Delicious Weight Watchers Pasta with Lean Ground Beef, Veggies, and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
Welcome to a hearty and healthy meal that is perfect for those following the Weight Watchers program. This Weight Watchers-friendly pasta with lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy mozzarella sauce offers an indulgent, flavorful dinner without compromising on your health goals. With a rich mix of whole-grain pasta, lean protein, and a homemade creamy sauce, this recipe combines comfort with nourishment, all while keeping your WW points in check.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe can easily become a go-to favorite. Plus, it’s simple to make, with easy-to-find ingredients and just a few key steps to follow. The rich flavors of bell peppers, onions, and garlic complement the savory beef and melty cheese perfectly, giving you a satisfying and filling meal. The best part? You won’t have to feel guilty about enjoying this dish because it’s made with weight-conscious substitutions that make it lower in calories and Weight Watchers points.
Let’s get started on how to make this creamy, satisfying, and Weight Watchers-approved pasta!
Why This Weight Watchers Pasta Recipe Works
This pasta recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. By using healthy ingredients like lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and unsweetened almond milk, this dish is designed to provide you with a balanced meal that is lower in calories, fats, and carbohydrates compared to traditional pasta recipes. Here’s why this recipe is a great option for your healthy lifestyle:
Lean Ground Beef: Opting for 96% lean ground beef or steak strips significantly reduces the fat content, while still providing a good amount of protein. The lean meat keeps the recipe filling and satisfying without being overly greasy or high in calories.
Whole-Wheat or Low-Carb Pasta: Whole-wheat pasta is packed with fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, you can substitute regular pasta with a low-carb pasta option like zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or any of your favorite alternatives. This keeps the dish light while providing a rich texture.
Almond Milk and Reduced-Fat Mozzarella: To keep the sauce creamy yet low in calories, unsweetened almond milk is used as a base. It’s a great non-dairy, low-calorie alternative to regular milk, while still offering that creamy texture. Reduced-fat mozzarella cheese adds flavor without overwhelming the dish with excess fat or calories.
Bell Peppers and Onions: These vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, adding both flavor and color to the dish. Plus, they provide a natural sweetness when sautéed, helping to balance the savory flavors of the beef and cheese.
By making these smart substitutions, this Weight Watchers pasta recipe maintains the essence of a comforting, indulgent meal, while keeping it light on calories and points.Weight Watchers pasta
Ingredients for Weight Watchers Pasta
1 lb lean ground beef (96% lean) or steak strips (alternative for more flavor)
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz whole-wheat or low-carb pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
1 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other low-fat milk alternative)
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil spray (for cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Weight Watchers Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save a small cup of pasta water in case you need it later to thin the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Lean Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spray the skillet with olive oil spray and add your lean ground beef (or steak strips). Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon as it browns. Stir occasionally until the beef is fully cooked and browned. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil spray if necessary. Add the diced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. Add the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of sautéing to release its aroma and flavor. The vegetables should be soft and slightly caramelized at this point, providing a rich base for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and 1 tablespoon of flour. This mixture will thicken as it cooks, creating a creamy sauce for the pasta. Pour the almond milk mixture into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and cook the mixture over medium heat, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Beef, Pasta, and Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet as well, and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in the 1 cup of reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh parsley or additional seasonings, if desired. The melted mozzarella cheese creates a creamy texture, while the bell peppers, onions, and beef add a savory balance of flavors. This dish is rich and satisfying, but light enough to stay within your Weight Watchers points.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s the breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of this Weight Watchers pasta recipe. Note that this recipe makes 4 servings.Weight Watchers pasta
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 7g
Net Carbs: 29g
Sugar: 8g (from vegetables and almond milk)
Sodium: 350mg
Cholesterol: 45mg
Vitamin A: 20% DV
Vitamin C: 90% DV (due to the bell peppers)
Calcium: 15% DV (from mozzarella cheese)
Iron: 15% DV
This Weight Watchers pasta recipe provides a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while still being a low-calorie, high-nutrient meal that won’t break your point budget.
Weight Watchers pasta
Weight Watchers Points Breakdown (Per Serving)
For those following the Weight Watchers program, here’s how this pasta recipe stacks up in terms of points:
WW Freestyle: 7 points per serving
WW Green: 7 points per serving
WW Blue: 7 points per serving
WW Purple: 7 points per serving
Each serving is relatively moderate in points, which makes it an ideal choice for a hearty meal that doesn’t derail your WW goals. It is also customizable, as you can adjust the pasta portion size, lean meat, or even add extra veggies to further reduce the points.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat this dish in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, just add a splash of almond milk or water to thin it out.
This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
Customizing This Recipe
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for lentils, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. These plant-based proteins are high in fiber and will keep the dish filling and satisfying.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of the reduced-fat mozzarella, and ensure that your almond milk is unsweetened.
Low-Carb: If you prefer to make this dish low-carb, swap the whole-wheat pasta for zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta alternative. You can also use a smaller amount of pasta for fewer carbs and bulk up the dish with additional veggies.
Conclusion
This **Weight Watchers Pasta with Lean Beef and Creamy Mozzarella