Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2
Place squash, cut-side down, on a rimmed baking sheet. Add a little water to coat pan. Bake at 400 degrees F until tender, @ 40min.)

Step 3
Meanwhile, cook ground beef in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Add shallot, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer.

Step 4
Use a fork to scrape the squash flesh from the shells into the sauce; stir to combine. Top with cheese. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until bubbling, about 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve sprinkled with basil, if desired.