Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor but also light on the carbs, Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, roasted spaghetti squash filled with a rich, cheesy sausage mixture that’s baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is everything you love about comfort food, but with a healthy twist—perfect for dinner or a satisfying meal prep option. The sausage adds a savory kick, the cheese brings that melt-in-your-mouth goodness, and the spaghetti squash gives the perfect light yet hearty base. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

1. Low-Carb Delight:

Spaghetti squash is a fantastic substitute for pasta, offering a lighter, healthier base for this stuffed dish. It’s a great way to enjoy that cheesy, savory comfort without the carbs.

2. Flavor-Packed Filling:

The sausage adds bold, savory flavors that are perfectly complemented by the creamy cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but won’t leave you feeling weighed down.

3. Simple and Easy to Make:

While it may seem like a fancy dish, it’s actually incredibly simple to prepare! Just roast the squash, cook the sausage, mix everything together, and bake it for a cheesy, bubbling finish. So easy, even beginners can nail it.

4. Customizable:

Love a little heat? Add red pepper flakes or a spicy sausage. Prefer a veggie-packed dish? You can easily toss in some spinach or mushrooms to up the veggie count. The flavor possibilities are endless!

5. Perfect for Meal Prep:

This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it throughout the week. The leftovers taste just as amazing!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:

• 2 medium spaghetti squashes
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this cheesy, savory masterpiece:

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily scraped into spaghetti-like strands with a fork.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease from the skillet, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Once the sausage mixture is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and dried oregano. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Once the spaghetti squash is roasted and tender, use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands. You should have a nice spaghetti-like texture. Carefully scoop out some of the flesh to create room for the filling, then stuff each squash half with the sausage and cheese mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. You can even broil for an extra 2 minutes for that crispy, golden top.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once baked, remove the squash from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy every cheesy, sausage-filled bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 20% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 20% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 25% of the Daily Value
Iron: 10% of the Daily Value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking to add a little something extra, here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread:

Serve these cheesy stuffed squash halves with a side of garlic bread. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce or cheese.

2. Green Salad:

A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the stuffed squash. Try a simple arugula or spinach salad to brighten up the meal.

3. Roasted Vegetables:

Pair this dish with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for added color and nutrients. The earthy flavors complement the cheesy squash beautifully.

4. Fresh Herb Garnish:

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top of the dish for an added burst of flavor and a touch of color. It’ll make the dish look even more appealing!

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
• Veggie Option: You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sausage filling for extra veggies.
• Make-ahead Tip: You can prepare the stuffed squash ahead of time. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking it.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another type of squash?

A1: Yes! You can use acorn squash or even butternut squash as alternatives, though the texture might vary slightly.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?

A2: Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the sausage. If you want extra flavor, you can add some seasonings like fennel seeds or smoked paprika.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A3: Absolutely! You can roast the squash and prepare the sausage filling ahead of time, then stuff and bake the squash when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A4: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check the labels of your sausage and cheese to ensure they don’t contain any gluten.

Q5: Can I add more cheese to the filling?

A5: Of course! If you love cheese, feel free to add extra mozzarella or even cheddar to the filling for even more cheesy goodness.

Q6: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A6: Yes! You can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or other vegetarian fillings like roasted mushrooms or quinoa.

Q7: How do I reheat leftovers?

A7: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish?

A8: Yes, you can freeze the stuffed squash before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q9: Can I use ricotta cheese alternatives?

A9: Yes, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute for ricotta if you prefer.

Q10: How do I prevent the squash from becoming too watery?

A10: After roasting, use a fork to scrape the squash strands and drain any excess liquid before stuffing it with the sausage mixture.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sausage-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and healthy all in one dish. The tender spaghetti squash provides a delicious, low-carb base, while the sausage and cheesy filling elevate the flavor to another level. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend feast, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy every cheesy, satisfying bite!

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