Go Back
Cheesy spaghetti squash meatball casserole topped with melted cheese

Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole

A hearty, nutritious casserole that combines cheesy meatballs and spaghetti squash for a comforting, veggie-packed meal that the whole family will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour Use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley Fresh is best.
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24-ounce) Choose a low-sugar variety for a healthier option.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
For the Cheesy Layer
  • 2 cups cooked spaghetti squash About 1 medium-sized squash.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Additional Parmesan for topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the spaghetti squash by slicing it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until tender. Once done, let it cool slightly, then scrape the insides with a fork to create 'spaghetti' strands.
  3. While the squash is roasting, mix all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, or until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish in the oven.
  2. In a separate saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Heat until simmering.
Assembly
  1. In a large baking dish, layer the cooked spaghetti squash on the bottom. Top it with the meatballs and pour the marinara sauce over evenly.
  2. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the top, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Baking
  1. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  3. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy masterpiece!

Notes

Choose the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. If time allows, make your marinara sauce from scratch for a personal touch. Variations include adding herbs and spices to the meatball mixture or making it vegetarian with plant-based options. This casserole freezes well; cool completely before storing in an airtight container.