Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Okay, so I have to first say that I got this recipe from one of my very best friends Michelle. I have since been asked my MANY people for the recipe, so I decided I would share it on here. This is AMAZINGLY delicious! There are different ways to cook the squash. Some have suggested poking holes in the whole squash and baking it on a cookie sheet @350 for one hour. I just chop it into large pieces and steam it in my steamer, but it needs to be a pretty large steamer. I know that when I cooked this for the first time I was not prepared for the prep time on the squash. It is so worth it though and a very good alternative to pasta. 

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 medium spaghetti squash

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 zucchinis choppped into small pieces

1 28oz. can of chopped tomatoes

1 medium yellow onion chopped

3 cloves of garlic minced

1 yellow bell pepper chopped

1 t. dried oregano

Salt & Pepper to taste

3/4 c. part-skim mozzarella cheese grated

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese grated

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Prepare to cook the squash: Cut the squash in half length wise and put skin side down into a pan with about 1 inch of water.  Cover with foil and cook for 45 minutes or until the squash is cooked through and tender.

3.  While the squash cooks, heat the oil in a pan.  Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until they are translucent.

4.  Add the garlic, zucchini and bell pepper and saute until the veggies are soft.

5. Add the tomatoes, spices and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.

6.  Remove the squash when it is finished.  Let it cool to a temperature where you can handle it.  Scoop out any seeds and squeeze any excess water out of the meat.

7. In a bowl use a fork to break up the squash and create long strands like spaghetti.  Add the vegetable/tomato mixture and mix well.

8. Spray a casserole dish and add half the mixture to the bottom.  Top with some of the mozzarella cheese.  Add the rest of the mixture and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.  Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Tip: I like to put the oven on broil for the last 2 minutes (watch carefully through oven door!) and get the cheese all brown and bubbly.

Enjoy,
April