Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce(Microwave)
A healthy and flavorful microwave spaghetti squash topped with a savory meat sauce packed with vegetables and herbs, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or hearty lunches.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 2 carrots, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 rib celery, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 4 cups cooked spaghetti squash ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a 2-quart casserole on full power for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain fat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic; combine well. Cover and cook on full power for 8 minutes or until vegetables are soft, stirring several times.
- Add tomato sauce, water, bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Cover and cook on full power for 5 minutes, then reduce to half power and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add additional water as needed.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti squash.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also add bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables. If you prefer a spicier sauce, consider adding red pepper flakes. Make sure to stir the sauce occasionally while cooking to prevent burning. If you're short on time, pre-cooked spaghetti squash can be used to speed up the preparation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti squash, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs well with a side salad or Italian Breaded Round Steak for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce(Microwave) contains roughly 671 calories, with 21g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (200% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value), and calcium (112% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2301mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it when you're ready to serve. The spaghetti squash can also be cooked ahead and reheated in the microwave for a quick meal.
Can I freeze the meat sauce?
Absolutely! The meat sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of spaghetti squash?
If you're not a fan of spaghetti squash, you can use zucchini noodles or traditional spaghetti for a different take on this dish. For a low-carb option, consider using spiralized vegetables like zucchini or carrots to mimic the texture of spaghetti.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).