Weight Watchers Baked Ziti Recipe
Weight Watchers Baked Ziti Recipe
A classic Italian Dinner with Ground Beef, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and Mozzarella cheese.
You will only spend 15 minutes prepping this meal, which we all love!
This hearty dinner has just under 300 calories, and 7.8 grams of fat. We use lean ground beef, and part-skim Mozzarella cheese to make it lighter than the original version.
A delicious comfort food pasta meal!
Why You’ll Love This Weight Watchers Baked Ziti
This Weight Watchers Baked Ziti is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
Comforting and Satisfying: This baked ziti offers all the comforting flavors of traditional ziti, with a healthier twist. The gooey cheese, savory marinara sauce, and tender pasta make it a satisfying meal that feels indulgent.
Healthy and Low Points: By using whole wheat pasta, lean ground meat, and part-skim cheese, this recipe keeps the points low while still delivering a rich and tasty dish. It’s perfect for those following the Weight Watchers program.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights. With simple steps and common ingredients, you can have a delicious dinner ready without much fuss.
Family-Friendly: This baked ziti is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The familiar flavors and cheesy goodness make it a favorite for kids and adults alike, making dinner time a breeze.
Perfect for Leftovers: This dish is just as good the next day, making it ideal for leftovers. Pack it for lunch or enjoy it for another dinner – it reheats beautifully and stays delicious.
Customizable: You can easily customize this baked ziti by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to boost the nutritional value and flavor.
Great for Gatherings: This baked ziti is a fantastic option for potlucks and family gatherings. It’s easy to make in large quantities and is sure to please a crowd.
This Italian dinner is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic dish. It’s delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion!
Weight Watchers Points
MyWW Points: 7 Blue Plan and 9 Green Plan
7 WW Freestyle Points and 9 Smart Points.
Personal Points will vary based on your individual plan.
Tips and Tricks
Pasta Preparation
Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
Flavor Boost
Add a splash of red wine to the ground beef mixture after browning the meat and before adding the tomatoes. This adds depth to the sauce.
Cheese Blend
Mix part-skim mozzarella with a bit of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Parmesan gives the dish a nice tangy finish.
Fresh Herbs
If you have fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, use them instead of dried. Fresh herbs can provide a more vibrant flavor.
Sauce Consistency
If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency. The starchy water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Make-Ahead
This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Broiling Tip
For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked ziti with a side salad and some garlic bread. The fresh salad and crunchy bread complement the hearty pasta dish perfectly.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Related Recipes
We have more Italian Weight Watchers Recipes here,
more Weight Watchers Beef Recipes here,
and more Weight Watchers Dinner Recipes here!
We are not affiliated with Weight Watchers/WW in any way.
Double check points on the official calculator.
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Love wine? Check out this cute wine glass. The Points Glass Stemless Wine Glass. 3 Points, 5 Points, Who Cares
Fun but practical! The measurements are at 4 ounces, 7 ounces, and 10 ounces.
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Weight Watchers Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta – uncooked
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ lb ground beef – lean
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese – part-skim shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according the directions on that package. Don't add salt.
- Drain the water off of the pasta, and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350° F
- In a medium sized saucepan, add olive oil.
- Heat oil over medium heat.
- Add in garlic and saute for Two minutes
- Add in ground beef and cook until browned, approx 5 minutes.
- Drain fat and place saucepan back on the heat.
- Stir in the rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Cook an additional Two minutes.
- Add in the tomatoes
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat & simmer for Five minutes.
- Place a thin layer of ground beef mixture on the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Place ½ of the prepared pasta in an even layer.
- Place ½ of the ground beef mixture evenly over the pasta
- Place ½ of the mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the meat layer
- Repeat each layer with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven approx 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Notes
Nutrition
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How do you know how much to eat in a serving?
Hi Brittney,
1 serving is 191 grams.
I’m with Brittney. How much is one serving size?
Hi Alyssa,
i serving is 191 grams.
Loved this recipe! I’ve been looking for a healthier version of baked ziti and this hit the spot. The trick of using reduced-fat Ricotta really made a difference. I’ll definitely be making this again!