Low Fat Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe: A Freezer-Friendly Delight

Low Fat Pizza Pasta Casserole: A Freezer-Friendly Delight

A Healthier Twist on Comfort Food

Welcome, health-conscious cooks and happy families! Today, we’re transforming a beloved classic into a guilt-free dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Our Low Fat Pizza Pasta Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a clever way to indulge in the flavors of pizza while keeping things light and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this freezer-friendly recipe promises to make your dinner routine a breeze. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure with a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Gather Your Ingredients:

• 2 lb. extra lean ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 jars (28 oz. each) of your favorite spaghetti sauce
• 16 oz. whole wheat, multigrain, or alternative pasta (cooked and drained)
• 4 cups shredded skim mozzarella cheese
• 6 oz. sliced pepperoni (look for a lower-fat option if available)

Step-by-Step Creation:

Cooking the Base:

1. Prep Your Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Opt for whole wheat or a veggie-based pasta for an extra nutritional punch. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, sauté the ground meat of your choice with the chopped onion until the meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep things light.
3. Combine and Mix: Stir in the spaghetti sauce into your meat and onion mixture. Then, gently fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is well combined and coated with the sauce.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Layer it Up: Divide your mixture between two 9×13 inch baking pans. This is where you can get creative – feel free to add any of your favorite pizza toppings into the mix.
2. Cheese Please: Sprinkle each with 2 cups of shredded skim mozzarella cheese. The more, the merrier, as long as it’s skim!
3. Pepperoni Time: Arrange the pepperoni slices on top for that unmistakable pizza flair.

Baking or Freezing:

• To Bake Now: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
• To Freeze for Later: Cover your casserole tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed above, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Customization Tips and Tricks:

• Veggie Boost: Don’t hesitate to add in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives into the mix for an extra veggie kick.
• Gluten-Free? No Problem: Swap out the whole wheat pasta for a gluten-free alternative to cater to dietary needs.
• Serve with a Side: Pair this hearty casserole with a light salad or our delicious Freezer Garlic Bread for a complete meal.

Your New Go-To Dinner

Congratulations, you’ve just prepared a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite! This Low Fat Pizza Pasta Casserole offers all the comfort of pizza night with a healthy twist, perfect for satisfying cravings without the guilt.

Whether you bake it straight away or save it for a busy night, this dish is a testament to the joy of cooking and the pleasure of eating well.

Enjoy your culinary creation and the wonderful moments it brings to your table. Happy cooking!

Low Fat Pizza Pasta Casserole Freezer Recipe

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Equipment

• freezer

Ingredients

• 2 lb. extra lean ground beef OR ground chicken OR ground turkey
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 28oz jars jars spaghetti sauce
• 16 oz. whole wheat or multigrain spiral pasta cooked and drained
• 4 c. shredded skim mozzarella cheese
• 6 oz. sliced pepperoni

Instructions

• In a large skillet cook beef/chicken/turkey and onion until meat is thoroughly browned. Drain fat. Add spaghetti sauce and noodles, stirring well.
• Divide mixture in half and put one half in each 9x13 pan. Top each with 2 cups cheese, then top with pepperoni.
• To bake one immediately, preheat oven at 350 degrees and bake for 25-30 minutes or heated through. Serve.
• To freeze, cover and place in freezer.

On serving day

• To thaw and cook, thaw overnight in refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350 and bake 35-40 minutes, or until heated through. Serve!

Notes

Goes great with our recipe for Freezer Garlic Bread!