If you’ve ever wondered how to transform the classic cheeseburger flavor into a comforting, family-friendly meal, then you’re in for a treat. This Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe brilliantly blends the savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the light, naturally noodle-like texture of spaghetti squash. It’s a deliciously creative twist that’s not only lower in carbs than your average casserole but packed with wholesome ingredients that make every bite satisfying and full of flavor. Trust me, this dish is going to become one of those favorites you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of taste and texture, from the tender strands of spaghetti squash to the rich, cheesy topping that pulls everything together. These staples are easy to find and come together in a way that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
- 950g cooked spaghetti squash: Acts as the low-carb base, providing a mild, slightly sweet texture that mimics noodles perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the mix.
- ½ yellow onion, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the savory ground meat.
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean): A lean protein base that’s easy to brown and soak up everything around it; swap with ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that’s irresistible.
- ½ cup ketchup: The classic cheeseburger sweet-and-tangy sauce element that ties the flavors together.
- ¼ cup mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness.
- ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, making the casserole light yet satisfying.
- ½ cup chopped pickles: Offers crunchy bursts of acidity that keep every spoonful exciting.
- 1 cup shredded lite cheddar cheese, divided: Gives you that signature gooey, melty cheese goodness—half mixed in, half for the topping.
- 3 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together into a perfect, sliceable casserole.
How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 9×9 inch baking dish. Cooking the spaghetti squash properly is key—whether you roast, microwave, or steam it, make sure it’s tender enough to shred into spaghetti-like strands with a fork. This step sets the stage for the casserole’s unique texture.
Step 2: Brown Meat and Sauté Onions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add your diced onion. Cook until it softens and turns translucent, releasing a lovely sweetness. Next, add the ground turkey, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Cook everything until the meat is nicely browned and crumbled. This savory mixture forms the hearty heart of your casserole.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked spaghetti squash and browned meat mixture. Stir in ketchup, mustard, Greek yogurt, and chopped pickles. This blend introduces that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor with layers of tangy, creamy, and crunchy notes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Cheese
Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl until smooth, then add half of your shredded cheddar cheese to the spaghetti squash mixture. Pour in the eggs and mix well to ensure everything binds perfectly. The eggs and cheese together will help the casserole set beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake
Now transfer the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a golden, melty crust. Bake for about 1 hour or until the casserole is set and bubbling with a tempting golden color.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, give your casserole about 15 minutes to cool and settle. This step helps everything firm up, so you can slice and serve it neatly. The first bite will reveal creamy, cheesy goodness balanced perfectly with the savory spiced meat and tender strands of spaghetti squash.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this casserole to the next level. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top adds creaminess and balances the savory flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole holds its own but pairs beautifully with a refreshing side salad—think crisp romaine with a lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy coleslaw to add texture contrast. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also complement the hearty base without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a family-style experience or pack leftovers into mason jars for a portable lunch. If entertaining, consider topping with mini pickles or a drizzle of specialty ketchup to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover cheesecake casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, giving you convenient meals without any fuss.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Just pop it into a freezer-safe container after baking and cooling, and it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve its flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. This will bring back that freshly baked goodness as if it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef will give the casserole a richer, more traditional cheeseburger flavor. Just be mindful of the fat content and adjust cooking times to ensure it’s fully cooked and nicely browned.
What if I don’t have spaghetti squash—can I use something else?
If spaghetti squash isn’t available, shredded zucchini or cauliflower rice can be good low-carb alternatives. Keep in mind that the texture and moisture content will vary, so you might need to adjust cooking or baking times slightly.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, the Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe freezes very well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and use proper airtight containers. Reheat gently to maintain the texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when it’s set in the middle and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can test with a knife or toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe enough if you love comfort food with a clever twist. It’s a hearty yet healthy way to enjoy those classic flavors in a completely new form. Give it a try for dinner tonight and watch it become a beloved staple in your rotation.
Print
Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cheeseburger Casserole with Spaghetti Squash recipe offers a delicious low-carb twist on the classic cheeseburger. Combining tender ground turkey, flavorful sautéed onions, shredded spaghetti squash, and a tangy mix of ketchup, mustard, and pickles, all baked together with eggs and cheddar cheese, this casserole delivers rich, comforting flavors with a nutritious boost.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash
- 950g cooked spaghetti squash (about 1 large spaghetti squash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean) – can substitute with ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Mix-ins
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mustard
- ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup chopped pickles
Dairy and Eggs
- 1 cup shredded lite cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cook the spaghetti squash using your preferred method — roasting or microwaving works well — then shred its flesh with a fork until it resembles spaghetti.
- Brown Meat and Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground turkey, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbled thoroughly, about 6-8 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded spaghetti squash with the browned ground turkey and onions. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Greek yogurt, and chopped pickles, mixing thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
- Add Eggs and Cheese: In a separate bowl, whisk the three eggs until fully blended. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the spaghetti squash mixture and stir to combine. Then pour in the whisked eggs and mix well to ensure the casserole will set when baked.
- Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, leveling it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the casserole is firm and the surface turns golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set further and makes for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Spaghetti squash can be cooked by roasting in the oven or microwaving for time efficiency.
- Use lite cheddar cheese to keep the casserole lighter and lower in fat.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking ensures better texture and easier serving.
- Adding Greek yogurt provides creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the ketchup and mustard.
