Name: Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 4 pounds); 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed; 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean); 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 cups chopped collard greens; 1 cup chopped fresh spinach; 1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese; 2 plum tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup pasta sauce; 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Description

One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We’re crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients!

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium spaghetti squash (about 4 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups chopped collard greens
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup pasta sauce
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step: Cut the squash lengthwise in half; discard seeds. Place halves on a microwave-safe plate, cut side down. Microwave, uncovered, on high until tender, for 15-20 minutes. Cool slightly.
Step: Preheat oven to 350°. Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt with remaining seasonings; add to beef, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. In a large skillet, brown meatballs over medium heat; remove from pan.
Step: In same pan, heat oil over medium heat; saute onion until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in collard greens, spinach, ricotta and remaining salt; remove from heat.
Step: Using a fork, separate strands of spaghetti squash; stir into greens mixture. Transfer to a greased 13×9-in. or 3-qt. baking dish. Top with the plum tomatoes, meatballs, sauce and cheese. Bake, uncovered, until meatballs are cooked through, 30-35 minutes.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 304 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 590 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 69 mg

Keywords: spaghetti squash, meatball casserole, healthy dinner, low carb, vegetable-packed