This Weight Watchers Pizza Pasta Bake combines all the flavors of a classic pizza with the heartiness of pasta in one easy, family-friendly dish. Made with lean ground beef, turkey pepperoni, and part-skim mozzarella, this recipe is both delicious and lower in calories. It’s a perfect meal-prep option or weeknight dinner that satisfies pizza cravings without the extra guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weight Watchers Friendly – A healthier twist on traditional pizza and pasta dishes.
- Packed with Flavor – Classic pizza seasonings and ingredients make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps and minimal prep time make it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep – Makes 12 servings, perfect for leftovers or batch cooking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ lb 96% lean ground beef
- 16 slices turkey pepperoni
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 30 oz tomato sauce
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat & Veggies: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onions and green peppers, cooking until softened.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine: Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese & Pepperoni: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Place turkey pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat or extra veggies instead of ground beef.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Cheese Lovers’ Version: Use a blend of part-skim mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone.
- Extra Protein: Mix in cooked chicken breast or extra lean ground turkey.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat pasta is a great way to add more fiber and keep it Weight Watchers-friendly.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your tomato sauce is gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, but stick to part-skim cheese options for a lighter version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
How can I make it even lower in points?
Use ground turkey instead of beef, reduce the cheese amount, and opt for a veggie-based pasta.
What can I serve with this pasta bake?
A simple side salad or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.
Can I add mushrooms or olives?
Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
Will this work with a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the pasta separately, then layer everything in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft?
Cook the pasta to al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish and adjust cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
This Weight Watchers Pizza Pasta Bake is a delicious, healthier twist on two classic comfort foods. Packed with flavor, protein, and satisfying ingredients, it’s a great dish for family dinners or meal prep. With easy variations and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Enjoy guilt-free pizza pasta goodness!
O
Print
Weight Watchers Pizza Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Weight Watchers-friendly Pizza Pasta Bake combines the best of both worlds—pizza and pasta—in a healthy, hearty, and family-friendly meal. Made with lean ground beef, turkey pepperoni, whole wheat pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, this dish is packed with classic pizza flavors while keeping it light. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
Meat
- 1/2 lb 96% lean ground beef
- 16 slices turkey pepperoni
Produce
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
Condiments
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Pasta & Grains
- 10 oz penne pasta (whole wheat for a healthier option)
Baking & Spices
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Dairy
- 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, tomato sauce, and seasonings (basil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper). Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture, stirring well to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Arrange turkey pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra protein, swap lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding mushrooms or spinach.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use whole wheat or high-protein pasta for added fiber and nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
