Spaghetti Squash Lasagna (Keto, Low-Carb)

Name: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna with Meat Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 small spaghetti squash (cooked); 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 lbs ground beef (browned (or sausage)); 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup mozzarella cheese

By Lisa MarcAurele · Jul 3, 2020 · 48 Comments

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A keto spaghetti squash lasagna casserole with ground beef is an easy low carb meal idea. It’s also a simple way to make the classic Italian dish gluten-free.

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Instructions
Quick tips
️ Serving suggestions
FAQs
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Recipe

During a recent grocery store trip, I picked up a spaghetti squash. I knew it’d be perfect to use as a pasta replacement in a new low carb recipe to try for fall.

Although I wasn’t sure exactly what I’d make, I thought I'd try an easy baked dish with an Italian meat sauce. I ended up making this hearty keto lasagna for an easy family dinner.

Like my stuffed green pepper casserole, it’s an easy baked dish that’s simple to prepare for a busy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this spaghetti squash lasagna recipe.

Spaghetti Squash

The spaghetti squash is used to substitute the high carb lasagna noodles.

Cheese

Ricotta and parmesan make up the soft cheesy layer in the casserole. If you don't like ricotta, use cottage cheese instead. Shredded mozzarella makes the perfect topping for cheesy goodness.

Meat

Ground beef is used but Italian sausage is a great alternative. Just make sure to avoid sweet sausage as it usually has some kind of sugar added.

Marinara Sauce

Although you can make your own keto marinara sauce, I find store bought ones are more convenient. Commercially prepared marinara pasta sauce usually doesn't contain any added sugar. You can also mix Italian seasoning into canned tomato sauce if that's all you have.

Egg

Mixing an egg into the ricotta mixture helps bind the ricotta and parmesan cheese together.

Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with amounts used to make the recipe.

ingredients for spaghetti squash lasagna recipe

Instructions

The first thing you’ll need to do is cook the spaghetti squash using the method you prefer. Then the strands of spaghetti squash are layered in with pasta sauce, meat, and cheese.

Cook Spaghetti Squash

I used to cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and bake it cut side down on a baking sheet with a little water until tender. But there are a few other ways that are a bit easier.

My favorite method is pressuring cooking it in an Instant Pot. It takes only ten minutes to cook under pressure plus the time to come to pressure and quickly release pressure.

If you have more time, it can be cooked whole in a slow cooker. But if you’re in a rush to make lasagna with spaghetti squash and don’t have a pressure cooker, the microwave method is the best option.

spaghetti squash in electric pressure cooker

Brown meat

While the spaghetti squash is cooking, you’ll want to brown the ground beef by cooking in a large skillet over medium-high. Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can also be used if desired. Or leave the meat out for a vegetarian lasagna.

I like to season the meat with things like chopped green pepper, garlic, and salt.

browning the ground beef in iron skillet

Prepare cheese

The cheese layer is made by combining ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and a large egg in a medium bowl. You'll also want to have a cup of shredded mozzarella ready to top off the casserole.

Assemble and bake

You can use either a 9×9-inch or 7×11-inch baking dish for the lasagna. A square 8×8-inch pan should work as well.

The cooked spaghetti squash noodles are spread into the bottom of the baking pan first. Then the ricotta cheese mixture is spread over them and the meat is sprinkled on top. The sauce is spread over the meat and topped off with a sprinkling of mozzarella.

It's then baked in the preheated oven until the mozzarella begins to brown. Baking time is about 25 to 30 minutes. The dish is very hot straight from the oven so you may want to let it cool down for 5 or 10 minutes before serving.

Quick tips

Use a kitchen town to prevent watery spaghetti squash lasagna. Before using the cooked spaghetti squash, put it in a kitchen towel and squeeze out most of the water. Otherwise, your casserole may become runny.
Spice it up! Sprinkle in a dash or two of red pepper flakes into the meat or tomato sauce.
Make spaghetti squash lasagna boats. Just use each spaghetti squash shell half to make the dish in instead of a baking pan.

️ Serving suggestions

For an easy dinner, I like to serve the dish with a side salad. But if company is coming over I’ll serve my baby kale avocado salad along with some keto biscuits or low carb breadsticks.

spaghetti squash lasagna slice on white plate with casserole dish

FAQs

Before getting to the printable recipe, here are some questions people often ask about this keto lasagna. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

How do I reheat leftovers?

This spaghetti squash lasagna recipe makes plenty of servings so you’ll likely have leftovers. The best way to reheat single servings is the microwave. The time needed will vary, depending on the wattage. I find 50% power for about 1 to 2 minutes works well in my 900 watt microwave.

Can it be frozen to cook later?

If you like to make your own freezer meals, this spaghetti squash bake can be prepared then placed in the freezer. Just be sure to assemble it into a pan that can go from the freezer to a hot oven.

How do I cook a frozen lasagna?

There’s no need to thaw the uncooked frozen casserole. Simply remove the cover and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 45 minutes.

What's the carb count?

Each serving of this spaghetti squash lasagna has about 4 grams of total carbs (not net carbs). So even if you have a larger piece or even two servings, it shouldn’t be enough to kick you out of ketosis if you’re following a keto diet.

spaghetti squash lasagna served on plate with fork

Did you know that spaghetti squash is also called vegetable spaghetti? I just learned that fact on an article at Wikipedia!

Here’s a few more low-carb casseroles to make with this tasty winter squash:

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is another easy dish to make on busy days.
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole combines cheddar and broccoli for a simple main dish or side.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole is a great way to use up leftover meat from the night before.

What’s your favorite dish to make with these keto spaghetti noodles?

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Recipe

overhead shot of spaghetti squash lasagna on white plate with casserole dish

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna with Meat Casserole

5 from 14 votes

A low carb lasagna casserole made with spaghetti squash in place of pasta noodles. It's a bit more work, but much healthier for you!

Prep Time:10

Cook Time:25

Total Time:35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Print Pin Review Recipe Save Recipe

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 309