Baked Pasta with Beef

Pasta is my go-to favorite food.  I can eat it every. Single. Day.  Even when I’m following Weight Watchers.  I want to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you that happens to be Weight Watchers friendly.

Baked Pasta with Beef

12 oz uncooked pasta (I use tri-colored swirls, but you can use anything.  I’ve even used all the leftover pasta in my pantry!)

2 tsp olive oil

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp rosemary

1 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1 pound ground beef (you could use ground turkey for lower points, but I’ve never done that.)

1 cup mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350.  Cook pasta according to directions.  While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over a medium heat.  Heat for about 2-5 minutes.  Add garlic and saute for about 5 minutes.  Add beef.  Crumble as it cooks.  Cook until completely brown.  Drain excess fat.  Mix in thyme, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.  Cook until herbs become fragrant, about 5 minutes.  Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook until the sauce is bubbling.

In a casserole dish, spread a small amount of sauce onto the bottom.  Add half of your pasta, half of the sauce.  Add the rest of your pasta and the rest of your sauce, then cover with mozzarella cheese.

Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes.  Check at about 25 so your cheese does not dry out.

Cool for about 5 minutes, cut and serve.

Makes 8 servings.  7 SmartPoints per serving.

I’d love to hear your experiences with this recipe!  What is your favorite recipe?  Comment below and be sure to follow me on social media!