Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese
Try this Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese recipe.
Try this Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese recipe.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 bay leaf
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 small sweet onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- grated parmesan cheese for serving
- 1 pound spicy italian sausage (or ground beef) 1 pound lea diced 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated kosher salt and pepper 1 (32 ounce) can peeled tomatoes (i like san marzano) 1/4 cup tomato paste 1 teaspoon oregano 1 bay leaf 1 cup whole milk 1 medium to large spaghetti squash, rinsed 8 ounces burrata or mozzarel
- 1 pound spicy italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 (32 ounce) can peeled tomatoes (i like san marzano
- 1 medium to large spaghetti squash rinsed
- 8 ounces burrata or mozzarella cheese
- Carbohydrate 40.42676 g
- Cholesterol 297.8850405 mg
- Fat 47.124867 g
- Fiber 6.35189984107017 g
- Protein 97.370154 g
- Saturated Fat 19.0954433746 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2017g)
- Sodium 557.7619642 mg
- Sugar 34.0748601589298 g
- Trans Fat 6.1681300065 g
- Calories 983 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, ground beef, and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned all over and the onion is soft, about 5-8 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the meat to your crockpot. Add the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, bay leaves, milk, and 1/2 cup water. Stir to combine.
- Add the spaghetti squash to the center. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Carefully remove the squash from the crockpot and transfer to a cutting board. Wipe away any grease and then carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds, then using a fork, scrape the squash into strands.
- If the sauce is soupy, crank the heat up to high and let it cook for 30 minutes or until thickened.
- To serve, divide the spaghetti squash among bowls and ladle the bolognese over top. Add the cheese and a sprinkle of basil or parsley. Enjoy!
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner preparation often feels like a race against the clock, a frantic dash between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the ever-present demands of family life. So when I stumbled upon this Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese recipe, I was immediately intrigued. The promise of a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooked itself was too tempting to resist. I'm a firm believer in "make-ahead" meals. Anything that reduces my weeknight kitchen stress is a win.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The crockpot does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over several hours. While the magic happens in the slow cooker, I can focus on other things; catching up on emails, helping with homework, or simply enjoying a moment of peaceful calm. This is a significant shift from my usual dinner routine, where the kitchen transforms into a whirlwind of chopping, stirring, and sautéing. The result? A delicious meal that tastes like I spent hours slaving over a hot stove, but with a fraction of the effort.
The ingredients are readily available, most commonly found in any well-stocked pantry. The combination of spicy Italian sausage (or ground beef, for a milder version), rich tomato sauce, and sweet spaghetti squash creates a symphony of textures and tastes. The squash, cooked low and slow, becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the savory flavors of the bolognese. It's a perfect balance of hearty and healthy, satisfying both my family's cravings and my commitment to mindful eating.
I've adapted this recipe to suit our family's preferences. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, while other times I opt for a milder sausage. The beauty of home cooking is the ability to personalize and experiment. The recipe is a great starting point. Feel free to add your own creative twists and variations. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of color and fragrance, but even without it, this dish is truly delightful.
The entire process is remarkably straightforward. Brown the meat, throw everything into the crockpot, and let it simmer. The result is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering. It's become a regular fixture on our dinner rotation, a testament to its ease and deliciousness. Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
More than just a recipe, this Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese represents a shift in my approach to cooking. It's a reminder that delicious, nourishing meals don't always require hours of laborious preparation. With a little planning and a helpful appliance, even a busy woman can create culinary magic in the kitchen. And the best part? The leftovers are just as satisfying the next day!
This Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Bolognese isn't just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious recipes that make life easier and more enjoyable. It's a perfect solution for those who are short on time but still crave a flavorful, satisfying meal. Try it; you won't regret it!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the meat with lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mozzarella.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
