Here’s the RIGHT WAY to cook spaghetti squash boats! This method will leave you with a juicy, tender, spaghetti-like experience every single time. Full of fiber and other nutritious value.
Savory Thoughts: “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” ― Virginia Woolf,
How can you think if you are not fueled by the proper energy, or nutrition, or even the necessities in life we need to sustain?
Let’s take a moment to talk about spaghetti squash boats today. I eat squash all the time, but as much as I eat it, I used to hate handling it. I hated dealing with the tough skin.
Here’s why this Spaghetti Squash boat recipe work?
There are so many different methods on how to handle squash.
Some of the best practices include: bake first, steamed in a pan in the oven, sliced into rings, cut lengthwise, or boil first.
All of those options will work, but I have a preferred method. I microwave the squash whole for about 5 minutes to soften it up. I find this to be the most effective way to handle almost any squash, especially spaghetti squash.
How do you cook squash boats and how do you make spaghetti squash with ground beef?
Here’s my trick: after I microwave the spaghetti squash, I then would cut the squash lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Base it with olive oil in the cavity and the edges, then bake it face down on 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Then remove the boat from the oven and fill it with the beef sauce and cheese. Then bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Sounds easy, right? See no hassle or stress! In the end, you are left with a delicious spaghetti squash to enjoy with your family. The squash is left moist and very much ready to be filled with your favorite toppings.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way, here’s what you’ll need: Spaghetti squash, onions, fresh parsley, fresh basil, tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, salt and pepper to taste, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and olive oil.
The squash is filled with fiber and is perfect for fall and winter. It’s a great way to have “spaghetti” without all the high carb guilt.
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How To Cook Spaghetti Squash Boats
Ingredients
- 1 Spaghetti squash
- ⅓ cup Onions diced
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil
- 2 tomatoes, crushed or 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Heat the squash in the microwave for 5 minutes to soften it up.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and brush the olive oil in the cavity and the edge of the squash. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile the squash cook, in a hot skillet brown the beef for about 5 minutes.
- Once brown, add salt and pepper. Stir. Then add the crushed tomatoes, onions, herbs and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce. Stir. Let simmer on low for 7 minutes. Remove from heat set aside.
- Use a fork to lightly scrape the inside of the squash, then fill in the cavity with the meat sauce. Topped with cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Frank says
I tried this and it was delicious. We don’t like it mushy so I sprinkle each face with salt (fairly heavily) before cooking. Let it sit for 20 minutes or so. The salt draws out a surprising amount of moisture. Wipe the salty water away with paper towels. I also use a little more heat which I think also takes out more moisture. Just our preference.
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Frank. Your tips is also helpful. Very glad you liked it. Thank you.
Patty says
Careful printing from your phone or you’ll get a thousand full page color photos. 😳 When I hit “print recipe” I thought that was all I’d get.
Mirlene says
I am so sorry Patty. I always our readers to unselect the camera before printing.
Megan F says
We just started eating spaghetti squash … I’ve never tried it before a few weeks ago. I started making it with olive oil, butter, spices and Parmesan like you would with pasta and it was very good. We decided to try an actual recipe with it and this was the first one I found that looked good. I am shocked at how good this is. Coming from an Italian household (Utica, NY) where we’re VERY picky ….. we usually don’t care for a lot of recipes on here. Most of the time they’re bland or something’s just not ideal. This is the ABSOLUTE BEST dinner I’ve had in a long time. I’m so impressed. The only thing I did different is simmer the sauce for an extra 20 minutes … it always makes a difference to slow down and let it go for a while. If in a hurry, I’m sure it would be fine but the flavors really come out the longer it goes. Give this a try, you won’t regret it! 😃
Mirlene says
WOW!!! Thank you very much, Megan! I am so very happy to hear you loved it and it worked out for you. Thanks for the tip as well. I will use the extra mentioned time from now on. Thanks for reading. Hope you find more recipes you like on this site. Cheers!
