Weight Watchers-Friendly Cheesy Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole
Welcome to a recipe that is both comforting and Weight Watchers-friendly! This Cheesy Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole is an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re following the Weight Watchers plan or just seeking a delicious, satisfying meal. With its rich tomato sauce, creamy texture from cream cheese and sour cream, and hearty ground beef, it’s the perfect casserole for a weeknight dinner or even meal prep for the week ahead.
A Healthier Twist on Comfort Food
Casseroles are often seen as a hearty, indulgent meal, but they can be easily tailored to fit into healthy eating plans. This particular recipe provides all the comforting flavors of a traditional pasta casserole, but with adjustments that keep the calories in check without sacrificing flavor. Using lean ground beef and fat-free dairy products will help lower the Points for this recipe while still keeping it rich and creamy.
While pasta can often be carb-heavy, this recipe keeps things in check by using a moderate portion of egg noodles. To further reduce the carb count, you could also substitute the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or other low-carb options. This recipe focuses on balance by providing a good mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all of which will help you feel satisfied for longer.
Why This Casserole is Weight Watchers-Friendly
When you follow the Weight Watchers program, managing calories and portion sizes is key. This casserole strikes the right balance by combining lean ground beef, reduced-fat dairy products, and a reasonable portion of egg noodles. The result is a flavorful dish that won’t break your Point budget.
The main aspects that make this recipe Weight Watchers-friendly are:
- Lean ground beef: Using a leaner cut of ground beef, like 90% lean, significantly lowers the fat content of this dish. Ground turkey or chicken can also be swapped to further reduce the calories and Points.
- Reduced-fat sour cream and cream cheese: By opting for reduced-fat versions, you maintain the creamy richness of the casserole while keeping the Points lower.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds the perfect amount of flavor to the casserole, and using just a small amount keeps the dish satisfying without going overboard on Points.
This dish is pointed for Weight Watchers, making it a great choice for a filling meal without guilt. You can enjoy it knowing that you’re still sticking to your smart choices!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (90% lean or leaner for fewer Points)
- 2 cans (30 ounces) tomato sauce
- 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces reduced-fat sour cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (reduced-fat for fewer Points)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat and crumble in the ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to reduce calories and Points.
Step 3: Add the Seasoning
Once the beef is cooked and drained, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The garlic and seasoning will create a robust flavor base for the casserole.
Step 4: Stir in the Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato sauce and sugar to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together and creates a rich, savory sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the cream cheese and sour cream mixture. In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth. If the cream cheese is a little firm, consider microwaving it for 10-15 seconds to soften it up for easier mixing.
Step 6: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Start by layering half of the cooked egg noodles at the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture evenly over the noodles.
Next, spoon half of the meat and tomato sauce mixture over the creamy layer, ensuring it is spread out evenly. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the cream cheese mixture and meat sauce.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully during baking, creating a golden, bubbly top.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The casserole should be hot throughout.
Step 9: Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut into neat servings. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, Weight Watchers-approved dish.
Tips and Variations
- Reduce the Calories: For even fewer Points, consider using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as a substitute for egg noodles. These alternatives will add fiber and low-carb benefits to the dish.
- Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for an even leaner protein that will reduce the fat content.
- Low-Fat or Fat-Free Dairy: To make this dish even lighter, opt for fat-free cream cheese and fat-free sour cream. These swaps will lower the Points without compromising on flavor.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce. These vegetables are low in calories and carbs and add extra fiber to the dish.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce mixture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This recipe makes about 8 servings. The nutritional information per serving (based on using lean ground beef and reduced-fat dairy) is as follows:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Net Carbs: 23g
- Protein: 21g
Weight Watchers Points (Using the WW PersonalPoints™ system for 2023):
- PersonalPoints™: 8 points per serving (for the standard version with lean beef and reduced-fat dairy).
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole is the perfect meal for busy nights when you need something satisfying, hearty, and Weight Watchers-friendly. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and with the ability to adjust the recipe to fit your dietary preferences, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or craving comfort food, this dish is easy to make, delicious, and point-friendly.
The combination of creamy sour cream, rich ground beef, and cheddar cheese is a winning flavor trio that everyone will love.