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    Home » Main Dishes » Butternut Squash & Zoodle Spaghetti Bake

    Butternut Squash & Zoodle Spaghetti Bake

    Published: Sep 24, 2020 · Modified: Sep 10, 2023 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 40 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    I love pasta, but also love it when my jeans fit. 😀 So it’s always a good idea to have some pasta substitutes around for when the craving hits.

    This one uses spiralized butternut squash and zucchini baked with a simple spaghetti sauce. It’s delicious!

    A serving of butternut squash and zucchini spaghetti bake on a plate with salad.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients Needed
    • How to make this Butternut Squash Spaghetti Bake
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients Needed

    • Butternut squash noodles (fresh or frozen - about 12 oz)
    • Zucchini noodles (fresh or frozen - about 12 oz)
    • Ground beef (1 pound)
    • Olive oil (for browning beef)
    • Marinara sauce (24 oz )
    • Garlic cloves (2)
    • Shredded cheese, 2 cups (Italian cheese blend or mozzarella)
    • Seasoning: salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
    Ingredients: shredded cheese, spiralized squash, garlic, marinara sauce, ground beef, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.

    How to make this Butternut Squash Spaghetti Bake

    Like most casseroles, the individual pieces are cooked and then assembled. The time in the oven is very short, just long enough to melt the cheese and make it delightfully gooey. 😀

    Start with the ground beef. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasonings and then continue cooking until well browned. Add in the minced garlic, then add the marinara sauce. Simmer this for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Meat and sauce simmering in a pan.

    In the meantime, preheat the oven and start cooking the veggies. I have used the frozen packages of spiralized vegetable noodles (so convenient!) as well as fresh. In either case, you only need to microwave the veggies briefly to pre-cook them.

    Fresh zoodles in a microwave safe dish.

    I recommend about 5 minutes each (add a splash of water to the fresh spirals). Once each is done, drain the excess water from the noodles before proceeding.

    Mix the sauce with the spiralized butternut squash and zucchini, then add in half of the shredded cheese.

    Spiralized zoodles and butternut squash noodles added to the spaghetti sauce.

    Transfer this mixture into a casserole dish. I used a 2 ½ quart size, but a 9x13 would work as well. Spread the rest of the shredded cheese over the top.

    Mixture placed in a casserole dish with shredded cheese on top.

    Bake, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese has melted and casserole is warmed through.

    Baked spaghetti casserole showing melted cheese on top.

    Variations and Substitutions

    Of course, there are plenty of ways to change this up to suit your preferences, here are a few ideas:

    Marinara sauce: you can use any marinara or pasta sauce you prefer. If trying to minimize carbs, I have found Rao’s to have the lowest carb count of any on the shelves. Look for the “sensitive” version for the lowest. Don’t be afraid to be the nutty person reading every label in the pasta sauce aisle to compare – it’s incredible how much added sugar some brands have!

    Veggie spirals: the recipe I originally found for this used 2 packages of butternut squash spirals. I like the combo of the two different types, but all squash is another way to go as well!

    In addition, many stores now carry fresh spiralized veggies. These will also work well, just be sure to cook them first according to the package instructions.

    Of course, you can always spiralize your own. I own a spiralizer and it works great for zucchini. Butternut squash? Well, let’s just say it’s a bit more challenging. Unless you are growing your own and simply have to do something with all your squash, I personally recommend purchasing pre-spiralized noodles to save yourself the headache. Just sayin.

    Ground beef: though I haven’t tried it yet, I think pork sausage is fabulous in marinara sauce and I’m sure would be terrific in this casserole.

    What I have tried is impossible burger. You’ve heard of this, yes? Available at Burger King and many restaurants nationwide, Impossible burger is a meat substitute which tastes surprisingly close to the real thing. I was thrilled to find a package available at my local grocery store recently and knew I had to try it. I used it in this casserole, and it was a hit!  It made a completely delicious vegetarian butternut squash spaghetti bake. Which is quite a mouthful, but it does describe what it was. LOL

    Pin for Butternut squash spaghetti bake - aka spaghetti zoodles with butternut squash.

    Serving suggestions

    This is an all-inclusive meal: protein and veggies are covered very well. No “starch” which of course is the intent. 😀 I like to serve with a simple green salad just for a contrasting texture and taste.

    📖 Recipe

    Butternut squash and zoodle spaghetti bake served on a plate.
    5 from 94 votes
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    Butternut Squash Spaghetti Bake

    Delicious spaghetti bake with spiralized veggies!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time45 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 430kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • 12 oz butternut squash spirals fresh or frozen
    • 12 oz zucchini spirals fresh or frozen
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning beef
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 24 oz marinara sauce
    • 2 cups cheese shredded (Italian blend or Mozzarella)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350F.
    • Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add ground beef and seasonings. Cook until thoroughly browned.
    • Add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds. Then add marinara sauce and stir to incorporate.
    • Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
    • Cook the veggie spiral packages one at a time according to package directions. Drain excess liquid from each package.
    • Mix sauce and veggie spirals together in the skillet or a large bowl. Add half the shredded cheese and mix.
    • Transfer to a 2 ½ to 3-quart casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
    • Bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes, until casserole is warmed through and cheese is melted.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 1080mg | Potassium: 964mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 7009IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 343mg | Iron: 4mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

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    Filed Under: Beef, Main Dishes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Evi

      September 16, 2022 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a yummy recipe. I loved how the butternut squash came out!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 16, 2022 at 2:43 pm

        It's yummy every time!

