Not only is this spaghetti squash casserole with meatballs a healthy dinner option but leftovers make for a delicious and freezer friendly meal.
Not only is this spaghetti squash casserole with meatballs low in carbs but it makes for a delicious and freezer friendly meal. This meal is a great way to get some extra veggies in and it’s a fantastic meal to bring to a new mom or make ahead and freeze for later.
In all honesty, after experimenting with this recipe I now prefer spaghetti squash over regular noodles. There’s something about their texture that gives this recipe an extra oomph.
Jump to:
- 🥘 Ingredients needed
- 🥣 How to make this recipe (step by step guide)
- 📋 Can you freeze spaghetti squash noodles?
- 👩🏻🍳 How to make this a freezer meal
- ♨️ How to reheat from froze
- 🔪 What do I do if my spaghetti squash is still firm after baking?
- ⏲️ Shortcuts for this recipe
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Meatballs
🥘 Ingredients needed
To make this freezer spaghetti squash meal, you’ll need:
- Spaghetti squash: The base of the casserole. You can use a regular spaghetti squash or many supermarkets now have bags of pre-shredded squash if you want to take a shortcut.
- Pasta sauce: You will need two jars of your favorite pasta sauce.
- Pesto: You’ll need one small jar of pesto sauce. About 6 ounces.
- Meatballs: I recommend using pre-cooked frozen meatballs for this recipe. About 12 ounces. You can also make your own.
- Parmesan cheese: To top the casserole with.
🥣 How to make this recipe (step by step guide)
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and then line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or spray with non-stick spray. Wash your spaghetti squash and cut it in half going lengthwise.
Bake your squash for 45 minutes. Note that if you have a larger spaghetti squash you may need to cook it longer.
Let it cool and then scoop the seeds and stringy bits out. Use a fork to shred the spaghetti squash.
Combine the squash noodles and pesto together. Mix well and then add the pasta sauce in. Add the mixture to a well greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
Garnish generously with shredded Parmesan cheese. You can add the meatballs on top to bake or bake them separately. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted. You can broil for 30 seconds to get the cheese extra melted.
To freeze, let it cool, put in a freezer safe plastic storage bag, remove any excess air, and then freeze for a later date.
📋 Can you freeze spaghetti squash noodles?
If you’re wondering if you can freeze spaghetti squash noodles you absolutely can! This meal is one of the best freezer meals I have made and it freezes great. You can also freeze smaller portions for quick and easy lunches.
👩🏻🍳 How to make this a freezer meal
To freeze, let it cool, put in a freezer safe plastic storage bag. Lay it flat, label, and freeze for a later date. It will be good in the freezer for up to three months.
♨️ How to reheat from froze
This baked spaghetti squash and meatballs recipe also defrosts really well. The spaghetti squash remains firm even when defrosted which is awesome. I love to make a big batch and then freeze half for later. I would recommend letting this recipe defrost a few hours (or overnight) before reheating it. You can easily reheat it in small portions at a time in your microwave or on your stove-top.
🔪 What do I do if my spaghetti squash is still firm after baking?
Some larger spaghetti squash or more firm squash may need a longer baking time. If your squash is still firm after 45 minutes, you can speed up the process by microwaving it for two to three minutes or you can bake it for an additional 15 minutes.
⏲️ Shortcuts for this recipe
If you’re short on time, there are a few shortcuts for this recipe. As mentioned above, you can use store bought pre-cooked meatballs (about 15 ounces). Many grocery stores now carry prepped spaghetti squash cubes in a bag which will also reduce the prep work for this recipe.
Other casserole recipes:
Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Meatballs
Equipment
- 9 x 13 inch casserole dish
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and then line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or spray with non-stick spray. Wash your spaghetti squash and cut it in half going lengthwise.
- Bake your squash for 45 minutes. Note that if you have a larger spaghetti squash you may need to cook it longer.
- Let it cool and then scoop the seeds and stringy bits out. Use a fork to shred the spaghetti squash.
- Combine the squash noodles and pesto together. Mix well and then add the pasta sauce in. Add the mixture to a well greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
- Garnish generously with shredded Parmesan cheese. You can add the meatballs on top to bake or bake them separately on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted. You can broil for 30 seconds to get the cheese extra melted.
Chef Dennis
I am soo craving right now!
Kristina
Delicious!!
Lizet Bowen
I love having easy meals like this one. And it was so yummy!
Sunrita
I was looking for tasty easy low carb options for Meeks that can double as a family meal without having to cook twice. Perfect!
Laura
Great dinner idea
Ramona
This looks absolutely delicious and inspiring 😋
Chloe
I love Spaghetti squash for a lower carb option! Going to try this with some plant based meatballs and vegan pesto 😊
Sue
I’m so happy to find another way to enjoy spaghetti squash, in meal prep form! Thanks!
Lindsay
Love this – thank you!
Sabrina
So easy and delicious!