Best 2 Weight Watchers Baked Ziti Casserole Recipes
Indulge in a Weight Watchers-friendly Italian feast with our baked ziti casserole recipe. This delectable dish combines tender ziti pasta, a flavorful tomato sauce, a blend of cheeses, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. The recipe is designed to satisfy your cravings while staying within your Weight Watchers points budget.
This baked ziti casserole not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. The recipe uses lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat pasta, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Additionally, we've included three variations of the recipe to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions.
For those seeking a vegetarian option, we have a meatless version that replaces ground turkey with a combination of roasted vegetables. If you're gluten-free, we've got you covered with a gluten-free pasta alternative. And for those who love a spicy kick, we've included a spicy sausage variation that adds a zesty touch to the casserole.
Whether you're a Weight Watchers follower or simply seeking a healthier and flavorful Italian dish, our baked ziti casserole is the perfect choice. Join us on this culinary journey as we guide you through the steps of creating this mouthwatering dish, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips.
BAKED BEEF ZITI
If you thought you couldn't indulge in favorites (this recipe features both pasta and beef) and still stay on a healthy eating schedule, you'll be thrilled to know that baked ziti is not a thing of the past. After the ground beef is cooked, it's then flavored with a savory mix of dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. The homemade sauce is then finished off with canned crush tomatoes. Layer the sauce, ziti, and mozzarella cheese in a casserole dish and let everything bake in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly, which should take about 30 minutes. You won't find an easier, satisfying, or more delicious ziti recipe!
Categories Dinner
Time 1h10m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add garlic and cook 2 minutes. Add beef and cook until browned, breaking up meat with a spoon as it cooks, 3 to 5 minutes; drain off any fat and set pan back over medium heat.
- Add oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper; stir to coat beef. Cook until herbs become fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spoon a small amount of beef-tomato mixture into bottom of a 4-quart casserole dish (just enough to cover surface); top with half of cooked ziti. Next, layer with half of remaining beef-tomato sauce and half of mozzarella cheese. Layer with remaining ziti and then top with remaining beef-tomato sauce; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve.
- Per serving: 1/8 of casserole
Nutrition Facts : Calories 159 kcal
BAKED BEEF ZITI WEIGHT WATCHERS 7 POINTS RECIPE - (4.2/5)
Provided by bnpolley
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add garlic and sauté 2 minutes. Add beef and cook until browned, breaking up meat with a spoon as it cooks, about 3 to 5 minutes; drain off any fat and set pan back over medium heat. Add oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper; stir to coat beef. Cook until herbs become fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon a small amount of beef-tomato mixture into bottom of a 4-quart casserole dish (just enough to cover surface); top with half of cooked ziti. Next, layer with half of remaining beef-tomato sauce and half of mozzarella cheese. Layer with remaining ziti and then top with remaining beef-tomato sauce; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving. Can add mushrooms and onion!
Tips:
- Use low-fat or non-fat dairy products. This will help reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- Choose whole-wheat pasta. Whole-wheat pasta is a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. It also has a lower glycemic index than white pasta, which means it will not cause a spike in your blood sugar levels.
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken. Lean ground turkey or chicken is a good source of protein without a lot of fat.
- Add lots of vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories and fat and packed with nutrients. They also add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Use a light touch with the cheese. Cheese is a high-fat food, so it is best to use it sparingly. A little bit of cheese can add a lot of flavor without adding a lot of calories.
- Bake the casserole at a high temperature. This will help to create a crispy crust and prevent the casserole from becoming dry.
Conclusion:
Weight Watchers Baked Ziti Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vegetables and low in fat and calories. This casserole is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck. With a few simple tips, you can make this Weight Watchers Baked Ziti Casserole even healthier and more delicious.
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