Description
A hearty, low carb, and paleo-friendly spaghetti squash casserole layered with pizza flavors, perfect for weeknights or serving guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3–4 pounds)
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (no-sugar-added preferred)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or yellow)
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, brush cut sides with olive oil, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes until tender.
- While squash roasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground Italian sausage to skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Once squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the flesh into long strands into a large mixing bowl.
- Add sausage and veggie mixture to the bowl with spaghetti squash. Pour in marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to combine.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Transfer mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for crispy edges, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole