Easy and kid-friendly combine to make this spaghetti squash pizza casserole a win! It’s naturally grain-free and low in carbs, too!
A day of sad discoveries.
I made a few horrible discoveries the other day after preparing a wonderful spaghetti squash dinner.
1 – Four out of six of my kids really do not like spaghetti squash.
2 – I very regularly undercook spaghetti squash. (Perhaps that’s why my kids don’t like it so much…)
3 – I think I’m intolerant to it. *huge sorrowful sigh*
As a result of these discoveries, I was left with quite a bit of leftover nearly cooked spaghetti squash after a dinner of listening to most of my kids complain.
Waste not want not.
Now, even though compassion is not my middle name, I don’t like to make it a habit of feeding my kids things they don’t like, no matter how healthy it is. But I also don’t like to throw away food. Especially when it is so good for them.
My solution: this spaghetti squash pizza casserole topped with enough sauce and cheese for the kids not to know it was really a squash they were eating. ‘Cause if you cover something with sauce and cheese and call it pizza my kids will eat it.
Every single last bite of it. And then ask why I didn’t make more.
Sneaky mom win!
How to pre-bake spaghetti squash.
There are a couple ways you can bake your spaghetti squash. First is of course in the oven, which involves slicing the squash in half lengthwise, scooping out seeds, and baking cut-side down on a cookie sheet at 400 for 45-50 minutes before scraping into “noodles.”
You can also place the whole squash in a large stock pot, cover with water, and boil until fork-tender (about 1/2 hour), then cut in half lengthwise and cut/deseed/scrape.
I find it a lot easier to just use the Instant Pot. (I use the Instant Pot Duo 6 quart 7-in-1.) To do this, cut the squash in half lengthwise, deseed, and place on the trivet in the Instant Pot. Pour a cup of water in the bottom of the pot, cover with the lid, seal, and set the “+/-” to 7 minutes. Quick release the pressure and scrape out your noodles.
However you cook your squash, it will work for this recipe!
Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole
I’m sorta a plain-Jane cook, so I just stick my noodle-ized spaghetti squash in a 9×9 inch baking dish, top it with sauce and cheese, and bake. If you want to get fancy, feel free to top with pre-cooked meat, veggies, other cheeses besides mozzarella, etc. Don’t let me hold you back from being un-boring!
If you’re looking for more super yummy, kid-friendly dinner, here are a few more family favorites…
- Instant Pot Fried Rice or Quinoa
- Cheesy Veggie Lentil Stew
- Stuffed Italian Meatballs
- Crispy Coconut Pan-Fried Salmon
- White Chicken Chili
- Creamy, Dairy-Free Mac ‘N Cheese
In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks!
Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole
Free from grain, gluten, dairy, and sugar.
Ingredients
- pre-cooked spaghetti squash (I like to cook mine the Instant Pot)
- pasta sauce (whatever kind you like)
- mozzarella cheese
Optional Add-Ins
- pre-cooked meat
- chopped mushrooms
- sliced olives
- chopped veggies
- Italian seasoning
- parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350.
Place pre-cooked squash in 9×9 inch baking dish (or a bigger one if you have a lot).
Stir in pasta sauce and add-ins (if using), then sprinkle with cheese(s).
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until cheese is nice and melty/bubbly and squash is thoroughly heated. If you want the cheese to be nice and crispy-browned, turn the oven up to broil for 3-5 minutes (watch it so it doesn’t burn!).
Note
This is a recipe redo of my spaghetti squash pizza recipe. So if you were looking for that, this is it. 🙂
Love easy meals like this! I have a spaghetti squash on my counter – trying this this week:).
I hope you enjoy it, Kiran! 🙂
That was much easier than I was envisioning! My girls would adore this!
Haha! It’s sooooo easy.
That looks SO GOOD! I’m totally drooling just by looking at the photos!
Haha! Thanks so much! 🙂
This sounds amazing! I’ve been missing pizza in my life and this sounds like the perfect way to fulfill that craving.
Thanks, Jean! It’s a great healthy option. 🙂
Seriously drooling over this casserole!
Thanks so much, Linda!
I love this idea! So much healthier than regular spaghetti, and yet the kids have nothing to complain about since it tastes like pizza.
Exactly! Healthy food for the win!
Since being diagnosed with celiac I have been looking for good naturally gluten free recipes! This looks so yummy! Thanks!
I’m so glad you can enjoy this one!
I’m confused, where are the measurements for each of the ingredients in the recipe?
This looks so delicious! And, all that squash, yum!
Thanks, Kathryn!
I love how easy this spaghetti squash casserole is! Perhaps your method of covering it with sauce and cheese is how I can finally get my boys to like it too. Thanks!!!
Haha! It works like charm over here. 😉
I can see why your kids would eat this! Cheese and tomato sauce can work wonders. Thanks for sharing.
Glad to share, Anne!
I love this healthy way to refashion a classic flavor! I also love spaghetti squash, so this dish has made my list of recipes to make!
I hope you get to enjoy it, Laura!
Oh no, no spaghetti squash for you?!! I did’t think it was possible to be sensitive to it?!! Crazy town! My kids won’t eat it either…so I ma enjoy it solo!
Haha. Yeah, if it’s possible to be sensitive to something, I probably am… or have been. :p I hope your get to enjoy it!
Any success stories on prepping this, freezing it and reheating later? I’m considering trying it but would love to hear a success story first!
Oh my goodness yes please!!! All that delicious pizza goodness! This meal is so awesome, love that added nutrition with the spaghetti squash too. So yummy and total comfort food.
Thanks so much, Emily!
Love this! Spaghetti squash can be used for freaking anything lol
Haha! Pretty much. 😉
I love that “sneaky mom win” Good for you!
This is super.Will pin and make the next time I have left-over squash..
In fact, I have some in the freezer so will definitely give this one a try!
Thanks!!
I hope you enjoy it, Carol!
Has anyone tried freezing this and reheating later? I’m considering trying it but am hoping to hear a success story first!
I’ve never tried, Kayla. Sorry! Hope you get to enjoy it!
My pickiest kid said that it’s “pretty good”. And then he asked for seconds. 🏆 FOR THE WIN!
Haha! That’s awesome! Pizza toppings cover a multitude of sins, I guess. 😉
This looks amazing! I’m going to try this out on the family.
Thanks! I hope y’all enjoy it!
I do low carb. Would you have a carb count?
Nope, but you could probably plug the ingredients into an online calculator and find out. 🙂
This recipe is our favourite go to. It’s perfect when we crave spaghetti and a lasagna at the same time. Yummy
Haha! Yes, it’s perfect for when those cravings set in! I’m so glad you enjoy it!
This recipe is great – thank you. I layered it like lasagna in a 9 x 13 (leftovers for lunches during the week) pre cook all the ingredients and assemble, bake. Doesn’t get much easier, thanks again
You’re so welcome, Glenn! I’m glad you enjoyed it!