Raia Todd says
These look glorious! My mouth is watering and I want to eat them right off the screen!
Stephanie Simmons says
I was literally just looking online for how to cook spaghetti squash boats and couldn’t find anything that helpful! You read my mind – these look incredibly delicious!
MDesir says
Great minds think alike! I hope you find this recipe to be helpful.
Minka says
Thank you for sharing your delicious recipe. I made it and my kids loved it.
Is the calorie count for entire recipe or per serving?
Mirlene says
Thank you, Minka. The calorie count is estimated for 2 servings.
Catherine Baez Sholl says
Oh wow, what a great meal! Great combination of flavors with the spaghetti squash.
Maria says
Excellent dinner!! I didn’t have ground beef so I used a mix of hot sausage and beyond beef with dried spices, no mozzarella but I used a mix of jalapeño cheddar and basil tomato cheddar cheeses! Garlic bread and dinner was done!! This will be in the dinner rotation, it’s very versatile. thank you!!!
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Maria
Renu says
OMG such beautifully baked squash boats and that cheese is drooling me. I just had lunch but I want to have this now. Stunning.
MDesir says
Thank you, Renu!
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says
These look fantastic and just the perfect comfort food!
Laura Duffy says
Great tip to microwave the squash whole before cutting it. I also hate cutting spaghetti squash. I’m going to have to try that! Great tip and recipe!
Meredith says
Great tip to microwave the squash before cutting it! Cutting spaghetti squash has always been such a feat of strength… thanks for the great tip! And this recipe looks so delicious!
Connie says
This looks so good, I’m going to try for dinner tonight, just wondering can you freeze it for a later?
Mirlene says
Hi Connie,
Thank you so much. Yes, you can freeze it. Place the squash in a freezer safe bag. Squeeze as much of the air out to avoid freezer burn. To be extra careful, wrap it in plastic wrap first, then aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer safe bag. You can store it in the deep freezer for up to 3 months.
Chef Mireille says
I love spaghetti squash – I often roast it and then stir fry it as a gluten free side dish (instead of pasta) or even as a one pot meal with meat and veggies – but this is a new way of making it I know I will love! this is one I am definitely going to try!
April says
I am alwyas hunting for nutritious and fiber-rich recipes, so these spaghetti squash boats are just perfect for me! And knowing the right way to cook them is priceless! Thanks a lot for sharing it – really appreciate it! 🙂
Krista Price says
Heck yes! This is how it’s done! I love spaghetti squash boats and all of the fun ways to stuff them! Love this recipe!
Jacqueline Debono says
I have to confess I have never made spaghetti squash boats but I think I really need to! Yours look mouth-wateringly delicious.
MDesir says
Thank you very much!
jennifer says
Oh my . . . .the cheesy-ness is calling my name! Plus, I’m a huge fan of beef and so is my family so these boats are sure to make my guys happy (and force them to eat veggies)!
ChihYu says
Oh my! They look so golden delicious! I can’t wait to make them, too!
Megan Stevens says
I really appreciate your thorough approach, tips and photos; thank you!! Such a delicious recipe!!
MDesir says
Thank you, Megan!
Kelly says
I’ve used the microwave before too. It’s a great start, but love the idea of finishing it in the oven.
MDesir says
Yes, agreed!
Ruchi says
Spaghetti squash is my absolutely favorite. That melted cheese on your photos is amazing! And colors are so vibrant, makes me instantly want it for lunch!
MDesir says
Thank you, Ruchi!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
This is beautiful! I love the crust on the cheese and the savory sauce. This is a must make for me!
MDesir says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Joni Gomes says
Absolutely mouthwatering!! Love all of the images you added to this post! So helpful!
MDesir says
You are too sweet! Thank you, Joni! I am glad you found the pictures to be helpful.
Jean says
Wow that cheese pull is soooo drool-worthy. Love this simple way to cook spaghetti squash and that topping is to die for!
MDesir says
Thank you for your nice comment, Jean!
