Baked Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Low Carb, High Protein)
Baked Spaghetti Squash Casserole combines cooked spaghetti squash strands with seasoned ground beef, a blend of cream cheese and cottage cheese, and marinara sauce. Topped with shredded mozzarella, the mixture bakes into a warm, cheesy casserole with a balance of lean protein and low-carb vegetables. The addition of Creole seasoning adds a slightly spicy, savory flavor that complements the tomato sauce and cheeses.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef 96%, lean
- 5 cups spaghetti squash loosely packed and DRAINED WELL!, cooked and shredded, 750g
- 1.5 Tbsp creole seasoning like Tony's, or homemade (see notes)
- 8 oz. cream cheese soft, light
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese 112g
- 24 oz. marinara sauce Iike Rao’s
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, whole milk, 84g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13-inch dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook beef over medium heat. Season with 1/2 Tablespoon of creole seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Crumble the beef as it cooks until no longer pink, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and the remaining 1 Tablespoon of creole seasoning. Using a hand mixer, blend until combined.
- Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
- Then, add in the beef and spaghetti squash (make sure you drain the water from them first!), fold to combine.
- Transfer the spaghetti squash mixture to the baking dish and spread out evenly. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- To cook spaghetti squash, cut in half, scoop out seeds, bake flesh-side down at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until tender but firm, then shred with a fork.
- Drain spaghetti squash thoroughly to prevent excess water from making the casserole watery.
- Use homemade or store-bought Creole seasoning to add balanced spices; adjust quantity to taste.
- For dairy-free versions, substitute cream cheese and cottage cheese with non-dairy alternatives or dairy-free Greek yogurt.
- To make vegetarian, replace ground beef with plant-based protein or roasted vegetables like eggplant, peppers, onions, or spinach.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 264
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/8 of dish (286g) | |
| Calories | 264kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 11.8g | 4% |
| Protein | 19.8g | 40% |
| Fat | 15.3g | 24% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Fiber | 1.9g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6.5g | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.