topic Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs in Recipes

Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

beach-mom — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 07:50:52 GMT

I made this tonight, and my family loved it - even my "picky eater" DD!

The spaghetti part is courtesy of Michael Chiarello!

Spaghetti (Squash) and Meatballs

I medium to large spaghetti squash

1/8 c. extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 large jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce (I used Prego Roasted Garlic and Herbs)

6 large meatballs

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Baste the inside of each half with the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake flesh side down about one hour or until fully cooked. Remove from oven and let cool a little bit. Meanwhile heat the sauce and meatballs. When squash is cool enough to handle, but still warm, use a fork to scrape the strands from the inside. Serve topped with sauce and meatballs, and top with cheese. Makes 4-5 servings.

Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

AuntG — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 02:33:03 GMT

Wish I could try it but the one food DH has asked that I never make again is spaghetti squash. That was back when I was trying one meatless entrée a week. I actually think this would taste pretty good.

Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

PurpleBunny — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 02:35:56 GMT

The frozen turkey meatballs from Trader Joe's are good and better for you. I use them in soup all the time. Yummy.

Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

beach-mom — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 06:48:46 GMT

On 2/26/2014 AuntG said:
Wish I could try it but the one food DH has asked that I never make again is spaghetti squash. That was back when I was trying one meatless entrée a week. I actually think this would taste pretty good.

Maybe you could try it one more time? I cook with spaghetti squash a lot, but I've never used it before AS spaghetti. DD was reluctant, but she LOVED it! In fact, she asked if I'd make it again next week! And she won't eat it any other way. I made pork with it New Year's Day (one of Emeril's newest cookbook recipes). DH and I loved it; the kids - not so much!

PB - I'll give those turkey meatballs a try. I love TJ's. Thanks for the recommendation!

Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

Azcowgirl — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 06:55:51 GMT

I do this with spaghetti squash also.....and I love how a whole spaghetti squash will last in the crisper drawer for what seems like for ever !!! .....(I have a bad habit of not using all the veggies before they go bad ):

Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

FallowedGround — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 02:16:33 GMT

I went wheat free about a year ago,and replaced pasta with spaghetti squash. It was delicious. I store the squash after cooking in L&L STRAINER CONTAINER like the one for olives,etc) to let the excess water drain off. I am now trying to see if it freezes well. I think it's perfect for spaghetti type meals.

Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

sylvan — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 04:16:48 GMT

Spaghetti squash is my favorite squash, so versatile! I love serving it your way with turkey meatballs and turkey hot sausage cooked in my homemade sauce!!!

Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

Danielle46 — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 04:22:13 GMT

I love Spaghetti Squash and so does my husband. I have been making it for years. I also add caramelized onion to it along with the sauce and cheese. I have one on my kitchen counter right now waiting to be cooked. One thing about Spaghetti squash is that you can do lots of things with it. I have also had it with pesto sauce, caramelized onion and grated cheese. Delish.

Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

sylvan — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 04:44:32 GMT

F'Ground.....PLEASE let us know how it freezes, I'd love to do this!

Re: Spaghetti (squash) and meatballs

FallowedGround — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 18:16:25 GMT

Sure! After the squash is cooked and drained well (I let it sit in a strainer type container overnight in the fridge, and just drained it every so often--it seems to keep well). I then placed it in a freezer bag completely flattened out. Mind, this squash keeps retaining/draining water, so it needs to be as "dry" as possible. After it froze, I broke it in small chunks in the bag, kind of like we do peanut brittle), and broke off what I needed. I placed it on the bottom on a pasta bowl, and placed the meat sauce, etc., on top and nuked it. It retained the same texture and flavor, no problem. Hopefully, it will keep in the freezer for a month or so. Hope that ansers it.