One-Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce (Pressure Cooker and Slow Cooker)
Try this One-Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce recipe, using either a pressure cooker or slow cooker.
Try this One-Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce recipe, using either a pressure cooker or slow cooker.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- black pepper to taste
- bay leaf
- 1 small chopped onion
- 1 lb 93% ground beef
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (i love tuttorosso)
- pecorino romano cheese rind (optional omit whole30)
- 1 large (4 lb) spaghetti squash (makes 6 1/2 cups cooked)
- grated cheese for topping (optional omit whole30)
- Carbohydrate 2.57643833333333 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.03557 g
- Fiber 0.484050011952718 g
- Protein 0.302768333333333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0136433333333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (103g)
- Sodium 202.6386 mg
- Sugar 2.09238832138062 g
- Trans Fat 0.00964 g
- Calories 11 calories
Step-by-step
- Sauté the beef with onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, and cheese rind (optional); stir.
- Pierce the spaghetti squash all over with a knife and place it over the sauce.
- Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, or until the squash skin yields easily to pressure from a spoon.
- Allow pressure to release naturally.
- Discard the bay leaf and rind.
- Transfer the squash to a bowl to cool.
- Once cool enough to handle, cut the squash in half, discard the seeds, and scoop out the strands with a fork.
- Place the squash strands in a colander to drain well (use paper towels to absorb excess moisture).
- Serve the sauce over the squash, with grated cheese (optional).
- For slow cooker: Sauté meat as above, transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
One-Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and everything else life throws my way, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I’ve become obsessed with one-pot meals – and this One-Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce is a definite winner in my book.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. It's equally delicious whether you whip it up in a pressure cooker for a quick weeknight dinner or let it simmer low and slow in your trusty slow cooker for a hands-off approach on a busy day. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. No more complicated chopping or intricate sauce making; just toss everything in, set it, and forget it (almost!). The pressure cooker version cuts down cooking time dramatically, perfect for those evenings when time is truly of the essence. For a truly relaxed weekend meal, the slow cooker option is unmatched, filling your home with the comforting aroma of simmering sauce throughout the day.
The combination of sweet spaghetti squash and savory meat sauce is a match made in heaven. The squash offers a delightful sweetness that balances beautifully with the rich, tangy tomato sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly light, making it a perfect choice for a healthy dinner. I often add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor, though it’s equally delicious without. The leftovers are also fantastic, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weekdays. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, too. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor it to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or throw in some mushrooms for extra depth of flavor. The possibilities are truly endless!
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this dish is also incredibly healthy. Spaghetti squash is a low-carb, high-fiber alternative to traditional pasta, making it a guilt-free indulgence. It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients, adding a healthy boost to your diet without sacrificing flavor. The ground beef provides a good source of protein, keeping you full and energized. This recipe is a perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a complete kitchen novice, this One-Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce recipe is a must-try. Its ease, versatility, and delicious flavor make it a true weeknight winner. It’s a recipe I turn to again and again, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your kitchen too. Give it a try and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your own variations and tips for this simple, satisfying dish. Happy cooking!
Tips and Variations:
For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Use different ground meat: Ground turkey or Italian sausage would also be delicious.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
Customize your herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme.
Add some greens: Stir in some spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.
A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds extra flavor.
