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This sloppy Joe recipe loads saucy ground beef with peppers, onion, and tomato straight into a roasted spaghetti squash bowl. The squash roasts cut-side down for a full hour until the strands scrape away like pasta, ready to cradle the tangy beef filling. It is comfort food that skips the bun without feeling like a compromise.
Pro Tips
- Roast the spaghetti squash cut-side down and don't flip it early — the steam trapped against the pan is what makes the strands separate cleanly instead of turning watery.
- Brown the beef in batches and break it up as it cooks so you get crumbles rather than clumps in the finished sauce.
- Red wine vinegar and Worcestershire are what keep the tomato sauce from tasting flat; don't drop either one when adjusting the seasoning.
- If you want the sandwich version, serve the mixture on Paleo Bread and use the squash strands as a side rather than mixing them in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the spaghetti squash is done roasting?
After an hour at 400F, a fork should scrape the flesh into distinct strands with no hard crunch at the center. If it resists, give it another 10 minutes.
Can I make the sloppy Joe filling ahead of time?
Yes, the beef filling keeps for 4 days in the fridge and actually improves as the flavors meld. Reheat it gently while the squash roasts.
What can I use instead of spaghetti squash?
Roasted sweet potato halves or a baked potato version work well, though the sweet squash is what balances the tangy tomato sauce best.
How many people does this recipe serve?
It serves 3 generously as a main, or 6 as a starter course. The recipe scales easily if you are feeding a crowd.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Slice the squash, longways across.
- Place cut side down on a 15x10 rimmed baking sheet and bake for 1 hour.
- Add the ground beef to a 5 quart pot over medium heat and brown the meat. Be sure to stir to break up the meat while browning.
- Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes to heat throughout and let the flavors combine.
- Turn heat to low and leave cover on until squash is finished cooking.
- Remove squash from oven, flip over and using a fork, scrape the insides away from the outer edges.
- Pour Sloppy Joe mixture into the squash and serve. If serving as a sandwich, serve a heaping scoop of Sloppy Joe on Paleo Bread with a garnish of squash and even more squash on the side.
- Enjoy!
