Grilled Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef & Veggies

Do you ever feel like you really need a vacation but don’t have the time or budget? 🏝️ What if you could bring a little bit of that adventure home instead? That’s exactly what happened when this Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef appeared on our dinner table! After taking my kids for a Swan Boat 🦢 ride at the Rainbow Lagoon by Hyatt Regency Long Beach, they couldn’t stop asking for another boat ride—preferably on a different kind of boat. Since weekend boat trips aren’t exactly in the budget every week, I decided to surprise them with a dinner that felt just as fun! 🎉

We had spent the afternoon cruising around Shoreline Village 🚴, indulging in churros and funnel cake sundaes at The Funnel House, shopping at Pike Outlets 🛍️, and ending the day with dinner at the Yard House 🍽️, where I fell in love with their Whiskey Glazed Salmon. But since I couldn’t keep up with boat rides and restaurant outings every weekend, I figured I’d let them eat out of a boat instead. With a sturdy wooden boat as a serving tray in hand and a perfectly ripe spaghetti squash, I had the perfect setup to trick my veggie-hating daughter into enjoying a colorful, healthy meal.

Grilling the spaghetti squash adds a smoky depth 🔥, and its tender, spaghetti-like strands mix beautifully with the hearty ground beef filling. The sautéed mushrooms 🍄, bell peppers , onions 🧅, and cherry tomatoes bring layers of flavor and nutrition, making this a powerhouse meal. Low in calories and packed with fiber, spaghetti squash is a perfect pasta alternative 🍝💛, while ground beef provides essential protein and iron 💪. The bell peppers and cherry tomatoes add a boost of antioxidants and vitamins A and C, making every bite both delicious and nutritious. 🌟

When I served the spaghetti squash with ground beef, my kids were over the moon 🌙 with excitement, and my daughter, who usually avoids vegetables, actually enjoyed her meal! She even said the spaghetti squash reminded her of vermicelli—mission accomplished! ✔️ Then, of course, came the next big question: Where can we take a boat ride in a boat that looks exactly like this?! 🚤 We had a blast shredding the spaghetti squash and mixing it up with the filling, turning dinner into an interactive experience. 🥳

Hope you will enjoy eating out of a boat while we all daydream about our next boat ride! ⛵

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef Recipe:

✅ Nutritious & Low-Carb – A perfect pasta substitute with fewer carbs and more nutrients🥗
✅ Packed with Flavor – The mix of grilled squash, seasoned beef, and colorful veggies makes every bite irresistible 🍖🍅
✅ Easy to Make – Simple steps with a big payoff—perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner⏳
✅ Beautiful Presentation – Serving in the squash shells makes for a stunning dish 🍽️✨

Nutritional Benefits:

• Spaghetti Squash – Low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins C and B6 🌿
• Lean Ground Beef – A great source of protein and iron, keeping you full and energized 💪🔥
• Bell Peppers & Tomatoes – Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and vibrant natural sweetness 🍅
• Mushrooms & Onions – Boost immunity and add deep, earthy flavors 🍄🧅

Ingredients:

• 1 Whole Spaghetti Squash – Grilled for a smoky, tender base 🍽️
• 2 Pounds 80% Lean Ground Beef – Adjust fat content to your preference 🥩
• ¼ Large each – Red, Yellow, Orange, Green Bell Pepper – Diced for a colorful crunch 🟡🟠🟢
• 5 Cloves Garlic – Minced for bold, aromatic flavor 🧄
• ½ Large Onion – Chopped for a sweet, savory balance 🧅
• 6 Whole Mushrooms – Sliced for umami goodness 🍄
• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes – Halved for juicy bursts of flavor 🍅
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Enhances the texture and taste 🫒✨
• 1 Tablespoon Pink Himalayan Salt – Adds depth and balance 🧂
• 1 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper – For a hint of spice 🌶️

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef:

Step 1: Gather and Prep the Ingredients 🛒

Prepare all ingredients for your spaghetti squash with ground beef by chopping the onions, mincing the garlic, slicing the mushrooms, dicing the bell peppers, halving the cherry tomatoes, and cutting the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise to remove the seeds.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill for the Squash 🔥

Preheat the grill to medium heat, brush the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with olive oil, and place them cut-side down on the grill to cook for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics 🍳

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef & Add Mushrooms 🥩🍄

Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper, break it apart as it cooks, and once halfway browned, stir in the sliced mushrooms to absorb the rich flavors.

Step 5: Bring in the Color with Bell Peppers 🌈

Stir in the diced red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they slightly soften while maintaining their vibrant color.

Step 6: Simmer with Juicy Cherry Tomatoes 🍅

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, mix well, and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 7: Prepare the Squash for Serving 🍽️

Remove the grilled spaghetti squash from the heat, let it cool for a few minutes, then use a fork to scrape the inside, creating delicate spaghetti-like strands.

Step 8: Fill the Spaghetti Squash Boats with Ground Beef & Serve! 🚤

Spoon the savory ground beef mixture into each spaghetti squash half, garnish with fresh herbs or cheese if desired, and serve your spaghetti squash with ground beef hot for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Pro Tips for Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef:

⭐ Choose a ripe spaghetti squash with firm skin for the best texture 🍠
⭐ Want extra flavor? Add a dash of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper 🌿
⭐ Grill marks add character! They enhance the squash’s natural sweetness 🔥
⭐ Leftovers? Store separately and reheat for a quick meal 🍱

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 🤔🍽️

❓ Can I cook the spaghetti squash with ground beef in the oven instead of grilling? 🔥

Yes! If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and roast for about 35-40 minutes until fork-tender.

❓ What’s the best way to cut spaghetti squash? 🔪

For easier cutting, pierce the squash a few times with a sharp knife and microwave it for 3-5 minutes to soften the skin. Then, slice it lengthwise with a sturdy knife, scoop out the seeds, and get ready to cook!

❓ Can I use a different type of ground meat? 🥩🐔

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.

❓ How do I store and reheat leftovers? 🍱

Store leftover spaghetti squash with ground beef mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

If You Loved This Recipe, Try These Other Beef Recipes! 🥩🍽️

If you enjoyed this Grilled Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef, you’ll love these other flavorful and satisfying beef dishes! For a comforting and hearty meal, try our Instant Pot Beef Stew, which delivers rich, tender beef and vegetables in a deliciously seasoned broth—all in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot. If you’re craving bold, savory flavors with a touch of takeout-inspired goodness, check out our Chinese Beef and Broccoli, a quick and easy stir-fry featuring tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a perfectly balanced soy-garlic sauce. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy stew or a fresh, vibrant stir-fry, these recipes are sure to satisfy your beef cravings! 🍜🔥