Spaghetti Squash Monterey Recipe
A creamy and cheesy baked spaghetti squash dish featuring sautéed onions, sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese, topped with smoked paprika for a flavorful finish. This comforting and low-carb casserole makes a perfect side or vegetarian main.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Squash
- 1 spaghetti squash
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Seasonings
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves face down in a microwave-safe dish with about 1/4 inch of water. Cover with wax paper and microwave on high for 14 to 16 minutes until the squash is tender. Let it cool for 5 minutes before using a fork to scrape out the strands into a medium bowl.
- Sauté Onion: While the squash is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and transparent, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the sautéed onion, sour cream, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the grated Monterey Jack cheese into the bowl with the spaghetti squash strands. Stir everything together well to combine.
- Assemble Casserole: Butter a casserole dish or large pie plate. Transfer the squash mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese over the top and dust with smoked paprika to your liking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the casserole for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Microwaving the squash significantly reduces cooking time compared to baking whole in the oven.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- Smoked paprika adds depth of flavor but regular paprika can be used if unavailable.
- This dish works well as a vegetarian main or a side dish to grilled or roasted meats.
- Ensure to scrape with a fork to separate the squash into long noodles for the best texture.
Keywords: spaghetti squash casserole, cheesy spaghetti squash, baked spaghetti squash, Monterey Jack cheese recipe, vegetarian squash casserole
Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/spaghetti-squash-monterey-recipe/
