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Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole

A delicious and nutritious casserole combining spaghetti squash and meatballs for a healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 4 pounds)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90 percent lean)
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chopped collard greens
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
  • 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup pasta sauce
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Begin by cutting the spaghetti squash lengthwise in half and discarding the seeds.
  • Place the halves on a microwave-safe plate, cut side down, and microwave, uncovered, on high until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • After cooking, cool slightly.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mixing Meatballs

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 teaspoon salt with the fennel seed, ground coriander, dried basil, and dried oregano.
  • Add this mixture to the ground beef and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs.

Cooking

  • In a large skillet, brown the meatballs over medium heat and then remove them from the pan.
  • In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Stir in the collard greens, spinach, ricotta cheese, and the remaining salt.
  • Use a fork to separate the strands of spaghetti squash and mix them into the greens mixture.
  • Transfer everything into a greased 13 by 9-inch baking dish.
  • Top with the chopped plum tomatoes, meatballs, pasta sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake uncovered until the meatballs are cooked through, approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

Notes

This casserole can be served with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Feel free to add grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Keyword Family Meal, Healthy Dinner, Meatball Casserole, Spaghetti Squash, Vegetable Integration