This Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats recipe features that perfectly combines rich flavors with the most delicious texture, it's gluten-free. Every bite is the perfect combination of tender spaghetti squash layered with juicy grass-fed ground beef, delicious mushrooms, and a trio of cheeses. It’s perfectly seasoned and the best lasagna boats dish you’ll ever have!
Spaghetti squash lasagna boats bring together the comfort of lasagna and the unique twist of spaghetti squash. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility - it's a fantastic option for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
What sets this spaghetti squash lasagna boat recipe apart is the balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient complements the other, creating a dish that is wholesome and satisfying. Plus, it's a great way to introduce more vegetables into your meals in a fun and delicious way.
Want to learn how to make this spaghetti squash lasagna boats recipe? Then keep on reading.
Table of Contents
- What are Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats?
- What Makes This Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe Special?
- What You Need to Make Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats at Home
- How to Make Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats (Step-by-Step)
- Tips for Making the Best Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Ever
- Serving Suggestions for Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
- Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe Card
- Best Ever Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats (Quick and Easy!)
- Comments
What are Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats?
Spaghetti squash lasagna boats is a delicious dish that uses spaghetti squash as the base for the most delicious lasagna filling ever. The mixture of cooked, well-seasoned ground beef, along with mushrooms, homemade pizza sauce, and a trio of cheeses creates the ultimate veggie lasagna dish you’ll love!
Spaghetti squash lasagna boats are an excellent dish to make at home. They are fun to prepare and present a great way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a healthy twist. It's a dish that's sure to impress both in presentation and taste.
The best part? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave, making it a convenient meal for busy days. You’re seriously going to love this dish!
What Makes This Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe Special?
Family favorite: With its delightful combination of spaghetti squash, meat, and cheese, this recipe is a sure hit among both kids and adults. It's a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional lasagna, making it a family-favorite meal.
Versatile: This recipe is versatile; you can switch out the ground beef for chicken or ground turkey, or add in other veggies like peppers or onions. You can also adjust the spices to your liking, making this a dish that can be tailored to various tastes and dietary preferences.
Delicious: Each bite of these spaghetti squash lasagna boats is packed with flavors - from the savory beef and mushrooms to the rich and creamy cheese, and the unique taste of the spaghetti squash. It's a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving more.
Crowd pleaser: Whether you're hosting a dinner party or a family gathering, these spaghetti squash lasagna boats are a surefire crowd-pleaser. They're not only visually appealing but are also packed with delicious flavors that will satisfy everyone's palate.
What You Need to Make Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats at Home
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this spaghetti squash lasagna boats recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Spaghetti Squash: This is the star of our show, the spaghetti squash boats. It's a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta and provides a delightful, stringy texture similar to noodles when cooked.
- Olive Oil: The olive oil will be used to roast the squash and sauté our ground meat. It adds a rich flavor and helps to brown and crisp things up.
- Ground Beef: Grass-fed ground beef is the main protein in this recipe. It creates a hearty meat sauce that adds a robust flavor to the dish.
- Mushrooms: These add a nice earthy flavor and texture to our meat sauce. They also help to bulk up the sauce without adding extra meat.
- Mrs. Dash Seasoning: This is a salt-free seasoning blend that adds a burst of flavor to our ground beef and mushrooms.
- Garlic Powder: A staple in Italian cooking, garlic powder brings a warm, savory flavor to the meat sauce.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
- Pizza Sauce: This sauce adds a tangy tomato flavor to our meat sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer.
- Cottage Cheese: This is a lighter alternative to classic ricotta cheese. It adds creaminess to the dish without making it too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the dish. It's also used as a topping to create a beautiful golden crust when baked.
- Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and pulls everything together. It adds a creamy, gooey texture to the lasagna boats.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible spaghetti squash lasagna boats is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
How to Prep Spaghetti Squash and Meat Filling
To start with this delightful recipe, we'll need a medium-sized spaghetti squash that has been cooked to perfection. If you're unsure about how to cook spaghetti squash, you can refer to my previous post that provides a detailed guide on how to do this.
