Thanks for joining me and Sarah for Meatless Monday today! It’s been so cold here lately that I have been craving warm comfort food. During the blizzard a few weeks ago I threw together a delicious Spaghetti Squash Bake that did the trick. It’s very easy to make and eat for a few days.
Cooking Tips
The most time consuming part of this meal preparation is cooking the spaghetti squash. I prefer to speed up the cooking time by making it in the microwave. It’s very easy to do! Simply slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place face down in a glass casserole dish and add about an inch of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 10-15 min depending on size of the squash. When the “spaghetti” can easily come out with a fork it’s done. Scoop it out and place into a colander to drain excess water for 10 minutes.
I’ve also included some veggie crumbles to bump up the protein in this dinner. I used the Morningstar brand but any “sausage like” veggie crumbles will work. The small amount of ricotta cheese I’ve used really provides a big bang for the buck adding a creamy, hearty texture that you will love. Hope you enjoy!
Spaghetti Squash Bake
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash-seeded and cooked
- 1 1/2-2 C of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 C veggie crumbles
- 1/4 C skim ricotta cheese
- 1 C mozzarella cheese
- salt, pepper, oregano, basil and red pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti squash and drain for 10 min
- Preheat oven to 375
- Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray
- In a large mixing bowl combine squash, sauce, ricootta, 1/2 of cheese, veggie crumbles and spices
- Add to casserole dish
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and browned on top
- Enjoy!
This was just what I was looking for! A warm, hearty, healthy vegetarian meal that is sure to please. Enjoy!
What comfort foods are you craving this winter?
Lauren says
Love spaghetti squash and its supposed to snow here in NJ later today so this will be perfect for dinner!!
Deborah Brooks says
We woke up to it so it’s on the way to you! This is an easy throw together meal hope you enjoy
Kaila@HealthyHelperBlog says
I had spaghetti squash for dinner last night! Such a fun food to prepare and eat! I usually prepare it like pasta but I’d love to try making a ‘bake’ out of it.
Deborah Brooks says
It’s a nice change to make this way and seems more hearty hope you enjoy!
Annmarie says
Love me some spaghetti squash! Looks delish!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much! Hope you have a great week
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Oh yum! That cheese is making me drool. Haha!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh good that was the idea 🙂
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I simply adore spaghetti squash. I wish I could have it right now! (stupid liquid diet)
Deborah Brooks says
Ooh sorry! Save it for later 🙂
Faith VanderMolen says
I’ve always wanted to try baking spaghetti squash. Sadly they don’t have them here in China (at least that I know of), but this looks amazing! Thanks for hosting:)
Deborah Brooks says
Oh really?! They are yummy cooked this way makes it feel a little more hearty
Jennifer @ Dashing in Style says
Thanks for the tip on how to prepare spaghetti squash! I love making spaghetti bakes but never thought to use spaghetti squash, so I’ll definitely make this!
Deborah Brooks says
OH you will love it then! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
This looks like my kind of weekday dinner! Yummy! I’ve been playing around with spaghetti squash lately too– it’s such a cool vegetable!
Deborah Brooks says
It is very versatile isn’t it?!
ilka says
Happy Meatless Monday, Deborah, and Hooray for Spaghetti Squash Bake! Always a great comfort food! Stay Warm! Have a great week!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks I love spaghetti squash too! Trying to stay warm we are having another snow storm today.
Stephanie says
That sounds perfect for a cold winter day. I love spaghetti squash. Looking forward to making this and also to linking up with you again soon!
Deborah Brooks says
Great we would love that! Have a wonderful day
Sarah says
I love spaghetti squash and this looks so good! It is cold here and I really need some good comfort food, but healthy because my family has wanted pizza and nachos all weekend.
Happy Meatless Monday!
Deborah Brooks says
Well that sounds good too right about now with another snow storm today
Elle says
Mmmmm….. that look so good! I love spaghetti squash!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! I love it too
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Yum! This looks like a healthier, but just as delicious version of my favorite baked spaghetti!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks hope you enjoy!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Great minds think alike! I’m making something similar this week :).
Deborah Brooks says
Yes they do! More to love 🙂
Joy @ Yummy Seconds says
This looks like a hearty & tasty dish. I like that you used minimal ingredients for this recipe. Happy Meatless Monday, Deborah!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks I do try to keep it simple so it’s easy for everyone to make. Have a great day
katie says
Ok, that looks pretty darn amazing! Can you just send some to me?! 🙂 I bet my husband would eat that.
Deborah Brooks says
I wish I could!
Coco says
This looks great and relatively easy too! I almost always microwave my squash.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes very easy to make!
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner says
This looks great!
My sister is coming over tonight and we are cooking dinner together, I’ll have to see if she wants to give this a try.
Deborah Brooks says
Well thanks hope you two have a fun night
Rachel @ RachelMcMichael.com says
Oh. my. goodness…. this looks INCREDIBLE!!! Pinning it now so I can try it soon. If you need an extra guest for dinner next time you’re cooking, I’ll make the trip! Ha!
