Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? Introducing the Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash Meat Sauce—a mouthwatering Italian classic that combines the wholesome goodness of spaghetti squash with a rich, savory meat sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time and lets your slow cooker do the magic for the next six hours. Imagine coming home to a tantalizing aroma and a hearty meal waiting for you! Get ready to impress your family and indulge in a guilt-free feast that’s bursting with flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the spaghetti squash by carefully cutting it in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and internal membranes with a spoon.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the ground beef. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the meat.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Place the two halves of the spaghetti squash cut-side down on top of the meat sauce in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 6 hours, allowing the squash to steam and the sauce to develop rich flavors.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the squash halves and use a fork to shred the interior into spaghetti-like strands.
- Serve the squash strands topped with the meat sauce, garnishing with optional fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: When selecting your spaghetti squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform yellow color. This ensures a sweeter and more flavorful result.
- Sauté for Extra Flavor: While browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, don’t rush the process. Allow them to develop a nice color to enhance the depth of flavor in your sauce.
- Layer Wisely: When adding the spaghetti squash halves to the slow cooker, make sure they are cut-side down. This allows them to steam perfectly while soaking up the delicious sauce flavors.
- Check for Doneness: After six hours of cooking, check the squash for tenderness. If it’s not fork-tender, give it an extra 30 minutes to ensure it shreds easily.
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. It adds a lovely touch and enhances the overall flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize the meat sauce by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for an extra nutrient boost.
- Leftovers Love: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it for a quick lunch or dinner, and enjoy the flavors that have had time to meld together!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 284kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
