Recipe: Pizza Spaghetti Casserole (Light and WW versions)

SPAGHETTI PIZZA CASSEROLE

"I first tried this great-tasting dish at an office Christmas party. It quickly became everyone's favorite. It makes a wonderful alternative to ordinary spaghetti." -Kim Neer of Mansfield, Ohio

1 (7 ounce) package spaghetti, uncooked
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet yellow pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (26 ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain.

In a bowl, toss spaghetti with egg substitute and Parmesan cheese. Spread evenly into a 15x10x1-inch baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef, onion, and peppers over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in spaghetti sauce and seasonings; heat through.

Spoon over spaghetti. Top with mushrooms and cheese.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings: 9
Source: Light & Tasty

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SPAGHETTI PIZZA CASSEROLE
(Weight Watcher Version)

FOR THE PASTA MIXTURE:
16 oz whole wheat pasta, uncooked
2 eggs (or egg substitute to equal 2 eggs)
1/4 cup reduced fat parmesan cheese
FOR THE GROUND BEEF MIXTURE:
1 pound cooked ground beef
1 medium onion
1/2 medium green bell pepper
1/2 medium yellow bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
FOR THE WW SAUCE:*
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
1 packet Splenda
salt and pepper (optional, to taste)
FOR THE CASSEROLE:
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray.

TO PREPARE THE PASTA MIXTURE:
Cook pasta according to directions on package, drain and rinse with cold water; drain.

In a bowl mix pasta, eggs, and parmesan cheese, spread in prepared pan.

TO PREPARE THE GROUND BEEF MIXTURE:
In a large pan cook beef, onion, green pepper, and yellow pepper, over medium heat, drain. Add garlic and cook a minute or two longer.

TO MAKE THE WW SAUCE:
Mix together ingredients for the sauce in a medium saucepan and cook for 15 minutes.

TO ASSEMBLE AND BAKE:
Add sauce to ground beef mixture. Spoon over pasta, add mushrooms and cheese.

Bake 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let set for 5 minutes before serving.

*Bottled spaghetti sauce may be used instead of the WW sauce.

Adapted from source: WeightLossQueen1