Spaghetti squash lasagna with ground turkey is a delicious and healthier twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of using pasta sheets, this recipe incorporates roasted spaghetti squash as a low-carb and gluten-free alternative. The addition of ground turkey provides a lean source of protein.
This is a hearty dish which was given the Chief Taster approval. It's comfort food in a scooped out spaghetti squash shell! He enjoyed it so much, he had the other half for dinner the following evening.
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Does spaghetti squash taste like pasta?
Spaghetti squash doesn't taste exactly like traditional pasta, but its texture and appearance can be reminiscent of pasta strands, which is why it's often used as a low-carb alternative to pasta in various dishes. The flavor of spaghetti squash is mild and slightly sweet, with a subtle nutty undertone.
When cooked, the flesh of the spaghetti squash can be scraped into long strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. While the texture is not identical to pasta, it does provide a satisfying "bite" and can absorb the flavors of sauces and seasonings similarly to pasta. It's important to note that the experience of eating spaghetti squash can vary depending on how it's prepared and what it's paired with.
Are spaghetti squash keto?
Spaghetti squash is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for individuals following a keto diet. On average, one cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains around 7-8 grams of carbohydrates, with a significant portion of those carbohydrates coming from dietary fiber. The fiber content helps to reduce the net carbohydrates, which is a key consideration on the keto diet since fiber is generally subtracted from the total carbohydrates to calculate net carbs.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti squash - choose a firm squash.
- Ground turkey - ground beef or chicken could also be used.
- Mozzarella - Used in the layers and sprinkled on top
- Parmesan - freshly grated with plenty of flavor
- Ricotta - cottage cheese could be substituted.
- Marinara - use a low carb store bought or home made marinara sauce.
- Basil and oregano - add more herbs to your own taste.
How to make spaghetti squash lasagna boats
This is an easy recipe with a few stages:
- Cook the spaghetti squash.
- Cook the turkey marinara layer.
- Mix the cheese and spinach.
- Remove the spaghetti squash cooked flesh and mix with the cheese.
- Layer the turkey and cheese layers.
- Bake.
Cook spaghetti squash and remove the flesh.
Cook ground turkey in marinara sauce.
Add spaghetti squash flesh to cheese and spinach.
Layer the cooked ground turkey in the bottom of spaghetti squash shell.
Layer the cheese and squash mixture.
Repeat layers, top with mozzarella and bake.
Storage
This can be prepared before and stored in the fridge in a sealed container, then baked before serving. Any leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated to serve.
Recipe Tips
Choosing the Right Spaghetti Squash: Look for a medium-sized spaghetti squash with a firm, unblemished skin. The color can vary, but it's typically a pale yellow or orange.
Turkey Filling Seasoning: Make sure to season the ground turkey mixture well with herbs (oregano, basil, red pepper flakes) and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe with additional keto-friendly vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just be mindful of their moisture content and adjust cooking times if necessary.
What to serve with keto spaghetti squash lasagna
Spaghetti squash lasagna with ground turkey is already a satisfying and well-rounded dish, but you can complement it with some additional sides to create a balanced and enjoyable meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with fresh vegetables and a keto-friendly dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna. Consider using leafy greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed lettuce, and top with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic Bread Substitutes: Since traditional garlic bread isn't keto-friendly, you can make garlic butter roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower or zucchini. Roast the veggies with garlic-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a flavorful and satisfying side.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Choose low-carb vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. Steam or roast them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper for a nutritious side.
- Cauliflower Mash: Make a keto-friendly version of mashed potatoes by using cauliflower. Steam or boil cauliflower florets until tender, then mash them with butter, cream and your favorite seasonings.
- Cheesy Spinach: Sauté spinach in garlic and butter, then melt in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a creamy and cheesy side dish.
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More spaghetti squash recipes
If you enjoy spaghetti squash, you will enjoy these other low carb spaghetti squash recipes.
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) degrees.
Prepare the spaghetti squash
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Brush the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes or until the flesh can be easily scraped with a fork to create "spaghetti" strands. Let it cool slightly before handling.
- Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and using a fork remove the spaghetti. Set aside to cool.
Make the turkey filling
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over a medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, seasoning and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the cheese layer
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, spinach, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the spaghetti squash flesh.
Assemble
- Place the spaghetti squash shells on a baking tray or in a baking dish.
- Spoon a layer of the turkey mixture in the base of the spaghetti squash shell.
- Add a layer of the cheese mixture and repeat the layers.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
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