Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wholesome and healthy: This recipe is packed with vegetables and can be easily adapted to be vegetarian, vegan, or high-protein.
Low-carb comfort food: It offers all the comfort of a pasta dish without the heaviness.
Easy to customize: Whether you want it cheesy, meaty, or loaded with veggies, you can tweak the filling to match your cravings.
Perfect for meal prep: Roast the squash and prep the filling ahead of time for easy, reheat-and-eat meals.
Great presentation: Serving the filling right in the squash halves looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

For the Squash:

1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3.5 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cooked lentils or cooked ground turkey/beef
1 cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Roast the Squash:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle the inside with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Mix in lentils or cooked ground meat, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Assemble the Squash:
- Flip the roasted squash halves cut-side up and use a fork to gently loosen the strands.
- Divide the filling between the two halves, mixing it slightly with the squash strands.
- Top each half with mozzarella cheese.
Bake Again:
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2–4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50–55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use lentils or chickpeas.
Meat lovers: Use cooked ground beef, turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.
Vegan: Use plant-based meat and vegan cheese.
Cheesy twist: Add ricotta or feta cheese for creaminess.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: Wrap the stuffed halves tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I cut spaghetti squash safely?

Use a sharp knife and carefully cut lengthwise. If it’s too tough, microwave the whole squash for 2–3 minutes to soften it first.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, roast the squash and prep the filling in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of mozzarella?

Try cheddar, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Absolutely, just choose your favorite brand or make your own if you prefer.

Is it necessary to roast the squash face-down?

Yes, this helps draw out moisture and caramelizes the edges for better flavor and texture.

Can I freeze stuffed spaghetti squash?

Yes, once cooled, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, spaghetti squash is naturally gluten-free, and the filling can easily be kept gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to scrape the squash strands?

Use a fork to gently rake the flesh from the edges toward the center—it will naturally form noodle-like strands.

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions.

How do I know when the squash is done roasting?

It should be fork-tender and the strands should easily pull apart from the shell.

Conclusion

Stuffed spaghetti squash is the perfect blend of healthy, hearty, and satisfying. Whether you’re keeping it vegetarian, loading it with cheese, or adding your favorite protein, this dish adapts to your taste and lifestyle. With its delicious flavor and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a regular on your table.