Healthy Million Dollar Spaghetti (Printer-Friendly)
A wholesome baked spaghetti with savory meat sauce, cheese blend, and fresh herbs for a tasty meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
16 ounces spaghetti noodles
→ Meat and Vegetables
02 -
1 pound extra lean ground beef
03 -
1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 -
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
05 -
10 ounces canned mushrooms
→ Dairy
06 -
0.5 cup fat-free cream cheese
07 -
0.25 cup fat-free grated Parmesan cheese
08 -
3 cups low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated
→ Sauce and Seasonings
09 -
3 cups pasta sauce
10 -
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 -
1.5 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
13 -
3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F and spray an 11x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
02 -
Boil spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and green pepper until beef is browned. Drain excess fat and return to skillet.
04 -
Add pasta sauce, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the browned meat mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking until well combined.
05 -
Stir in canned mushrooms and fresh cilantro, then remove from heat.
06 -
Mix cooked spaghetti noodles with the sauce mixture either in the skillet or directly in the baking dish, spreading evenly.
07 -
Sprinkle grated low-fat sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
08 -
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes. Then increase oven to broil at 500°F and broil for 2 minutes or until cheese bubbles and begins to brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
09 -
Remove from oven, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For best texture, cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
02 -
Drain meat mixture thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
03 -
Using part-skim cheeses keeps the dish flavorful yet lighter.
04 -
Layer ingredients evenly to ensure uniform flavor distribution.
05 -
Let it rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the dish to set before cutting.
06 -
If sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
07 -
Using high-protein pasta such as legume-based varieties can increase nutritional value.
08 -
This dish can be prepared ahead, refrigerated overnight, and baked when ready, adding a few minutes if cold from the fridge.
09 -
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.