Low-Carb Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Ready In: 2 hrs 5 mins
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 large carrot, sliced on the diagonal
- 2 stalks celery, sliced on the diagonal
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, peeled, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 28 ounces tomatoes, diced (if using fresh, peel and seed)
- red pepper flakes (or one small hot red pepper, minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (I use a tablespoon of fresh when I have it)
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch ground allspice
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped (or more)
- 3⁄4 lb part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Place the spaghetti squash in a large pot of water (it should float) and bring to a boil; lower heat, cover and boil gently for 50 minutes.
- Another option is to bake the squash first-- cut it lengthwise and place the halves skin-side down in a baking dish with an inch of water; cover the dish with foil and bake at 350º F for about 45 minutes, or until meat is tender.
- While squash is cooking, peel and slice the carrots, celery, onion and bell pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the onion and carrot, with some water to prevent sticking. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add remaining vegetables with some red pepper flakes and a dash of salt, if desired. Sauté, stirring frequently, till vegetables are barely tender, about 10 minutes.
- Pre-heat oven (if you are cooking squash on top of the stove)to 350 degrees F.
- Add crushed tomatoes, basil and oregano to taste, and a sprinkle of ground allspice. Squeeze in 2-5 cloves of garlic. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, grate the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Remove squash from pot or oven and allow to cool until you can handle it. If it is whole, cut it in half lengthwise, then remove seeds with a spoon and squeeze any excess water out of meat.
- Remove meat and break it up into strands with a fork or potato masher. Mix squash well with vegetables and put half in the bottom of a large baking dish. Top with half the cheeses, the rest of the squash, and then the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let cool 15-20 minutes before serving.
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