Healthy Million Dollar Spaghetti

<p>This lighter and healthier version of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness of a classic comfort dish without the usual heavy calories. It’s an excellent way to reinvent leftover spaghetti noodles or enjoy pasta in a cozy casserole form. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this casserole balances lean meat, reducedfat cheeses, and a flavorful tomato sauce into one satisfying dish.</p> <p>I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something nourishing but not too heavy. It has since become a family favorite, requested regularly for its hearty flavor and satisfying texture.</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Spaghetti noodles:</strong> ideal for using leftover pasta, choose highprotein varieties like lentil or chickpea pasta for added fiber</li><li><strong>Extra lean ground beef:</strong> reduces fat while keeping the dish hearty</li><li><strong>Pasta sauce:</strong> any favorite marinara works, Classico brand is lower in Weight Watchers points</li><li><strong>Fatfree cream cheese:</strong> adds creaminess without the calories</li><li><strong>Fatfree parmesan cheese:</strong> sharp flavor that melts beautifully</li><li><strong>Lowfat sharp cheddar cheese:</strong> for a cheesy topping that browns nicely, grate finely for even coverage</li><li><strong>Onion and green bell pepper:</strong> build a flavorful base</li><li><strong>Garlic:</strong> use fresh, minced cloves for the best aroma and taste</li><li><strong>Italian seasoning:</strong> brings warmth and herbaceous notes</li><li><strong>Mushrooms:</strong> canned or fresh to add earthiness and moisture</li><li><strong>Fresh cilantro:</strong> brightens the dish with a hint of freshness, choose vibrant green leaves</li><li><strong>Green onions:</strong> sprinkled on top for color and mild bite</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Sauté the Vegetables and Meat:</strong></dt><dd>Cook the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and chopped green bell pepper in a large skillet over medium high heat until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.</dd><dt><strong>Create the Sauce:</strong></dt><dd>Add the pasta sauce, fatfree cream cheese, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir and cook gently over medium low heat, whisking until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and well combined.</dd><dt><strong>Add Mushrooms and Cilantro:</strong></dt><dd>Stir in the mushrooms and chopped fresh cilantro, then remove the sauce from heat to preserve the fresh herb flavors.</dd><dt><strong>Combine with Noodles:</strong></dt><dd>If not using leftover noodles, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain. Mix the sauce with the noodles evenly in a lasagna pan or combine in the skillet and then transfer to the pan.</dd><dt><strong>Top with Cheese:</strong></dt><dd>Sprinkle the grated lowfat sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the noodle mixture. Using finely grated cheese helps it melt and brown uniformly during baking.</dd><dt><strong>Bake and Broil:</strong></dt><dd>Bake the casserole uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 20 minutes. For the final two minutes, switch the oven to broil at 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) and watch closely until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly. Lowfat cheese can burn quickly so keep a close eye.</dd><dt><strong>Garnish and Serve:</strong></dt><dd>Remove from the oven, let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up, then garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving.</dd></dl>

<p>One of my favorite parts of this dish is the way the fresh cilantro gently cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce, adding brightness. It reminds me of cozy winter dinners shared with family when everyone’s hungry and eager for comfort food that still feels a little special.</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When freezing, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or use a sealed container. To thaw, transfer from freezer to fridge overnight.</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for an even leaner option. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses if you prefer a milder or different cheesy flavor. Fresh mushrooms are excellent if you want more texture, just saute them with the meat.</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or a fresh Strawberry Spinach Pecan Salad to balance the creamy casserole. Garlic bread, Italian breadsticks, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complement the richness well. For a Weight Watchers friendly option, try my Everything Bagel Cloud Bread.</p>

<p>Let the casserole rest after baking. It firms up and cuts cleanly.</p>

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the day before, refrigerate, and bake when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes if baking cold from the fridge.

→ What pasta works best for this casserole?

Traditional spaghetti noodles are ideal, but high-protein pastas like lentil or chickpea add extra fiber and nutrition. Cooking pasta just until al dente is recommended.

→ Are there lighter cheese alternatives?

Using part-skim or fat-free cream cheese, parmesan, and sharp cheddar helps reduce fat while keeping creamy texture and flavor.

→ Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, mushrooms and fresh herbs like cilantro or basil enhance flavor and nutrition. Green onions can be added as garnish or baked in.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container.

→ How do I reheat without drying out the dish?

Cover the dish tightly with foil, heat at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, then optionally broil for 2 minutes for a bubbly top. Let it rest after baking.