Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash with Marinara and Meatballs

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash Marinara Meatballs Bliss

By Chef MayaAugust 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy spaghetti without the guilt? Have you ever tried slow cooker spaghetti squash ? It's a game changer. This dish delivers that comforting, familiar flavour, but with a healthy, low-carb twist.

Brief Overview

Spaghetti squash, originally from the Americas, is now a global favourite. This recipe is easy. The total cooking time is between 4 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes.

It yields 4-6 servings, great for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This slow cooker spaghetti squash recipe is packed with fibre and nutrients. It's brilliant for a cosy night in. What makes it special? It's tasty and good for you.

Time to Get Cooking: Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's see what you need.

For the Spaghetti Squash:

You'll need 1 medium spaghetti squash. Aim for around 2-3 lbs.
Grab 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Don't forget 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
And 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

For the Marinara Sauce:

One 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes is a must.
Plus a 15 ounce can of tomato sauce.
Chop up 1 medium onion.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
Another tablespoon of olive oil.
Season it with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
And 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
A little kick? Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
More seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Balance the acid with 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional).

For the Meatballs:

Get 1 pound of ground beef. A blend of 80/20 works best.
You'll need 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Plain or Italian seasoned is fine.
Don't forget 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Crack in 1 large egg.
Chop up 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
Spice it with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Finally, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.

Easy Spaghetti Squash Crock Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

This recipe transforms your slow cooker into a magic pot. You can use a spaghetti squash crock pot to set it and forget it.

Making it Happen: step-by-step Guide

First, prep that squash. Then, mix your marinara. After that, make the meatballs. Next, assemble everything in your slow cooker. Cook it until it's ready. Finally, shred and serve. Sorted!

More Tips and Tricks for Your Spaghetti Squash Recipes Slow Cooker

Don't overfill that slow cooker. You can brown those meatballs first. Crockpot spaghetti squash vegetarian versions can be tasty too.

And remember to check the seasoning!. Are you looking for Healthy crockpot spaghetti squash recipes ? This recipe has you covered!.

You might try slow cooker spaghetti squash with ground turkey for a lighter meal.

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. For this cracking slow cooker spaghetti squash recipe, you'll need a few bits and bobs.

Nothing too fancy, promise! This is so easy, you'll be laughing all the way to the dinner table. Think easy low carb slow cooker recipes that's the vibe we're going for.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's the shopping list, mate! I've included both US and metric measurements, just to keep everyone happy. We're all about making spaghetti squash crock pot recipes accessible.

Spaghetti Squash: 1 medium squash (about 2-3 lbs / 900g-1.4kg ). Make sure it feels heavy for its size. That's a sign it's good!
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) Extra virgin is the best shout, obviously.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml )
Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml )
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can Go for decent quality here. It makes a difference!
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml )
Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml )
Basil: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml )
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, 1.25ml ) If you like a bit of a kick!
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml )
Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml )
Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, 15ml ) Just a touch to balance things out, if needed.
Ground Beef: 1 pound ( 450g ) (80/20 blend is the biz. It's got the right amount of fat for flavour).
Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) (Plain or Italian seasoned, your call).
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) (Grated, of course).
Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten
Parsley: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) (Fresh, chopped. Makes it look all fancy).
Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml )
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml )
Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml )

Kicking It Up A Notch: Seasoning Secrets

Right, so the magic happens with the seasoning, doesn't it? Think Italian vibes. Oregano and basil are your best mates here.

Red pepper flakes add a cheeky bit of heat. Honestly, it's the little things that make all the difference in these healthy crockpot spaghetti squash recipes .

Essential Combo: Oregano + Basil = Italian magic!
Flavour Boosters: Garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Substitutions: Fresh herbs are always better, but dried work too. If you're out of oregano, try marjoram. Sorted!

Bits & Bobs: Equipment You'll Need

Don't go buying a load of fancy stuff. Keep it simple. This spaghetti squash crock pot meal is all about ease.

Slow Cooker: (6-quart or larger) Obvs! It's all about the slow cooker goodness .
Large Bowl: For mixing up the meatballs and sauce.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For wrangling the squash. Be careful now!
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For getting those measurements spot on.

If you haven't got a slow cooker, seriously consider getting one, it's a game changer! And if you're after more inspiration, have a look at spaghetti squash recipes crockpot .

It's all the rage. We aim to please so you can enjoy the best version for your spaghetti squash recipes slow cooker meal.

Whether you're looking for crockpot spaghetti squash vegetarian or slow cooker spaghetti squash boats , you've got it covered! And for all the fitness ensoiasts, slow cooker spaghetti squash with ground turkey is a big win!.

Now let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash

Alright, let's talk slow cooker spaghetti squash . Oh my gosh, this is a game changer! Forget boiling massive pots of water.

This method is so much easier. It's like having a personal chef, only you're the chef, and the slow cooker is doing all the heavy lifting.

This is one of those Easy Low Carb Slow Cooker Recipes you'll keep coming back to!

