Spaghetti Squash Beef Lasagna - Twiins Style - Gluten-Free
You will not believe this healthy lasagna is as satisfying as the traditional one made with lasagna noodles, but it definitely is! It is filled with a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, basil & is layered with ground beef as well as our homemade tomato sauce. You build the layers just like traditional lasagna only replace the noodles with cooked & seasoned spaghetti squash & topped with sliced mozzarella. This dish has it all...can be made ahead, freezer friendly and perfect for a crowd. Our family loves it and so will yours. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 med to large spaghetti squash (cut lengthwise and seeded)
- light drizzle of EVOO over each half of the squash before seasoning & baking.
- dried oregano to sprinkle over squash before baking
- salt & pepper to sprinkle over squash before baking
- garlic powder to sprinkle over squash before baking
- 2 lbs. ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 4-6 large cloves garlic, smashed
- 32 ounces whole milk ricotta
- 3/4 cup grated Locatelli cheese (Pecorino Romano)
- 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella, shredded or leave some slices for top layer
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
- 2-3 cups prepared tomato sauce
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425ºF.
- Cut spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise & remove seeds.
- Lightly drizzle each half with EVOO then season with salt, pepper, dried oregano & garlic powder (the more the tastier). Place each half face down onto foiled baking sheet and bake until soft when touched (about 30-40 minutes)
- While the squash is baking, heat a large skillet. When the pan is hot add the ground beef and brown. Add the smashed garlic and onions and cook until softened.
- Drain fat and set aside in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, half the shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, salt & pepper and 1 tsp garlic powder. Mix well then add chopped basil. combine and set aside.
- Removed the squash from the oven when soft and let cool. Once cool use 2 forks to shred it then add to a colander to drain excess liquid. Set aside until ready to layer your lasagna.
- Lower oven temperature to 350ºF.
- In a lasagna pan or casserole dish, place a light layering of tomato sauce. Take enough forkfuls of shredded squash and place on top of sauce. Spready evenly. Sprinkle with some grated Pecorino Romano.
- Layer half of the ricotta mixture and spread evenly.
- Layer with cooked ground beef mixture. Sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano.
- Add tomato sauce to cover lightly. Sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano.
- Repeat for the second layer and top with remaining shredded or sliced mozzarella.
- Sprinkle with Locatelli cheese, then a try light drizzle of EVOO on top.
- Bake about 30 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Best served with a nice Italian salad on the side.
Note: May be substituted with ‘Beyond Beef Crumbles’ in place of ground beef for a meatless meal.
Enjoy!
Once cooled, shred squash into large bowl
Brown smashed garlic and ground beef
Once cooked, drain excess liquid
Lightly drizzle EVOO then spread small amount of tomato sauce to lightly cover bottom of casserole dish
Spread layer of squash over sauce
Combine ricotta and seasonings in a bowl
Mix well
Layer ricotta mixture on top of squash
Sprinkle half the meat mixture over ricotta mixture
Sprinkle with grated cheese then top with tomato sauce and spread
Repeat for the 2nd layer
Add 2nd layer of ricotta
Add 2nd layer of ground beef
Add final layer of tomato sauce and top with sliced mozzarella cheese and spinkle with grated cheese & a drizzle of EVOO
