Looking for a tasty Spaghetti Squash Bolognese? This is the BEST spaghetti squash dinner recipe for anyone looking for a simple and healthy dinner!
I have to admit, I never thought I would enjoy spaghetti squash, but this recipe has changed me for the better! If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to pasta, or just a healthier version of a pasta dish, this spaghetti squash bolognese recipe is for you! All you need is one spaghetti squash, some olive oil, salt, pepper, your favorite sauce, veggies, and ground beef/turkey.
This post will show you how to make the BEST spaghetti squash bolognese!
Spaghetti Squash Bolognese
Benefits of Spaghetti Squash
Before I dive in too deep, I know you’re probably wondering about the benefits of spaghetti squash and why you should even eat it. Well, not only is spaghetti squash delicious, it is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This powerful vegetable is low carb and just 40 calories per cup, making it a great alternative to traditional pasta.
How Long Do I Bake Spaghetti Squash?
For this recipe, we will be baking spaghetti squash in the oven. If you’ve never cooked spaghetti squash before, don’t panic! It’s simple! All you need to do is cut the spaghetti squash in half the long way. Once you’ve got it opened, scoop out the seeds in the center.
Next, spray or lightly drizzle olive oil on the inside of both halves. Add a little salt and pepper to each side as well.
Then, flip over each half of the spaghetti squash so that it is face down on a baking sheet- be sure to use parchment paper to avoid a mess! Once you have the insides facing down, use a fork to poke some holes along the skin of the squash.
Once you’ve pre-heated your oven to 400°, bake your spaghetti squash for 30-40 minutes. Timing will vary with different-sized spaghetti squash. Cooking it for longer than 40 minutes can make your spaghetti squash strings softer.
After you’ve finished baking the spaghetti squash, take it out of the oven and flip the spaghetti squash so that the insides are face-up to cool. After it has cooled down, take a fork and start scraping along the sides so you start to see the squash look like a bowl of spaghetti!
Now for the Turkey Bolognese…
I know you’ve been dying to know how to make this spaghetti squash pasta a true spaghetti squash turkey bolognese! While the squash is baking in the oven pull out a frying pan(the Ozeri Pans are my FAVORITE) and lightly coat with oil.
Start by cutting up your favorite veggies. In our house, we LOVE carrots, green pepper, zucchini, and broccoli with our pasta dishes. I usually throw a tiny scoop of minced garlic with the olive oil and veggies into the frying pan. Cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until your desired tenderness.
In another pan, cook the ground turkey (or ground beef, whichever you prefer). I typically spray a little olive oil in the base of the pan and throw in a little minced garlic for flavor. Once the meat is ready and the veggies are cooked, combine the ground turkey and veggies into one pan.
Next, add in your favorite pasta sauce or make your own. We are suckers for Rao’s Marinara sauce because you can buy it at Costco and it tastes so incredibly amazing that we don’t ever make our own sauce anymore! After you’ve added the sauce, let it simmer while you wait for the spaghetti squash to finish cooking.
Putting it all Together
Once you’ve scraped out your spaghetti squash and put it all in a bowl, mix in the veggies and meat that you have simmering on the stove in a delicious sauce. And Voila, dinner is served! All that’s left to do is sprinkle a little parm if you wish!
This post taught you how to make the tastiest spaghetti squash recipe – Spaghetti Squash Bolognese!
Whether you’re an avid cooker or a complete newbie in the kitchen, I promise this one will quickly become a staple in your home! This spaghetti squash turkey bolognese is healthy and loaded with all of the vitamins and nutrients to actually make you feel full without feeling completely overstuffed! This meal is perfect for anyone looking to add a recipe to their weekly menu to help you maintain your healthy lifestyle. Let me know your favorite veggies to add to your bolognese!
Spaghetti Squash Bolognese Recipe
Spaghetti Squash Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 Spaghetti Squash
- 1 lbs Ground Turkey or Ground Beef
- 1 Green Pepper
- 15 Baby Carrots
- 1 Broccoli crown
- Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
Baking the Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat Oven to 400°
- Cut Spaghetti Squash in half(the long way) and scoop out the seeds
- Rub Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper to taste on the inside parts of the Spaghetti Squash
- Turn the squash over and poke holes in the skin with a fork
- Place the squash face-down on a baking sheet and put it in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Note, larger a Spaghetti Squash may require more cooking time
Making the Bolognese
- Brown Ground Turkey or Beef on the stove in a non-stick pan. Feel free to add in any seasoning that you may like. Recommended: Garlic and Onion powder
- While the meat is cooking, cut up your vegetables of choice. We use Baby Carrots (sliced in 4ths), Green Pepper, and Broccoli
- Sauté the veggies in a separate frying pan with a little olive oil for about 10-15 minutes
- Drain any liquid from the meat pan and add the sauce veggies to the meat pan
- Add in your favorite sauce and let simmer
Making the "Pasta" out of Spaghetti Squash
- Remove the Spaghetti Squash from the oven after 35- 40 minutes. You should be able to easily scrape the the squash apart with a fork. If not, put back in the oven for another 5 minutes or so until fully cooked
- As you scrape apart the "spaghetti" with a fork, place it in a separate bowl
- Combine all ingredients from the Bolognese with the Spaghetti Squash
- Sprinkle on some Parmesan Cheese if you wish and enjoy!