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
Scale
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
