Cow in a Nest

Every family has recipes that play on repeat in their house.  This is one of those in our house, frequently requested by the picky teenager.  I was at a loss for what to call it.  It’s not really a sauce, or a ragu.  I had a fancier name for this recipe, but my family started calling it by this irreverent name, and it stuck.  So it’s not Beef & Beet Sauce Over Roasted Spaghetti Squash.  It’s Cow in a Nest.  Sigh…. Nevertheless, it’s filling and full of nutrients.  The leftovers make a great AIP breakfast, too.  Happy cooking!

💗,

Wendi

Cow in a Nest                         By http://www.wendisaipkitchen.com

• 1 spaghetti squash
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Sea salt for sprinkling
• 1 lb. ground grass-fed beef
• 1 t. sea salt
• 1/2 t. black pepper (omit for elimination phase of AIP)
• 1 t. dried basil
• 1/2 C. yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 C. white sweet potato, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 C. golden beets, peeled and grated
• 1/2 C. apple, peeled, seeded and grated
• 1 T. balsamic vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Peel, chop, mince and/or grate all the vegetables as directed, except for the squash.  That comes next.
2. Cut both ends off the squash.  Stand it up on a cutting board, and cut it down the middle.  (Tip: rock your knife up and down to get through the squash a little easier.)  Scoop out the seeds.  Drizzle and brush some olive oil on the flesh.  Sprinkle with salt.  Place flesh side down on a parchment-lined roasting pan.  Bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your squash.  (You can give it a squeeze with an oven mitt on to see if it’s soft.)  Let cool.  Scrape out the spaghetti-like strings with a fork, and set aside.  While your squash is roasting, go on to the next step.  👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
3. In a large saucepan, place ground beef, salt, pepper (if using) and basil.  Brown the beef over medium high heat.
4. Add onion, garlic, sweet potato and beets.  Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in apples and vinegar.  Heat through.
6. Serve over a “nest” of roasted spaghetti squash.
7. Send the author your family’s ideas for a better title.  🤣