Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole

I made a double batch of Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole and ate the leftovers for 2 days after. Tender spaghetti squash, a hearty meat sauce, and tons of cheese. One bite and you will agree that it’s the perfect healthy family dinner!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe

So when I am eat too much pasta, which is quite a bit since I even eat leftovers for breakfast, I switch out my noodles for veggies.

Spaghetti squash is my go to. It has a very neutral flavor and if I’m honest, it’s all about the sauce and cheese!

If you can’t really enjoy traditional pasta, or don’t like the gluten free versions, you can easily sub squash. Plus it’s a great way to add more veggies to family meals.

Don’t turn up your nose, it’s something even picky eaters will happily gobble up. Just like my million dollar chicken casserole recipe, this spaghetti bake recipe, and this baked rigatoni recipe that is a secret family dish!

Ready in about an hour, or even less if you prep some ingredients like the spaghetti squash ahead of time, this oven-baked spaghetti squash casserole is some of the best lighter comfort food I have tasted.

Ingredients Needed

• Spaghetti Squash – Use a large 2-3 pound squash. Substitute zucchini noodles.
• Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef, substitute ground turkey, ground chicken or Italian sausage.
• Sauce – Jarred pasta sauce works great or a homemade marinara sauce.
• Cheese – I use a combo of ricotta cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
• Spices – Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
• Kitchen staples – Olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese.

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How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Casserole  

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil or nonstick spray.
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half along the length of the squash. Scoop out seeds and discard them.
3. Place halved and seeded squash cut-side down on a baking sheet, bake 50 minutes until fork tender.
4. Use a fork to scrape out spaghetti-like strands into a bowl.

5. Reduce oven temp to 350°F.  
6. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain if needed. Stir in marinara sauce.
7. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti squash strands, half the meat mixture, half the cream cheese mixture, and 1 cup mozzarella.

8. Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti squash, cheese mixture, and sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes.
10. Slice and garnish with parsley if needed.

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave until warmed through.

You can freeze this casserole but the spaghetti squash will release some water when you freeze and thaw it.

​Best Way To Prepare Spaghetti Squash

1. Choose a large, oval shaped, bright yellow squash that feels heavy for it’s size, has no bruises, soft spots, or very few blemishes.
2. Carefully use a sharp knife and cut the squash in half. Start at the stem and cut lengthwise leaving two oval shaped halves. Sccop out the seeds and finer strings (much like a pumpkin) and discard.
3. Drizzle or rub the inside of the squash with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. Place cut side down on prepared baking sheet and roast until tender. Roughly 40 minutes.
5. Let cool for 5-10 minutes or until you can handle safely. 
6. Using a fork, gently scrape lengthwise to release long strands from the peel backing into a bowl. Start from the inside curve working outwards. If you want smaller strands, scrape across the width of the squash.
7. Use in any recipe you like!

What if I don’t like spaghetti squash?

Swap out the spaghetti squash for zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower. And add in some mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.

I also have vegetarian casseroles to try like this savory butternut squash casserole, and this yellow squash casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This is a complete meal in my opinion because we have veggies in it and total comfort food!

If you want to lighten it up or add something else to the menu, I suggest a crispy green salad, some garlic bread, and maybe some steamed or roasted veggies with it.

I love vegetarian casseroles like this veg all casserole with sour cream. A total meal of nothing but comfort food!

Tips for the Best Casserole

• Season the spaghetti squash strands while hot to absorb the flavors.
• You can also buy spaghetti squash already cooked at the grocery store for easier prep.
• Use full-fat dairy like cream cheese and whole milk ricotta for a rich flavor!
• Substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta. Be sure to drain it as much as possible.
• Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the top before baking.
• Add Italian seasoning to easily bump up the flavor.
• Mix sauce ingredients right in pan with browned meat for easier prep work.
• Grease the baking dish so casserole doesn’t stick.
• Let dish sit 5-10 minutes before serving so it sets up but stays hot.
• Want more veggies? Try this original green rice casserole recipe!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, pin this to your favorite casserole Pinterest board and share it on your favorite social media channels!

This million dollar spaghetti squash recipe is full of flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese makes this just as tasty as any of your favorite pasta recipes.

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