Healthy Million Dollar Spaghetti (Printer-Friendly)

A lighter baked spaghetti with lean beef, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs for a satisfying meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 3 cups pasta sauce (any type, Classico recommended for fewer WW points)
02 - 1 lb spaghetti noodles (preferably smart pasta or leftover noodles)

→ Meat and Vegetables

03 - 1 lb extra lean ground beef
04 - 1 onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
06 - 10 oz canned mushrooms
07 - 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 ½ tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Cheeses

09 - ¼ cup fat-free parmesan cheese
10 - ½ cup fat-free cream cheese
11 - 3 cups low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated

→ Seasonings and Garnish

12 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
13 - 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 11x13 inch lasagna pan with non-stick cooking spray.
02 - Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, onions, and green bell pepper until beef is browned. Drain excess grease and return to heat.
04 - Add pasta sauce, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking until incorporated.
05 - Stir in mushrooms and fresh cilantro. Remove from heat.
06 - Mix spaghetti noodles thoroughly with the sauce mixture and transfer to prepared lasagna pan. Spread evenly.
07 - Sprinkle grated low-fat sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
08 - Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes.
09 - Set oven to broil at 500°F and broil casserole for 2 minutes or until cheese begins to bubble and brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10 - Remove from oven; garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Cooking pasta just until al dente prevents mushiness after baking.
02 - Thoroughly drain meat mixture to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
03 - Use part-skim or light cheeses to maintain creaminess while reducing fat.
04 - Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for better firmness.
05 - Add a little pasta water if sauce is overly thick to help coat noodles evenly.
06 - High-protein pasta like lentil or chickpea varieties can boost nutritional value.
07 - Assemble ahead and refrigerate for convenient weeknight meals; extend bake time if cold.
08 - Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled before serving adds brightness and color.

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