strictly low-carb, a slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition for scooping up any extra sauce.

Indulge in the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole!

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole truly redefines comfort food, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. It’s a robust, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings all the beloved elements of classic baked spaghetti to your table, with a smart, low-carb twist. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or a delicious meal prep option, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give this Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole a try tonight and prepare to be amazed!

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