Description
This Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe combines tender roasted spaghetti squash halves filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, fresh broccoli, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a wholesome, comforting dish perfect for a nutritious family dinner, featuring savory Italian seasoning and a hint of garlic and onion for depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Squash
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle olive oil over the inside of the squash, and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40-45 minutes until the flesh is tender.
- Cook the Filling: While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet with the beef mixture. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the Squash: Once the spaghetti squash is done roasting, use a fork to scrape the squash flesh into strands. Mix the spaghetti squash strands with the beef and broccoli mixture, then stuff the mixture back into the squash halves.
- Add Cheese: Top each stuffed squash half with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place back in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately for a warm, delicious meal.
Notes
- Make sure to scoop the seeds out of the spaghetti squash thoroughly before roasting to ensure an even texture.
- For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the beef mixture while cooking.
- To save time, broccoli can be steamed briefly before adding to the skillet to speed up cooking.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the oven; add cheese before reheating to keep it fresh melted.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
