This lighter version of spaghetti with meatballs is packed with veggies, but we’re using spaghetti squash for “noodles” and keeping the rest of the flavors traditional. You’ll love the lighter flavor and your body will love all the nutrients!
Yield
6 Servings
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
1 hour, 20 minutes
Total time
1 hour, 35 minutes
Ingredients
1 medium spaghetti squash
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium onion (any kind, chopped)
1 bn collard greens, ribs removed (chopped into small pieces)
1 C baby spinach (packed)
2 plum tomatoes (chopped)
1 C reduced fat ricotta cheese
1 C jarred pasta sauce
1 C part skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Cut the squash lengthwise in half using a spoon to remove seeds. Place two halves on a microwave safe plate with the cut side down. Microwave uncovered until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with foil and set aside.
- Add ground beef to a medium mixing bowl. Add salt and Italian seasoning to beef. Use clean hands to mix well until spices are well incorporated. Shape meatballs into 1 inch balls.
- Add meatballs to prepared sheet pan and bake until starting to brown, 20 minutes, flipping once.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Saute chopped onions until tender. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add collard greens, spinach, tomatoes and 2 T water. Cook until greens wilt and water evaporates, about 10 minutes (it helps to switch to tongs to mix the greens).
- Stir in ricotta. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Using a fork, separate strands of spaghetti squash and stir into the greens and tomato mixture. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with meatballs, pasta sauce, and cheese. Bake uncovered, until cheese starts to brown in spots, about 30-35 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition Info per serving:
Calories: 267, Saturated Fat: 6.5, Sodium: 572.6mg, Fiber: 2.7g, Protein 24g
Source
Recipe adapted from: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spaghetti-squash-meatball-casserole/