Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole is a delicious and lighter twist on traditional pizza. Using spaghetti squash as the base, it’s packed with cheesy, saucy goodness and customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• Pre-cooked spaghetti squash (cooked in Instant Pot or preferred method)
• Pasta sauce (any type you like)
• Mozzarella cheese
• Optional add-ins: pre-cooked meat, chopped mushrooms, sliced olives, chopped veggies
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Place the pre-cooked spaghetti squash into a 9×9 inch baking dish, or larger if you have more squash.
3. Step 3: Stir in your pasta sauce along with any optional add-ins you like.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan if using) evenly over the top. Add Italian seasoning if desired.
5. Step 5: Bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
6. Step 6: For a crispy, browned cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
• Experiment with different pasta sauces like spicy arrabbiata or creamy Alfredo for unique flavors.
• For added protein, incorporate cooked sausage, ground beef, or chicken.
• Add fresh basil or oregano after baking for a fragrant finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain the casserole’s texture and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw spaghetti squash for this recipe?

It’s best to pre-cook the spaghetti squash before assembling the casserole to ensure it’s tender and cooks evenly with the other ingredients.

What if I don’t have a 9×9 baking dish?

You can use any oven-safe dish or casserole pan close in size. Just adjust the baking time slightly if using a larger or smaller dish.

Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews

A comforting and healthy Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole that combines tender spaghetti squash with savory pasta sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and your choice of optional toppings. This casserole is baked to perfection with bubbling cheese and can be customized with various vegetables, meats, and seasonings for a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 medium pre-cooked spaghetti squash (cooked in Instant Pot or by your preferred method)
• 1 cup pasta sauce (any variety you prefer)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup pre-cooked meat (such as ground beef, sausage, or chicken)
• ½ cup chopped mushrooms
• ¼ cup sliced olives
• ½ cup chopped veggies (bell peppers, onions, zucchini, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare the squash: Place the pre-cooked spaghetti squash into a 9×9 inch baking dish, or larger if making a bigger casserole.
3. Add sauce and mix-ins: Stir the pasta sauce into the spaghetti squash until evenly combined. Add any optional meat, veggies, mushrooms, olives, and Italian seasoning to distribute throughout the mixture.
4. Add cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the squash and sauce mixture. Optionally, add parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
5. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
6. Broil for crispy cheese (optional): For a nicely browned, crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the casserole to prevent burning.
7. Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, low-carb pizza casserole!

Notes

• Pre-cooking spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot saves time and yields tender strands perfect for casseroles.
• Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as pepperoni, spinach, or artichokes.
• Use gluten-free pasta sauce if you need to keep this dish gluten-free.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more vegetables or plant-based proteins.

Keywords: spaghetti squash, pizza casserole, low carb casserole, healthy pizza, baked casserole, vegetarian option, easy dinner