Description
This Spaghetti Squash with Broccoli and Ground Beef recipe is a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, combining roasted spaghetti squash strands with savory ground beef, tender broccoli florets, and a flavorful blend of garlic, onion, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a nutritious dinner that’s rich in protein and fiber, yet gluten-free and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the Spaghetti Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Drizzle each cut side with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the spaghetti squash is done roasting, use a fork to scrape out the strands into a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked ground beef, steamed broccoli, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the bowl. Toss everything together gently until well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm as a satisfying and nutritious main course.
Notes
- For added flavor, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the dish before serving or sprinkle with additional crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can incorporate marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese to transform this dish into a more traditional pasta-style casserole.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Low-Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¼ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
