Spaghetti Squash with Meat Ragu
"Enjoy roasted spaghetti squash generously adorned with a flavorful meat ragu, slowly cooked with ripe tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery. This low-carb delight is one of my favorites—you'll hardly notice the absence of traditional pasta!"
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Ingredients
- 8 cups cooked spaghetti squash
- 4 oz 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 lb 95% lean beef
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 bay leaf
- salt and fresh pepper
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- salt and fresh pepper
Instructions
- 1
Begin by setting your oven temperature to 400ºF (200ºC).
- 2
Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and inner fibers. Sprinkle with salt and place the cut side facing up on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or longer if necessary. Alternatively, for a quicker method, halve the squash, remove the seeds and strands, and place it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it. Microwave for 8-9 minutes or until tender.
- 3
In the meantime, take a spacious deep sauté pan and heat butter along with oil. Introduce the chopped onions, celery, and carrots, and sauté over medium-low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften.
- 4
Incorporate the ground beef, seasoning it with salt. Cook until browned, breaking it apart into smaller chunks with your spoon until it is fully cooked.
- 5
Once the meat is browned, mix in the tomatoes and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. Pour in the wine and let it simmer until it reduces slightly. Then, add the bay leaf, cover the pan, and lower the heat. Allow it to simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- 6
After the spaghetti squash is done baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes to cool down. Once cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the flesh, which will form spaghetti-like strands.
- 7
Keep the strands covered and set aside to stay warm until the sauce is ready. Serve the spaghetti squash topped with the meat sauce and, if you like, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top.