This Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is a fun twist on the classic dish! It swaps out noodles for roasted spaghetti squash, making it lighter and full of flavor.
You’ll love how cheesy and comforting this dish is, with layers of sauce, cheese, and that unique squash. I often sneak a bite before it even hits the table—it’s just too good! 😋
What’s great is how easy it is to prepare. Just roast the squash, layer on your ingredients, and bake. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Squash: The star of the dish! Roasting it gives a nice texture that resembles spaghetti. If you can’t find spaghetti squash, you can try zucchini as a lower-carb option, though it has a different flavor.
Ground Meat: I usually go for ground turkey for a healthier option, but ground beef offers a richer flavor. You could also use plant-based meat to make it vegetarian—just be sure it cooks through.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess to the lasagna. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, consider using blended tofu or cashew cheese. These alternatives can mimic the texture well!
Marinara Sauce: Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine. Look for a sauce with no added sugars if you’re keeping things healthy. You can also make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes.
How Do I Get Perfectly Roasted Spaghetti Squash?
Roasting spaghetti squash correctly helps achieve those perfect strands! Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)—this ensures even cooking.
- Cuts the squash in half lengthwise and remember to remove the seeds!
- Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste. This adds flavor and helps with browning.
- Roast, cut-side down, for about 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easy to shred with a fork.
- Let it cool briefly before scraping out the strands. Take your time—it’s worth it!
Following this process gives a delicious texture and mouthfeel to your lasagna, making it a hit every time!
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, then about 1 hour for cooking and baking, and finally 10 minutes for resting. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 25 minutes to get this delicious lasagna to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the insides lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the halves face down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. Once done, let it cool before handling.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
While your squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Next, add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, then taste and adjust your salt and pepper as desired.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Assemble Your Lasagna:
Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, add a layer of the spaghetti squash strands, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Spoon more meat sauce over that layer. Continue repeating these layers—squash, ricotta, meat sauce—until all the ingredients are used, making sure to finish with a layer of meat sauce on top.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Once that time is up, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
6. Let it Rest and Serve:
After baking, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps everything settle in and makes it easier to serve. Garnish your slices with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a lovely finish and enjoy your hearty, low-carb spaghetti squash lasagna!
This dish is a delightful and healthier twist on traditional lasagna and is sure to please everyone at your dinner table! 😊
Can I Use a Different Type of Squash?
Yes! While spaghetti squash is the classic choice for this recipe, you can use zucchini or butternut squash as alternatives. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the squash you choose.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option, or use a dairy-free cheese option if you’re looking for a vegan alternative. Just make sure the consistency is similar to ricotta for the best results!