        Reply
    2. Jessica Formicola

      September 16, 2022 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      I love butternut squash, so this pasta was right up my alley! Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 16, 2022 at 2:43 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Tayler

      September 16, 2022 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      I made this bake for dinner last night and my whole family loved it! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 16, 2022 at 2:43 pm

        I'm so glad your family loved it as much as mine does - thank you for the kind review!

        Reply
    4. Julia

      October 22, 2020 at 11:30 pm

      5 stars
      Love this comforting recipe with no guilt! Butternut squash is amazing!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 23, 2020 at 6:51 am

        Isn't it? I love how it makes this all sweet and savory! And so healthy!

        Reply
    5. Cindy

      October 22, 2020 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      My kiddos and I made this together! We have been spending a lot more time in the kitchen lately and its so fun. They really enjoyed making this recipe but they enjoyed eating it even more! Thanks for this delish creation, we are adding it to our “make again” list!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 23, 2020 at 6:50 am

        Definitely perfect for kids! Spaghetti taste, with all those additional nutrients from the spiralized veggies! I'm so glad you all liked it!

        Reply
    6. Jamie

      October 22, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this is the perfect recipe to get out my spiralizer! I love how it uses butternut squash instead of pasta noodles. Definitely a keeper for when I'm craving something lower carb!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 23, 2020 at 6:48 am

        Yes I love that it is lower in carbs and so healthy!

        Reply
    7. Lisa Huff

      October 22, 2020 at 6:41 pm

      5 stars
      I love that you use both the butternut squash and zucchini in this! I'm trying to eat less pasta over here so this is perfect!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 22, 2020 at 6:55 pm

        I hope you give it a try!

        Reply
    8. Beth

      October 22, 2020 at 6:26 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious and tasty! My family is going to love this recipe! I can't wait to make this!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 22, 2020 at 6:54 pm

        It's family friendly for sure!

        Reply
    9. Swathi

      October 12, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      Looks delicous I love butternut squash never tried as spaghetti bake, sure goign to try it.

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 12, 2020 at 3:05 pm

        Oh it's worth trying!

        Reply
    10. Lilly

      October 11, 2020 at 10:05 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, so tasty!! Thanks for the recipe

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 12, 2020 at 6:31 am

        I love it - I'm so glad you do too!

        Reply
    11. Amanda Marie Boyle

      October 10, 2020 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      So good. I love butternut in the fall, and lasagna anytime!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 10, 2020 at 11:55 am

        Its delicious!

        Reply
    12. Amy

      October 10, 2020 at 12:03 am

      5 stars
      You know I have done lots of spirals but never butternut squash! What a great idea. This recipe was great.

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 10, 2020 at 10:31 am

        So glad you enjoyed it Amy. I love butternut squash, and the combination with spaghetti sauce is so good!

        Reply
    13. FOODHEAL

      October 09, 2020 at 10:48 pm

      5 stars
      I love butternut, I am sure this recipe is super delicious

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 10, 2020 at 10:32 am

        Yes it is super yummy!

        Reply
    14. Heather

      October 09, 2020 at 10:21 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks! What a delicious recipe and great way to use squash!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 10, 2020 at 10:32 am

        Yes its a good way to sneak in some extra veggies!

        Reply
    15. Sherry Ronning

      October 09, 2020 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      I love trying different butternut squash recipes. Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 10, 2020 at 10:34 am

        You're very welcome - I hope you try it soon.

        Reply
    16. Emily Flint

      October 09, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious spagghetti bake recipe and a great way to hide veggies from the kids. I had no idea you could get frozen spirilized veggies and now that I do, it's a game changer!

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 10, 2020 at 10:48 am

        Oh yes, I am a BIG fan of the frozen veggie spirals!

        Reply
    17. Sanna

      October 04, 2020 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Sula

        October 04, 2020 at 9:10 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    18. Big Trouble

      September 25, 2020 at 11:35 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness, this looks mouthwatering and the perfect dish to welcome fall! I'm definitely going to try this with vegan substitutes. Thanks, Sula!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 25, 2020 at 3:08 pm

        Try it for sure - the version with Impossible Burger was so delish!

        Reply
    19. Blake Moon

      September 24, 2020 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      This is fantastic!

      Reply
      • Sula

        September 25, 2020 at 3:02 pm

        I'm glad you liked it, thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
      • Heather

        October 09, 2020 at 10:20 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks! What a delicious recipe for spaghetti squash!

        Reply
        • Sula

          October 10, 2020 at 10:34 am

          Yes I love the combination of spaghetti flavors with butternut squash!

          Reply

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