Spaghetti Squash Casserole

14 ingredients
9 steps

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

  1. 1
    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.
  2. 2
    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 350° F for about 45 minutes, or until meat is tender.
  3. 3
    While squash is cooking, peel and slice the carrots, celery, onion and bell pepper.
  4. 4
    Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the onion and carrot, with some water to prevent sticking. Saute over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add remaining vegetables with some red pepper flakes and a dash of salt, if desired. Saute, stirring frequently, till vegetables are barely tender, about 10 minutes.
  5. 5
    Pre-heat oven (if you are cooking squash on top of the stove)to 350 degrees F.
  6. 6
    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.
  7. 7
    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.
  8. 8
    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.
  9. 9
    Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let cool 15-20 minutes before serving.

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