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Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a game-changer for those craving a hearty, comforting dish without the meat. Imagine tender strands of spaghetti squash mingling with rich marinara sauce, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This recipe is not just delicious but also a breeze to make. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck hit, it’s a must-try for any veggie lover. Let’s dive in!
The name of the recipe: Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen chopped spinach
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp to taste salt
- 0.5 tsp to taste black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until tender.
- Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti squash strands into a large bowl.
- Mix in marinara sauce, chopped spinach, garlic powder, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need
Read more: Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
- Spaghetti squash: Acts as a low-carb base, providing a unique texture that mimics pasta while adding a slightly sweet flavor.
- Marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture, tying all the ingredients together with its savory and slightly tangy taste.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer that complements the other flavors and adds creaminess.
- Chopped spinach: Introduces a fresh, earthy element, boosting the nutritional value with vitamins and minerals.
- Olive oil: Helps roast the squash to tender perfection, enhancing its natural sweetness and adding a subtle richness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
Necessary Tools and Instruments
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe
- Baking sheet: Needed to roast the spaghetti squash, ensuring it cooks evenly and becomes tender.
- Sharp knife: Essential for cutting the spaghetti squash in half safely and efficiently.
- Spoon: Used to scoop out the seeds from the squash, making it ready for roasting.
- Fork: Helps in scraping out the spaghetti-like strands from the cooked squash.
- Large bowl: Necessary for mixing the spaghetti squash strands with marinara sauce, spinach, and cheese.
- Baking dish: Used to bake the casserole, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
- Oven: Required for roasting the squash and baking the casserole to perfection.
Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
A delicious and healthy vegetarian casserole made with spaghetti squash, perfect for a cozy dinner.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 large Spaghetti Squash
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Chopped Spinach fresh or frozen
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until tender.
- Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti squash strands into a large bowl.
- Mix in marinara sauce, chopped spinach, garlic powder, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
Feel free to add other veggies or use a different type of cheese to suit your taste.
Read more: Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the spaghetti squash as directed.
- Mix the ingredients and assemble the casserole.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake it.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove the cover and bake as directed.
Using spaghetti squash instead of pasta not only cuts down on carbs but also adds a subtle sweetness to the dish, enhancing the flavor profile of the marinara sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How do I know when the spaghetti squash is done roasting?
The squash is ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork and the strands pull away from the skin effortlessly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or even a dairy-free alternative.
Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it?
No need. Fresh or frozen spinach will cook perfectly in the oven with the rest of the ingredients.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
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