Description
A delicious and healthy Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole featuring tender roasted spaghetti squash combined with a savory marinara sauce, sautéed vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection and finished with a golden-brown cheese topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium Spaghetti Squash (about 3 pounds)
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 Green Pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar Marinara Sauce
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (2 cups)
- 4 teaspoons Olive Oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the spaghetti squash.
- Prepare Squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Brush 2 teaspoons of olive oil on the inside surfaces of each squash half.
- Roast Squash: Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the skin can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the squash roasts, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion and green pepper for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for one more minute. Then add the marinara sauce, oregano, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer until ready to use.
- Cool and Scrape Squash: Remove the roasted squash from the oven and turn them over. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle. Use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands from the skin and place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Squash and Sauce: Stir the spaghetti squash strands into the marinara sauce mixture until well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the squash and sauce mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake and Broil: Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. For a browned top, broil for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and/or crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Serve warm and enjoy your wholesome Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute part of the mozzarella with other cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for different flavor profiles.
- Be careful when broiling; watch closely to prevent the cheese from burning.
- For added protein, consider adding cooked ground turkey or sausage to the sauce before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the marinara sauce contains no meat products.
