Cheesy Baked Whole Wheat Spaghetti
Savor the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Whole Wheat Spaghetti, a deliciously lighter rendition of a classic favorite. Perfectly adapted for those watching their points yet still craving hearty pasta, this dish combines wholesome ingredients to create layers of flavor and gooey, melty cheese. With a rich meat sauce and creamy cottage cheese blend, it's a dish everyone will love. Not only is it satisfying, but with each serving clocking in at just 6 Weight Watchers points (subject to recalculation), it’s a guilt-free option for weeknights or family gatherings. Just be sure to save some for later, as it’s so delicious you might want to eat it all in one sitting!
10
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat spaghetti
12 ounces (uncooked)
96% lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
large onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
no-sugar-added spaghetti sauce
4 cups (ready to use)
1% cottage cheese
4 cups (ready to use)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups (shredded)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (ready to use)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, brown the 96% lean ground beef over medium heat while adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
4
Stir in the no-sugar-added spaghetti sauce into the meat mixture and heat through on low for about 5-7 minutes.
5
In a separate bowl, mix together the 1% cottage cheese, 2 cups of part-skim mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
6
Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place 1 cup of the meat mixture at the bottom of the dish.
7
Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the meat mixture, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Next, add half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat these layers: spaghetti, cheese, and finish with the rest of the meat sauce on top.
8
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle with the remaining part-skim mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
9
Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
10
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
32
Carbs
21
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Whole Wheat Spaghetti?
It is a lighter, healthier version of a classic baked spaghetti dish that uses whole wheat pasta and lean ingredients while remaining a cheesy comfort food.
How many Weight Watchers points are in a serving?
Each serving is approximately 6 Weight Watchers points, though this is subject to recalculation based on specific brands used.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of this casserole contains 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 21 grams of protein.
What is the total fat content?
This recipe contains 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a portion?
There are 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the casserole bake in total?
It bakes for 45 minutes covered with foil, followed by an additional 10 minutes uncovered after adding more cheese.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 9x13 inch casserole dish should be used.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for whole wheat spaghetti.
How much uncooked spaghetti do I need?
You will need 12 ounces of uncooked whole wheat spaghetti.
What kind of beef is used for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of 96% lean ground beef.
What type of cottage cheese is included?
The recipe uses 4 cups of 1% cottage cheese for a creamy, lower-fat texture.
Which cheeses are used in the cheese mixture?
The mixture consists of 1% cottage cheese, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
Is the spaghetti sauce sugar-free?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of no-sugar-added spaghetti sauce.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic?
The onion should be chopped and the garlic cloves should be minced before browning with the beef.
Should the spaghetti be cooked before baking?
Yes, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente and drain it before assembly.
Why do I need to drain the beef?
Draining the excess fat after browning the beef helps keep the dish lean and prevents the casserole from being greasy.
How do I layer the casserole?
Layer meat sauce, then spaghetti, then the cheese mixture, followed by more meat sauce, spaghetti, cheese, and finishing with meat sauce on top.
Should I cover the dish during baking?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 45 minutes of baking.
When do I add the final layer of cheese?
After the initial 45 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top.
Why should the casserole rest after baking?
Letting the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing ensures the best flavor and a firmer texture for serving.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of no-sugar-added spaghetti sauce.
How much cottage cheese is used in the recipe?
You will need 4 cups of 1% cottage cheese.
What is the preparation for the mozzarella?
The part-skim mozzarella cheese should be shredded.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate comfort food and a family-favorite meal.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this dish.
Can this be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great option for family meals and leftovers since it stores well.
Is this recipe suitable for weight loss diets?
Yes, it is designed as a healthy pasta option and is popular for those following Weight Watchers.