Once the spaghetti squash is ready, proceed to the ground meat - it can be ground turkey, ground beef, or Italian sausage based on your preference. In a large skillet, brown the meat until it becomes crumbly, this might take about ten minutes.
Next, add in finely diced mushrooms and continue to sauté until all the water evaporates. It's time to infuse some flavors into our ground meat. Stir in your spices - a mix of original Mrs. Dash seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh basil or parsley. Let this sauté for another minute or so.
After the meat and spices are well combined, set the skillet aside and allow the mixture to cool down to a warm temperature. Meanwhile, you can prepare the cheese. Shred some parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and mix them together in a bowl.
How to Assemble Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
After the squash and meat are ready, it's time to assemble our spaghetti squash lasagna boats. Begin by scooping out the insides of the squash into a small bowl. Divide the meat mixture into four equal parts.
Now, take the first half of the spaghetti squash and place a layer of the meat mixture at the bottom. Following the meat layer, add a layer of cottage or ricotta cheese. Then, evenly spread out half of the spaghetti squash strands over the cheese, and finally, top it all off with your mixed cheese.
Repeat these steps for another layer, and then place your assembled spaghetti squash lasagna boat onto a baking sheet. Follow the same instructions for the second half of the spaghetti squash.
How to Bake Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
Now comes the final and most rewarding part - baking our spaghetti squash lasagna boats. Preheat your oven to a temperature of approximately 425℉, and then bake your boats for about twenty minutes in a porcelain baking dish.
Garnish with some additional chopped parsley on top.
Your delicious Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats are ready to be served!
Tips for Making the Best Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Ever
Cook the spaghetti squash properly: Ensure you cook the spaghetti squash perfectly before starting the recipe. A well-cooked spaghetti squash will easily form strands when scraped with a fork, making it a perfect low-carb substitute for pasta.
Choose high-quality ground beef: Opt for grass-fed ground beef when making your spaghetti squash lasagna boats. High-quality meat will enhance the flavors of the dish and ensure a tender, juicy result.
Don't rush the browning: Take your time when browning the beef. Let it cook until it's crumbly and all the water has evaporated. This will deepen the flavors in your meat sauce.
Use fresh ingredients: Freshly chopped parsley, garlic, and onion powder can make a huge difference in your lasagna boats. Fresh ingredients bring out the most vibrant flavors, making your dish more delicious.
Mix the cheeses: Combine shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a richer and creamier texture. The combination of these two kinds of cheese will also give your lasagna boats a delightful cheesy crust.
Layer correctly: Pay attention to the order of your layers in the spaghetti squash boats. Starting with a layer of meat, then cottage cheese, followed by spaghetti squash, and finally topped with a cheese mixture will ensure a good balance of flavors in every bite.
Serving Suggestions for Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
- For a delightful lunch, serve your spaghetti squash lasagna boats with a side of fresh, crispy salad. The lightness of the greens complements the hearty flavors of the lasagna boats.
- Looking for a heartier dinner? Pair your spaghetti squash lasagna boats with a piece of roasted chicken. The savory chicken and the rich, cheesy lasagna boats make for a satisfying meal.
- To add a spicy kick, sprinkle some crushed red peppers over your spaghetti squash lasagna boats. The heat from the peppers balances the creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese perfectly.
- For a quick and easy weekday dinner, serve the spaghetti squash lasagna boats with some freshly baked garlic bread. The aromatic garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the lasagna boats.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
This delicious spaghetti squash lasagna boats recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Spice it up: If you enjoy spicy food, this variation is for you. Simply add some crushed red peppers to the ground beef mixture for a bit of heat. You could also drizzle some hot sauce over the final product for an added kick.
Make it cheesy: For those who can't get enough of cheese, double the quantity of mozzarella and parmesan cheese in the recipe. You could also include a layer of ricotta cheese for a creamy, rich texture. The extra cheese will melt and bubble in the oven, creating a deliciously gooey lasagna boat.
