Healthy dinner recipes
spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and meatballs (healthy dinner recipe)
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23 Sept 2025⭐Must-Have Products I Use & Recommend!⭐
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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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I remeber the first time I tried spaghetti squash. I was a bit skeptical, to be honest. Could a vegetable really mimic the texture of pasta? Well, I was pleasantly surprised! This recipe combines the mild, slightly sweet flavor of spaghetti squash with a rich marinara sauce and savory meatballs for a meal that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying. It's like having your favorite comfort food without any of the guilt. And honestly, who doesn't want that?
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're short on time but still want something nutritious and delicious. Its a simple recipe, it doesnt take to long to prepare, which is a lifesaver on busy days. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Feel free to get creative with your marinara sauce – add some extra herbs, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or even a splash of wine for depth. The possibilities are endless! Maybe you have some veggie scraps laying around, those are great too, dont let them go to waste.
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Now, let's talk meatballs. You can use your favorite meatball recipe for this dish, or you can follow mine. I like to use a combination of ground beef and ground turkey for a leaner option, but feel free to use whatever you prefer. Just make sure they're well-seasoned and cooked to perfection. And there it is a yummy recipie for everyone to enjoy. Its quick, easy and a perfect alternative for the ones that want to watch what they eat and enjoy a guilt-free dinner. And you deserve it! One of my friends who is on a diet, said she has been eating it for a while and she loves it.
Required Equipments
- Baking Sheet
- Large Bowl
- Large Skillet
- Spoon
- Fork
- Knife
Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce and Meatballs (Healthy Dinner Recipe): Frequently Asked Questions
Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce and Meatballs (Healthy Dinner Recipe)
Enjoy a guilt-free, flavorful dinner with this Spaghetti Squash recipe! Paired with savory marinara sauce and tender meatballs, this dish offers a healthy and satisfying alternative to traditional pasta, packed with nutrients and bursting with taste. If you are looking for low carb option this is a recipe to consider, plus its quick and easy to make.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the squash cooks evenly.
- Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. A spoon works well for this.
- Season the Squash: Drizzle the inside of each squash half with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the seasonings evenly over the surface.
- Roast the Squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 40-50 minutes, or until the squash is easily pierced with a fork. The roasting time will vary depending on the size of your squash. Make sure the pulp is easily pierced.
- Make the Meatballs (while squash roasts): In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point; just get a nice sear on them. Be patient and make sure you sear all sides.
- Simmer in Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. To check for doneness, cut one meatball in half, it should be fully cooked and not pink inside.
- Shred the Squash: Once the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. This should be easy to do if the squash is cooked properly.
- Combine and Serve: Place the spaghetti squash strands in a bowl. Top with the marinara sauce and meatballs. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Mix everything well and make sure all the strands are covered in sauce.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best served hot. Enjoy your healthy and delicious spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and meatballs!
📝 Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace the meatballs with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 6 g
Calcium: 150 mg