Deborah says
Wow, your pics are fantastic and step by step instructions really great too. Gonna send this to my sister who loves anything squash. Thanks for sharing
MDesir says
Awww Thank you, Deborah. Very nice of you to share my recipe.
STACEY CRAWFORD says
These look absolutely delicious! drooling on my screen 🙂
MDesir says
Thank you, Stacey!
Catalina says
Oh my goodness! These squash boats look like a new favorite dinner in my house! I have to put these on my menu!
MDesir says
Thank you! I hope you like it.
Marisa Franca says
I think that using the squash itself as a serving dish is pure genius. I’ve done that before with other squashes and including spaghetti squash. I like your trick of putting it in the microwave first and then finishing it off in the oven. I’ve got a recipe in mind already. Great recipe.
MDesir says
I love it when ideas are bounced off one another. Thank you, Marisa! Also, the trick does work. Enjoy!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
I have yet to cook spaghetti squash and this looks so good. I love the crust on top from the cheese. This would be perfect on a cold night.
Jyothi (Jo) says
oh my goodness heavens! that’s one delicious spaghetti squash boats I have ever seen. Your photography is amazing
MDesir says
Thank you very much!
Raia Todd says
What a delicious way to use spaghetti squash!
Veena Azmanov says
Oh, this is my dinner when we make spaghetti. I love spaghetti squash more than I love pasta. Love the flavors you have in this recipe. Can’t wait to try.
MDesir says
I love spaghetti squash too. Not to mention it is healthy and easy to make.
Stine Mari says
Oh yes how easy is that! Hassle free handling indeed. And it looks absolutely scrumptious. Getting hungry just by looking at your photos!
MDesir says
Thank you, Mari! Yes, very much hassle free.
MDesir says
Awww! Thank you!
Kelly Anthony says
I’ve made a lot of spaghetti squash but I’ve never microwaved it. Great idea. These spaghetti squash boats look so tasty and I can’t wait to try them.
MDesir says
It makes handling the squash so much easier. Thank you, Kelly!
Renee D Kohley says
Yum! My girls love spaghetti squash prepped this way – who wouldn’t love all that melty cheese!
MDesir says
My kids love it too when I prepare it this way. We are cheese lovers in our family.
Amanda says
Oh, you had me at all that melted cheese. It looks so delicious and comforting. I’m a big spaghetti squash fan, so I’ll have to give this a whirl.
MDesir says
Thank you! it’s very delicious!
Karyl Henry says
I used to hate spaghetti squash, and then I tried it and really liked it. I’ve never made a spaghetti squash boat though, and this looks like such a great, comforting meal. I’m going to have to give this a try
MDesir says
Good! I a glad you are deciding to give it a try. Enjoy!!!
Gloria says
Spaghetti squash is the most FUN squash of all. This sounds and looks delicious, and I love the presentation. The perfect way to serve a low carb dinner.
MDesir says
Thank you Gloria! It is pretty fun to eat.
debi at Life Currents says
Spaghetti squash is something I’m still trying to get my husband to like. I think, with your recipe, I may have found a winner. Thanks!
MDesir says
Awww! that’s wonderful to hear. Thank you!
Bevyn Cassidy says
Wow! These look delicious. Thank you so much for making this recipe so easy to follow and with so many pictures – it is such a big help! I can’t wait to finally make delicious spaghetti squash boats for dinner!
MDesir says
I am very glad to hear that. Thank you for reading!
Dan Zehr says
I love love love this dish! Looks super delish. I think even my very picky oldest son might even like this dish! I can hope at least
MDesir says
hahahah my picky eaters love it. Fingers crossed for you.
Mahy Elamin says
This is a great recipe. Worked great! The boats looked elegant and tasted delicious. Thanks for sharing
MDesir says
Thank you, Mahy!
Claudia Lamascolo says
I have never tasted this kind of squash and very intrigued by it. My sons wife makes it she said stuffed but this is really up my alley the flavors here and all that cheese!
MDesir says
We love cheese as well in our home! Thank you for reading, Claudia!