Description
This Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash is a flavorful and healthier twist on the classic cheeseburger. Featuring lean ground turkey, cooked spaghetti squash, and a tangy blend of ketchup, mustard, and pickles, it’s a comforting baked dish topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this casserole combines familiar flavors in a low-carb, nutritious way.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Produce
- 950g cooked spaghetti squash (about 1 large spaghetti squash)
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped pickles
Meat
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean) – can substitute with ground beef
Dairy and Eggs
- ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded lite cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 large eggs
Oils and Condiments
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mustard
Spices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Prepare your spaghetti squash by cooking it using your preferred method—such as roasting or microwaving—then shred the flesh with a fork to create spaghetti-like strands.
- Brown Meat and Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent. Then add ground turkey, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the mixture, breaking up the meat, until it is browned and fully cooked through.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti squash with the browned turkey mixture. Stir in ketchup, mustard, Greek yogurt, and chopped pickles, integrating all the flavors evenly.
- Add Eggs and Cheese: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the spaghetti squash mixture, then pour in the whisked eggs. Mix everything well to combine the eggs and cheese throughout the casserole base.
- Bake: Transfer the mixed casserole ingredients into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to firm up for easier portioning and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- To cook spaghetti squash, roast in a 400°F oven for about 40 minutes or microwave for 10-12 minutes until tender.
- Ground beef can be used instead of turkey for a richer flavor.
- The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and nonfat Greek yogurt as indicated.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