Prep Steps: Essential Squash iness

First things first, mise en place , darling! Grab your medium spaghetti squash, a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Cut that squash in half lengthwise. Honestly, this can be a right pain. Be careful! Scoop out those seeds. Now, brush the cut sides with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.

step-by-step Process: Slow Cooker Magic

Pour half of your delish marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place those squash halves, cut-side up, right on top of the sauce.
Arrange your meatballs around the squash.
Pour the rest of the sauce over the meatballs and squash.
Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours. The squash is ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Squash Game

Want to elevate your spaghetti squash crock pot experience? First, don't overfill the slow cooker. Give everything some space to breathe! You know? If the meatballs' internal temperature reaches 165F then you are ready.

Plus, for added flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet first. There are many variations of Spaghetti Squash Crock Pot Recipes , but this one has our heart!

Serving it Up

Once cooked, carefully scoop out that lovely squash. Shred it with a fork and then the slow cooker spaghetti squash boats are ready.

Spoon it onto plates, top with your juicy meatballs and sauce. I love sprinkling some fresh parsley on top, maybe even a bit of extra Parmesan.

Ta-da! Dinner is served. This is healthy crockpot spaghetti squash recipes at its finest! Consider that spaghetti squash slow cooker no sauce might need a bit more love, so season it up!

I remember the first time I made this. I was a bit skeptical. Could this actually taste good? And be vegetarian , too? But honestly, I was blown away! It's become a staple in my house.

Give Spaghetti Squash Recipes Crockpot a go and see what all the fuss is about!

Recipe Notes: Making Your Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash Sing

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this slow cooker spaghetti squash recipe, eh? Brilliant choice. It's dead easy and tastes amazing.

But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few things that'll take your Spaghetti Squash Crock Pot Recipes to the next level.

Think of these as little cheat codes for culinary success!

Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters. I'm not saying you need Michelin star skills. Just a bit of flair.

You know? Pile that spaghetti squash high, nestle those meatballs in, and then a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Bam! Suddenly, it's posh.

Serve with a side salad. A bit of green never hurt anyone.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? Course you do. Pop that Spaghetti Squash Crock Pot masterpiece in an airtight container. It'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing is an option, but the squash might get a bit watery. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave.

Honestly, it tastes almost as good the next day. It's great for those easy low carb slow cooker recipes .

Tweak It 'Til You Make It

Fancy a change? Ditch the beef and go for Italian sausage. Brown it first for extra flavour. Veggie? No worries! Use plant based mince.

Add some mushrooms and peppers. This is one of those great crockpot spaghetti squash vegetarian recipes.

Seasonal swaps? In autumn, add some roasted butternut squash cubes. Get creative!

Nutrition Nuggets

This slow cooker spaghetti squash dish is a winner. It's lower in carbs than regular pasta. It is full of fibre. It is loaded with vitamins.

Think of this as comfort food that's actually good for you! It's one of the healthy crockpot spaghetti squash recipes that actually tastes amazing! Consider this for some tasty Spaghetti Squash Recipes Crock Pot .

So there you have it. Everything you need to nail this slow cooker spaghetti squash . Don't be scared to experiment! Cooking should be fun.

Get stuck in! You can even create some slow cooker spaghetti squash boats . You got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my slow cooker spaghetti squash is done? I don't want a soggy squash surprise!

You'll know your slow cooker spaghetti squash is ready when the squash can be easily pierced with a fork. The strands inside should also be easily separated with a fork. If it's still firm, it needs more time patience is a virtue, like waiting for the kettle to boil for a proper cuppa!

Can I make slow cooker spaghetti squash ahead of time? What's the best way to store leftovers?

Absolutely! Cooked spaghetti squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavour actually improves overnight, a bit like a good stew. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

My marinara sauce turned out a bit too acidic. How can I balance the flavor of my slow cooker spaghetti squash?

A common kitchen woe! A pinch of sugar (or even a tiny bit of honey) is your best friend here it will balance the acidity perfectly. You could also try adding a knob of butter or a splash of cream towards the end of cooking for a richer, smoother sauce that tames the tartness.

Can I add other vegetables to my slow cooker spaghetti squash recipe? I'm trying to sneak in some extra nutrients!

Definitely! This recipe is super versatile, like a good Sunday roast that welcomes any leftover veg. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even chopped carrots would all be delicious additions to the sauce. Just toss them in at the beginning of the cooking process.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any substitutions I can make to this slow cooker spaghetti squash recipe to reduce the calories or carbs?

Good on you! You can use leaner ground beef or even ground turkey for the meatballs. Consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs. You could also reduce the amount of cheese or omit the sugar in the sauce.

These small tweaks can make a big difference, a bit like swapping your regular biscuit for a digestive!

My spaghetti squash seems watery after cooking in the slow cooker. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

Spaghetti squash can release a lot of moisture during slow cooking. To prevent this, try poking holes in the squash before cooking to allow steam to escape. Alternatively, after shredding the squash, you can drain any excess liquid in a colander. Also, avoid adding too much extra liquid to the slow cooker initially.