SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH MEAT SAUCE

Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Time 40m

Yield 4 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 can (15 ounces) no salt added or regular tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) Italian-Style diced tomatoes, un-drained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 to 3-1/2 pounds), cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed
Toppings (optional):
Thinly sliced fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1)Heat stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef, onion and garlic; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking beef into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. 2)Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and crushed red pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes to develop flavors, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in basil, if desired. 3)Meanwhile, place squash in 8 x 8-inch microwave-safe baking dish, overlapping halves slightly. Microwave on HIGH 10 to 12 minutes or until squash is tender. Let stand 5 minutes. Scrape squash with fork to separate strands. 4)Serve sauce over squash. Serve with Toppings, if desired. Italian-Style Beef Sausage Variation: Prepare Italian-Style Beef Sausage by combining 1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner) with 1 teaspoon fennel seed, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon coriander, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Proceed as directed in step 1. To Roast Spaghetti Squash: Place squash halves, cut-side down, in 13 x 9-inch ovenproof baking dish. Bake in 350°F oven 45 to 55 minutes or until squash is tender. Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.