Description

A healthy and comforting Spaghetti Squash Lasagna recipe that replaces traditional pasta with nutrient-packed spaghetti squash. This dish layers roasted spaghetti squash strands with savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese blend, baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Perfect for a low-carb twist on a classic Italian favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Produce

1 small spaghetti squash (3.5 – 4 lbs)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 yellow onion (finely diced)

Meat

1 lb lean ground beef

Seasonings

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Sauces and Dairy

24 oz marinara sauce
3 cups low fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the spaghetti squash.
Prepare and Roast Squash: Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and membrane. Place the halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes until tender and strands easily shred with a fork.
Cook Ground Beef Mixture: While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, minced garlic, finely diced yellow onion, and Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully browned. Drain excess grease and set the meat mixture aside.
Prepare Squash Noodles: Remove the roasted spaghetti squash from the oven and lower oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the squash to create spaghetti-like noodles. Press the noodles with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Assemble Lasagna Layers: Lightly coat an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Layer half of the spaghetti squash noodles evenly on the bottom. Add half of the marinara sauce, followed by half of the cooked ground beef, and half of the low fat cottage cheese. Repeat these layers to create a second layer.
Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top layer to cover the assembled lasagna.
Bake the Lasagna: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Notes

Ensure to press out as much moisture as possible from the spaghetti squash noodles to avoid a watery lasagna.
For extra flavor, consider seasoning the marinara sauce with fresh basil or red pepper flakes.
Use lean ground beef or turkey for a lower fat option.
This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Spaghetti squash lasagna, low carb lasagna, healthy lasagna, baked spaghetti squash, ground beef lasagna, low fat Italian recipe