Try it Italian: For an authentic Italian flavor, replace the pizza sauce with marinara sauce and add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the ground beef mixture. Adding some crumbled Italian sausage would also enhance the taste and give it a traditional touch.
Add more garlic: If you're a garlic lover, intensify the flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of garlic powder to the meat mixture. This will give the spaghetti squash lasagna boats a more robust, aromatic garlic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this recipe, I recommend using grass-fed ground beef as it adds a rich, robust flavor. However, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage as per your preference.
Yes, you can use different types of cheese. However, the combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese gives a classic Italian flavor to the dish. If you're looking for alternatives, ricotta cheese could also work well.
Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them well before adding to the sauce.
How to Store Leftover Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
If you have some leftovers, you can easily store them. After cooling, place the spaghetti squash lasagna boats in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should last for about three to four days in the fridge.
To reheat, preheat your oven to about (350°F). Place the boats on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about fifteen to twenty minutes or until heated through. If you're in a hurry, you can also microwave them in 30-second intervals until it's warm all the way through.
Unfortunately, spaghetti squash lasagna boats do not freeze well. The spaghetti squash strands tend to become mushy when thawed, affecting the overall texture of the dish. Hence, it's best to enjoy them fresh or store them in the refrigerator for a few days.
Similar Recipes You'll Love
- The Perfect Mushroom Lasagna with Hearty, Meaty-Tomato Sauce
- Tastiest Mushroom Lasagna (with Chicken and Bacon!)
- Super Easy Pasta with Meat Sauce (Ready in Under 30 Mins!)
- The Perfect Marinara Pasta (Super Quick and Easy Recipe!)
See all dinner recipes.
Recipe Card
Best Ever Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats (Quick and Easy!)
Ingredients
- 1 medium - cooked spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp. - olive oil
- 1 lb. – grass fed ground beef
- 8 oz. – mushroom
- 1 tsp. – original Mrs. Dash seasoning
- 1 tsp. – sea salt
- ½ tsp. – garlic powder
- 2 tbsp. – freshly chopped parsley
- 1 cup – pizza sauce (I used homemade pizza sauce)
- ½ cup - cottage cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
How to Prep Spaghetti Squash and Meat Filling
- To start with this delightful recipe, we'll need a medium-sized spaghetti squash that has been cooked to perfection. If you're unsure about how to cook spaghetti squash, you can refer to my previous post that provides a detailed guide on how to do this.
- Once the spaghetti squash is ready, proceed to the ground meat - it can be ground turkey, ground beef, or Italian sausage based on your preference. In a large skillet, brown the meat until it becomes crumbly, this might take about ten minutes.
- Next, add in finely diced mushrooms and continue to sauté until all the water evaporates. It's time to infuse some flavors into our ground meat. Stir in your spices - a mix of original Mrs. Dash seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh parsley. Let this sauté for another minute or so.
- After the meat and spices are well combined, set the skillet aside and allow the mixture to cool down to a warm temperature. Meanwhile, you can prepare the cheese. Shred some parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and mix them together in a bowl.
How to Assemble Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
- After the squash and meat are ready, it's time to assemble our spaghetti squash lasagna boats. Begin by scooping out the insides of the squash into a small bowl. Divide the meat mixture into four equal parts.
- Now, take the first half of the spaghetti squash and place a layer of the meat mixture at the bottom. Following the meat layer, add a layer of cottage or ricotta cheese. Then, evenly spread out half of the spaghetti squash strands over the cheese, and finally, top it all off with your mixed cheese.
- Repeat these steps for another layer, and then place your assembled spaghetti squash lasagna boat onto a baking sheet. Follow the same instructions for the second half of the spaghetti squash.
How to Bake Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
- Now comes the final and most rewarding part - baking our spaghetti squash lasagna boats. Preheat your oven to a temperature of approximately 425℉, and then bake your boats for about fifteen minutes.
- Garnish with some additional chopped parsley on top.
- Your delicious Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats are ready to be served!
Thank you for following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
Comments
No Comments