Name: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian American
Ingredients: 1 spaghetti squash; Olive oil, to drizzle; 1 cup vegan meatloaf, or cooked down veggie burgers, crumbled; 1/3 to 1/2 cup vegan ricotta cheese, or tofu ricotta; 1/4 cup vegan mozzarella shreds; 2 cups tomato sauce; Salt & pepper to taste; Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish

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If you love comforting, flavorful meals that feel both hearty and healthy, you are absolutely going to adore this Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe. It takes the classic layers of a lasagna and transforms them by swapping noodles for tender, naturally low-carb spaghetti squash strands, layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy vegan ricotta, and melty mozzarella—all nestled perfectly inside a roasted squash boat. This dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also vegetarian, meal prep friendly, and full of vibrant textures and taste. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you care about because it’s that good and approachable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, centered around a whole pale yellow squash placed in the middle. Above the squash, there is a small bowl filled with shredded light yellow cheese on the left and a clear glass measuring cup containing bright red tomato sauce on the right. Below the tomato sauce, a small white bowl holds white ricotta cheese. To the bottom left of the squash, a small white bowl contains brown cooked ground meat. Next to it on the right, a tiny white dish holds a mix of black pepper and white salt. Near the bottom right corner, a small glass bottle filled with light yellow olive oil sits above a bunch of fresh green parsley. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes the Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe so special is the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each item plays an essential role in bringing the dish together, from the tender strands of the squash adding a natural sweetness and structure, to the rich vegan cheeses that provide creaminess and depth, and the savory vegan meatloaf that lends satisfying protein and texture.

Spaghetti squash: The star ingredient that, once roasted and shredded, mimics the feel of pasta strands perfectly.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle to help roast the squash and bring out its natural flavor.
Vegan meatloaf (or crumbled veggie burgers): Adds heartiness and protein to the filling.
Vegan ricotta cheese (or tofu ricotta): Creamy and tangy, bringing that classic lasagna softness.
Vegan mozzarella shreds: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, bubbly finish.
Tomato sauce: Rich and flavorful, it ties all the ingredients together with vibrant acidity.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance every flavor.
Fresh chopped parsley: Used as a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Spaghetti Squash

Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out all the seeds and stringy insides. Drizzle the hollowed halves with some olive oil and place them cut side up on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the squash size, until the edges are nicely browned and the flesh is fork-tender but not mushy. Once done, allow the squash to cool slightly and blot any excess moisture with a paper towel to keep your lasagna filling from getting watery.

Step 2: Shred the Squash Into Spaghetti Strands

Using a fork, gently scrape the roasted squash flesh lengthwise. You’ll see the squash naturally separating into spaghetti-like strands. Be careful not to pierce through the outer shell, as you’ll want to keep the “boats” intact for filling later. These strands form the base of your lasagna layers, replacing traditional pasta with a lighter, veggie-packed alternative.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled vegan meatloaf (or veggie burgers), vegan ricotta, and tomato sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as you like. This filling is savory, rich, and full of comforting flavors that will make your lasagna boats truly sing.

Step 4: Stuff and Assemble the Boats

Spoon some of the squash strands into the bowl with your filling and toss gently to coat them with the sauce mixture. Then evenly distribute the mixture and coated spaghetti strands back into the squash halves, filling each boat generously. Top each boat with about two tablespoons of vegan mozzarella shreds—the cheese will melt into a beautiful golden crown that’s irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled boats back into the oven (still at 400°F) for another 15 minutes to heat through and allow the cheese to melt and lightly brown. If you want a little extra bubbly and charred finish, you can switch to broil on low for a few minutes at the end, but keep a close eye to avoid burning. Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe

Two halves of baked spaghetti squash sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer is the smooth yellow-orange squash shell, the middle layer is a chunky dark red tomato sauce mixed with ground meat, and the top layer is melted golden-brown cheese lightly browned on top. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the cheese and the marbled surface around the squash halves, adding a pop of color. Small spots of sauce and ground black pepper are scattered on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t hesitate to add freshly cracked black pepper, a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness. These simple touches elevate the appearance and add bursts of flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, garlic roasted vegetables, or a warm crusty bread can round out the meal beautifully. The vegetables add freshness and crunch, while bread lets you scoop up any luscious tomato sauce left behind.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling festive or serving guests, consider plating each boat on colorful plates with a little extra parsley and a side of lemon wedges to brighten up the dish. You can also prepare smaller mini boats to serve as appetizers or party bites that let everyone customize their portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully, making it a great meal prep option for busy weeknights.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each boat tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the texture of the squash strands from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular ricotta and mozzarella instead of vegan cheeses?

Absolutely! If you’re not following a vegan diet, traditional ricotta and mozzarella will work beautifully and create an equally delicious, creamy texture in your lasagna boats.

Is spaghetti squash low in carbs?

Yes, spaghetti squash is naturally low in carbohydrates compared to traditional pasta, making it a fantastic option if you’re watching your carb intake but still craving that noodle-like experience.

How do I know when the spaghetti squash is cooked perfectly?

The edges should start to brown slightly and the flesh should be tender but still firm when pierced with a fork. If it feels mushy or watery, it’s likely overcooked, which can affect the texture of your lasagna boats.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would be wonderful additions to the filling, adding even more flavor, nutrients, and color to your dish.

Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Yes! Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe is ideal for meal prepping because it reheats well and retains its flavor and texture, making lunches or dinners throughout the week just as enjoyable as when freshly made.

Final Thoughts

Cooking and sharing this Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe is like giving yourself a warm, comforting hug plated beautifully. It combines healthy ingredients with the joy of classic Italian flavors, all in a fun, easy-to-make format. Whether you’re a seasoned squash lover or trying this veggie for the first time, these lasagna boats are bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, get your oven warmed up, and dive into one of the most delightful meals that feels indulgent without the fuss. You won’t regret it!