Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb ground beef; 2 tsp minced onion; 1/2 tsp seasoned salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 12 oz pasta sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp minced garlic; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 oz cream cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 1/2 cups cooked spaghetti squash; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Introduction

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash is a comforting, creamy casserole that transforms humble spaghetti squash into a rich, cheesy feast. Combining savory ground beef, pasta sauce, and a luscious cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that feels indulgent but stays lighter than traditional pasta.

A close-up of a three-layer casserole in a clear glass baking dish on a white marbled surface, showing a fully cooked top layer of melted golden cheese with browned crispy bacon bits scattered throughout; below this cheesy layer is a creamy white middle layer mixed with bits of bacon, and the bottom layer appears lighter, filled with a mixture that blends into the glass dish edges. The textures shift from bubbly and cheesy on the top to smooth and creamy underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef with the minced onions, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a skillet. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the pasta sauce and set the mixture aside.

Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream, minced garlic, and black pepper to a simmer. Add the cream cheese and butter, stirring until melted. Gradually add the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the cooked spaghetti squash evenly in a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Pour the cheese sauce over the squash, then top with the remaining spaghetti squash.

Step 4: Spread the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti squash, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake the casserole for 35 to 45 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.

Use homemade pasta sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce to customize the flavor.

Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving enhances freshness.

To save time, cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave or Instant Pot instead of roasting.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What is the best way to cook spaghetti squash for this recipe?

The traditional method is to roast the squash in the oven until tender, about 40 minutes at 400°F. Alternatively, you can microwave or pressure cook it to save time, as long as the strands are tender but not mushy.