Low Fat Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Satisfy your craving for a hearty, comforting meal while keeping it light with this Low Fat Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese! This wholesome recipe combines tender whole wheat pasta with a rich, zesty meat sauce made from lean ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a blend of classic Italian herbs. Topped with creamy, melted low-fat mozzarella and a fresh sprinkle of parsley, this dish delivers all the indulgent flavors of a baked pasta favorite without the extra calories. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family. With its savory, cheesy goodness and guilt-free ingredients, this low-fat pasta bake is destined to become a new staple in your healthy eating rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

While the sauce simmers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly with the meat sauce.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1768.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1772.6

Total Fat 71.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 400.2mg	0%
Sodium 4451.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 132.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.9g	0%
Total Sugars 48.0g
Protein 166.7g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 1180.9mg	0%
Iron 24.9mg	0%
Potassium 5158.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.1%

Protein: 36.2%

Carbs: 28.7%