Savory Garlic Herb Ground Beef with Spaghetti Squash
Tender spaghetti squash strands tossed with savory browned ground beef, garlic, spinach, and a touch of parmesan cheese. A comforting, tomato-free pasta alternative designed to keep carbs perfectly in check.
Prep
15 min
Cook
40 min
Total
55 min
Makes
6 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Maureen + Lila
Maureen created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
40 min
Total
55 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Large skillet · Sheet pan · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 10 steps complete
Next: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- 01
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Carefully cut each spaghetti squash in half…
Carefully cut each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds and stringy pulp.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Brush the cut sides of the squash…
Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the outer skin is easily pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
Look for: the outer skin is easily pierced with a fork
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
While the squash bakes, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and chopped yellow onion, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains.
Look for: the beef is fully browned and no pink remains
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Stir in the minced garlic clove and…
Stir in the minced garlic clove and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until highly fragrant.
Look for: highly fragrant
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Pour in the beef broth
Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the liquid has slightly reduced.
Look for: the liquid has slightly reduced
Tap card to mark done - 08
Add the baby spinach to the skillet
Add the baby spinach to the skillet, stirring gently for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
Look for: just wilted
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Use a fork to scrape the inner…
Use a fork to scrape the inner flesh of the warm spaghetti squash into spaghetti-like strands. Add the squash strands directly into the skillet with the beef mixture.
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Toss everything together to combine
Toss everything together to combine, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Divide into 6 equal portions to serve immediately or pack into meal prep containers for your lunches.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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