Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe
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If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want something a little lighter and more inventive, this Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine tender strands of spaghetti squash mingling with perfectly browned ground turkey, melty cheddar cheese, and that classic combination of ketchup, mustard, and pickles — all baked together into one irresistible, hearty casserole. It’s a low-carb, flavor-packed spin on an American favorite that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep with a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the nostalgic cheeseburger taste you love, while the spaghetti squash adds a fun and healthy texture. Together, they balance richness, tang, and freshness in perfect harmony.
- 950g cooked spaghetti squash: This acts as your pasta base, offering a light, slightly sweet texture that soaks up all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéeing the onions and browning the meat, essential for building deep flavor.
- ½ yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth when softened.
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean): The protein star of the casserole with a lean profile; can switch to ground beef if preferred for a richer taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Lends a gentle heat that complements the savory elements.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers an aromatic warmth that’s essential to savory dishes.
- ½ cup ketchup: Brings that familiar sweet and tangy cheeseburger flair.
- ¼ cup mustard: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy kick that lifts the dish.
- ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the casserole creamy while lightening the fat content.
- ½ cup chopped pickles: Introduces a delightful crunch and tartness reminiscent of your favorite burger toppings.
- 1 cup shredded lite cheddar cheese, divided: Provides gooey, melty cheesiness with fewer calories.
- 3 large eggs: These help bind everything together, giving the casserole a satisfying, firm structure.
How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and create that irresistible golden crust. Meanwhile, cook your spaghetti squash by roasting it or steaming—whichever you prefer—to get those tender, spaghetti-like strands ready to be mixed into your casserole.
Step 2: Brown Meat and Sauté Onions
Next, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and toss in the diced onions. Cook until they become soft and translucent — this step unlocks their natural sweetness. Then add your ground turkey along with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the meat is fully browned and nicely crumbled. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and combine your cooked spaghetti squash with the savory, browned turkey and onions. Stir in ketchup, mustard, Greek yogurt, and chopped pickles to infuse the mixture with that iconic cheeseburger flavor profile. This blend is the heart of the recipe, balancing creaminess, tang, and a hint of crunch.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Cheese
In a separate bowl, whisk the three large eggs until smooth, which will help bind the casserole as it bakes. Mix half of the shredded cheddar cheese into your spaghetti squash mixture, then pour in the eggs and stir everything together thoroughly. This step ensures every bite will be cohesive and full of cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your well-mixed concoction to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake it in the preheated oven for about one hour until the casserole is set and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and golden brown. This baking time lets all the flavors meld together deliciously and forms that perfect crust we all adore.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for about 15 minutes. This little pause makes slicing and serving easier while allowing flavors to settle, ensuring every mouthful is as yummy as possible.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten each bite. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra mustard for guests who like an extra tangy kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies adds a lovely freshness and balances out the richness. Some oven-roasted asparagus or crunchy coleslaw also make perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets to make each portion feel special. You can also top it with sliced avocado or crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of indulgence that your friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for even longer, you can freeze this casserole. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will stay good for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but baking helps retain the casserole’s texture and brings back that delightful melted cheese experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef will give your casserole a richer flavor, closer to a traditional cheeseburger. Just choose lean beef to keep it balanced.
How do I cook the spaghetti squash?
You can roast a halved squash in the oven at 400°F for about 40 minutes or microwave pierced squash for 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
Is Greek yogurt necessary?
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang without extra fat, but you can substitute sour cream or mayonnaise if you prefer a different texture and flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based yogurt. The casserole will still be delicious with a slight twist.
What if I don’t have pickles on hand?
Pickles are key for that tangy crunch, but you can use relish or chopped capers as substitutes to keep the flavor bright and interesting.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe is such a joyful take on a classic favorite, combining comfort with a healthy twist that anyone can appreciate. It’s perfect as a crowd-pleaser or a cozy weeknight meal, and I can’t wait for you to bring all those incredible cheeseburger flavors to your table in this fun, satisfying casserole. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a low-carb, nutritious casserole alternative. Featuring ground turkey, tangy pickles, and a blend of ketchup, mustard, and Greek yogurt, this dish is baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a wholesome and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 950g cooked spaghetti squash (about 1 large spaghetti squash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean) – can substitute with ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mustard
- ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup chopped pickles
- 1 cup shredded lite cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cook the spaghetti squash by your preferred method until tender, 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. Add the ground turkey, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and crumbly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti squash strands, browned ground turkey mixture, ketchup, mustard, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, and chopped pickles. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add Eggs and Cheese: In a separate bowl, whisk the three large eggs until smooth. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the spaghetti squash mixture and then pour in the whisked eggs. Stir thoroughly to combine all components uniformly.
- Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the casserole is set, golden brown, and edges are slightly crispy.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before serving to help it set and make it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef if preferred for a richer flavor.
- Cooking spaghetti squash can be done by roasting, microwaving, or pressure cooking, depending on your preference.
- The Greek yogurt adds creaminess while keeping the casserole lighter compared to mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Ensure the casserole cools properly to allow it to firm up before slicing.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