Deborah Brooks says
Now that would be fun! Drop by anytime
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I’m with you – on cold, snowy days I turn to warm, comforting meals to help warm myself up. Spaghetti is one of those perfect go-to meals when you’re looking for something warm and comforting.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes it sure is stay warm today
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
i haven’t done one of these in way too long. I think it’s finally going to cool down here toward the end of the week and I’ll be craving warm food again for sure!
Deborah Brooks says
Ah it’s been freezing here for weeks #jealous
nicole @ life after heels says
I love spaghetti squash its my favorite. I need to try this recipe.
Chaitali says
Sounds delicious! I sometimes have a problem with spaghetti squash being to watery but I’ve never used that step of draining it in a colanders. That was probably my problem with it.
Deborah Brooks says
It really does help to drain it for a few minutes. It has a lot of water and steaming it creates more. Hope that works for you
MCM Mama Runs says
Looks yummy! I love simple comfort food meals. We eat a lot of soups in the winter because I need warm, easy foods.
Deborah Brooks says
Me too and this is fairly easy!
Kelli says
I want to come to your house for dinner!! Your last spaghetti squash recipe was so good! This looks lovely. I need to start eating real food. Have been living on girl scout cookies and coffee…maybe that’s why I feel like crud.
Deborah Brooks says
Well that might explain it! You are welcome to dinner anytime you are in town
[email protected] says
This sounds so tasty. I am not creative with squash. I usually just cut it in half and put sauce and cheese on in. Will have to put some effort into it next time and try this.
Deborah Brooks says
This is really easy and I think you will like it!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
You just made me hungry. And I just finished dinner!
Deborah Brooks says
lol that’s the idea 🙂
Akaleistar says
That looks like a winner! Now, I need to get some spaghetti squash 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks I’ve been really into it this winter
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says
I love spaghetti squash. This looks so good!!!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much me too!
Kim Hatting says
this looks absolutely delish!!! I’ve made spaghetti squash, but never actually eaten it as “spaghetti” (with sauce LOL). I usually just mix some butter and Parmesan cheese….but your recipe looks better 😉
Deborah Brooks says
You must run out today and get some and eat it like spaghetti- life changer!!
Lara says
I love spaghetti squash! I also pre-cook mine in the microwave too! It saves so much time. I will have to try the casserole, it looks delicious!!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks I hope you enjoy it this way!
Natalie says
Oh YUM!! This looks so, so good!! Perfect February comfort food!!
I haven’t had spaghetti squash in a while – would love to try this 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
OH it’s so good prepared this way hope you enjoy!
RFC says
Spaghetti Squash is one of my faaaavorite foods, but to be honest, I never thought of actually *doing* anything with it other than scraping it out of its shell and eating it! What a great recipe, thanks for sharing!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s a life changer! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Toni says
This looks amazing, I love spaghetti squash and this reminds me of a dish I used to get at a restaurant back in NY.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks hope you give it a try and it lives up to your memories
Jess @hellotofit says
I should really try cooking the squash in the microwave!! Should’ve known that I could do that…that’s how I start baked potatoes 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
It is really a lot easier and quicker
Karen - Fit in France says
Never tried cooking the spaghetti squash in the microwave. Thanks for the tip. And BTW I am still eating the salsa, bean & sweet potato quiche I made last week. Took out a slice from the freezer and had for lunch. So yummy !
Deborah Brooks says
Oh yeah glad to hear that you liked it so much! It is one of my favorites too
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says
I have a spaghetti squash hanging out on my counter – this sounds like an awesome comfort food dish!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh good perfect timing!
Katie says
I love the idea to add veggie crumbles! Spaghetti squash is one of my favorite bases to cook with and I love figuring out new ways to cook with it!
Deborah Brooks says
Well thanks! I love it too and wanted to up the protein a bit. Let me know if you try it out
GiGi Eats says
GREAT minds think alike!!
Deborah Brooks says
Always!
rachel says
Oh yum!! Another great recipe!!
Deborah Brooks says
thanks hope you try it out!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I make a similar one but use cream cheese instead of ricotta! Yum to both!
Deborah Brooks says
absolutely!
Farrah says
I most definitely need to try making this!! I haven’t made anything with spaghetti squash in forever!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks it’s easy and so good hope you enjoy
Mary Beth Jackson says
My hubby loves spaghetti squash but wants to make it the same old way everytime- This looks like the recipe to break his mold!!!!
Deborah Brooks says
lol hope it does!
Sandra Laflamme says
This looks great and we are hoping to add in more meatless recipes to our eating. I have always wondered about a great use for spaghetti squash!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks and wonder no more! Hope you enjoy
Alaina @ The Simple Peach says
This looks so yummy! Sauce and cheese make anything taste that much better.
Deborah Brooks says
I totally agree! thanks 🙂