When comfort food cravings hit but you don’t want to feel like you’ve just eaten a brick of lasagna, this ground turkey spaghetti squash casserole swoops in like the hero of the weeknight dinner table. It’s hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, but with a lighter twist that makes it perfect for a healthy casserole option.

Picture this: strands of roasted baked spaghetti squash tucked into a creamy turkey sauce, all topped with golden, bubbly cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without undoing all your healthy habits. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a good cheesy casserole that also counts as a low carb dinner win?

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have the energy for a complicated meal. You’ll get that familiar “pasta bake” vibe but in a lighter, veggie-packed form that your family will happily devour (even if they swear they “don’t like squash”).

So, grab that big spaghetti squash you’ve been meaning to use up and let’s bake some cozy goodness together.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Low-carb alternative to pasta bakes
A full-on turkey casserole recipe with veggies snuck in
Golden, cheesy topping that makes every bite irresistible
Meal-prep and freezer-friendly
Comfort food vibes without the food coma

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

3 lbs spaghetti squash
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tsp oil, for frying
1 lb ground turkey
11 oz cream of mushroom condensed soup
1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup shredded Tex-Mex cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or whole wheat breadcrumbs

For the Topping:

2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
1/2 cup shredded Tex-Mex cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or whole wheat breadcrumbs

Step-By-Step Instructions

Bake the squash: Preheat oven to 375°F. Halve squash, scoop seeds, prick with a fork, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes, cool, then scrape strands with a fork into a bowl.
Cook the base: In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion in oil for 4 minutes. Add ground turkey, cooking until browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in mushroom soup, tomato sauce, and cornstarch. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Combine: Stir cheese into turkey mixture, then add to the squash strands with breadcrumbs. Mix gently.
Assemble topping: Combine melted butter, cheese, and breadcrumbs in a small bowl.
Bake it up: Spread the squash-turkey mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle topping evenly. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, then broil 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool & serve: Let rest 15 minutes before slicing into 8 servings.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Casserole

Don’t rush the squash. Baking until tender makes it easy to shred into perfect pasta-like strands.
Breadcrumbs = crunch. Whole wheat adds a nutty flavor, while panko gives you that crispy bite. Both are winners.
Boost the veggies. Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini if you want even more nutrients.
Make ahead. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake when ready!

From My Kitchen to Yours

I’ll be honest—spaghetti squash used to intimidate me. The giant yellow footballs at the grocery store looked more like fall décor than dinner. But one day, after a long week of work and kid chaos, I gave it a try.

Fast-forward to now, this casserole has become my family’s “Sunday dinner favorite.” It checks all the boxes: comforting, filling, and a little healthier than our old go-to cheesy pasta bakes. Even my husband, who usually gives side-eye to anything with squash, goes back for seconds. That, my friends, is the sign of a keeper.

What to Serve with Ground Turkey Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a fresh salad makes it feel complete. A simple Caesar salad or a light arugula salad with lemon dressing is perfect. Garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser (because carbs + cheese = happiness).

If you’re hosting, consider adding roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans on the side. For a cozy touch, serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon. It’s weeknight comfort that also works for entertaining.

How to Store and Reheat

This casserole keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Want to freeze it? Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Perfect for those nights when you just can’t deal with cooking from scratch.

FAQs About Ground Turkey Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! It’ll work just as well and still keep things light.

Can I make this without breadcrumbs?

Definitely—just skip them or replace with crushed gluten-free crackers for a crunch.

Is this really a low-carb dinner?

Yep! Spaghetti squash keeps it light, and the turkey plus cheese makes it satisfying without being heavy.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Sure! Swap in dairy-free cheese shreds and a dairy-free cream soup alternative.

Digging In

There’s just something so comforting about a ground turkey spaghetti squash casserole—it’s warm, cheesy, and feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this turkey casserole recipe will keep everyone happy and satisfied without weighing you down.

Next time you’re staring at that spaghetti squash on your counter, don’t overthink it—turn it into this bubbling, golden beauty of a dish. Trust me, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation in no time.

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Ground Turkey Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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Author: Amanda Thompson
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Ground Turkey Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a cosy, cheesy, low-carb dinner that combines roasted spaghetti squash with a creamy ground turkey sauce, all baked under a golden, bubbly cheese and breadcrumb topping. It’s hearty yet lighter than traditional pasta bakes—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners when you crave comfort food without the heaviness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the casserole:

3 lbs spaghetti squash
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tsp oil (for frying)
1 lb ground turkey
11 oz cream of mushroom condensed soup
1 cup low sodium tomato sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup shredded Tex Mex cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs or whole wheat breadcrumbs

For the topping:

2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
½ cup shredded Tex-Mex cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs or whole wheat breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Bake the squash: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve squash, scoop seeds, prick with a fork, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes, let cool, then scrape strands with a fork into a bowl.
Cook the base: In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion in oil for 4 minutes. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in mushroom soup, tomato sauce, and cornstarch. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
Combine: Stir cheese into turkey mixture, then add to spaghetti squash strands with breadcrumbs. Mix gently.
Assemble topping: Mix melted butter, cheese, and breadcrumbs in a small bowl.
Bake it up: Spread the squash-turkey mixture into a greased 9×13-inch dish. Sprinkle topping evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes, then broil 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Cool & serve: Let rest 15 minutes before slicing into 8 servings.

Notes

Bake squash until tender for the best pasta-like strands.

Panko gives a crispier topping, whole wheat breadcrumbs add nuttiness.

Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.

Make ahead: Assemble casserole, refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.

Freezer-friendly: Assemble unbaked, freeze, thaw overnight, then bake.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes (including squash roasting + baking)
Category: Main Course / Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ground Turkey Spaghetti Squash Casserole: A Cozy, Cheesy, Low-Carb Dinner