If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy summer dinner recipe, spaghetti squash with beef and tomato sauce is a fantastic option. This recipe is low in carbs, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay healthy while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Why Spaghetti Squash with Beef and Tomato Sauce is Best for Healthy Summer Dinner Recipes with Ground Beef?
Spaghetti squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber. It’s also a great source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and manganese. When paired with lean ground beef and a homemade tomato sauce, this dish provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
The ground beef provides a good source of protein and iron, while the tomato sauce is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. This dish is a great way to get in a variety of nutrients in one meal.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash with Beef and Tomato Sauce?
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
This is the first step to make spaghetti squash with beef and tomato sauce. Preheat your oven to 375°F, which is the optimal temperature for roasting the spaghetti squash.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Take a sharp knife and carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them. Brush the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to season.
- Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
Place the prepared spaghetti squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Roast the squash in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until it is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
While the spaghetti squash is roasting, you can start making the beef and tomato sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir the beef occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for an additional minute.
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute to allow the garlic and herbs to release their flavors.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet with the beef and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking.
- Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash into spaghetti-like strands. Divide the squash between four plates and top with the beef and tomato sauce.
Once the spaghetti squash is done roasting, use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash into spaghetti-like strands. Divide the squash evenly between four plates. Spoon the beef and tomato sauce over the top of the spaghetti squash.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (optional) and serve immediately.
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each plate before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy spaghetti squash with beef and tomato sauce!
Helpful Tip
To make the spaghetti squash easier to cut, pierce it all over with a fork and microwave for 5-10 minutes before slicing it in half.
FAQ’s
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef if you prefer.
Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes, but you may need to add a little bit of water to thin it out.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the spaghetti squash and beef and tomato sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop and then combine them together before serving.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as different types of meat may require different cooking times.
How do I know if the spaghetti squash is done roasting?
You can tell if the spaghetti squash is done roasting by piercing it with a fork. If the fork easily goes through the flesh, then it is done. Another way to tell is by pressing on the outside of the squash. If it gives slightly under pressure, then it is done.
Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers of spaghetti squash with beef and tomato sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store the spaghetti squash and beef and tomato sauce separately in airtight containers or freezer bags. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. To freeze, let the spaghetti squash and tomato sauce cool completely before storing them in separate airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop.
Storage
Store any leftover spaghetti squash and tomato sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes four servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 292
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 460mg
Note: The nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
Spaghetti squash with beef and tomato sauce is a healthy and delicious summer dinner recipe that is easy to make and full of flavor. With the combination of nutrient-dense spaghetti squash, lean ground beef, and homemade tomato sauce, this dish provides a well-rounded meal that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to serve to guests, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a healthy and tasty meal tonight!
