spaghetti squash and meatsauce

Ingredients:

1 medium spaghetti squash 

Cut squash lengthwise in half 

remove and discard seeds. 

Place squash in a baking pan, 

cut side down

add 1/2 in. of water. 

Bake, uncovered, 40 minutes. 

Drain water from pan.

When squash 

Is cool enough to handle, 

Use a fork to separate strands. 

***note: I did not believe this would work.

BUT

It did work!

So I mixed it in with the pasta!

We had a tough time finding it

So a great way to add even MORE

Veggies to a spaghetti supper.

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

4 garlic cloves, minced, divided

4 plum tomatoes, chopped

1 rib celery diced

1 small zucchini diced or shredded

1\2 onion diced

1 cup chopped spinach leaves

2 cups pasta sauce

1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper

Half a bag of spaghetti

Cooked as directed.

Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. 

In a large skillet, 

cook beef and mushrooms 

over medium heat 

until beef is no longer pink, 

6-8 minutes, 

Breaking up beef into crumbles

And drain. 

Add half of the garlic to pan.

cook and stir 1 minute. 

Add meat back.

Stir in tomatoes, celery, spinach, 

Onions and Zucchini

Salt and pepper; 

bring to a boil. 

Add pasta sauce

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, 

15-20 minutes.

Stir in squash 

*and pasta if desired

salt and remaining pepper; 

heat through. 

Serve with meat sauce 

and top with cheese.

Serve with fresh bread.

This was surprisingly filling 

and makes quite a bit.

The leftovers were placed 

into greased pie plates 

And topped with shredded cheese.

I freeze these as spaghetti pizza

For a quick supper later.

"Bon appetit!"

SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH MEAT SAUCE TIPS:

How do you soften spaghetti squash before cutting?

To soften spaghetti squash so it’s easier to cut, poke a few holes in the skin and microwave it for 4-5 minutes.

Why is my spaghetti squash so watery?

To avoid watery spaghetti squash, cook the squash cut side down, which locks in flavor and ensure even cooking. Turn and cook the squash cut side up for a few minutes to remove any excess moisture.

What happens if you overcook spaghetti squash?

If you overcook spaghetti squash, it will become a mushy mess. Once the squash is fork tender, it’s ready to eat.