Spaghetti Pie(Weight Watchers)
A tasty and satisfying spaghetti pie with lean beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs, perfect for a wholesome family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/4 cup egg substitute ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. tub margarine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 15 oz. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together cooked spaghetti, egg substitute, margarine, Parmesan cheese, and parsley; set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil.
- Add lean ground beef and diced green pepper; cook, stirring to break up the meat, until vegetables are tender and beef is no longer pink.
- Stir in tomato sauce, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 ounce of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat spaghetti or a gluten-free alternative. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option. Adding some chopped spinach or zucchini can enhance the nutrition without altering the flavor. If you have leftover spaghetti, it can be used instead of cooking a fresh batch. Just ensure it's well coated in the sauce to avoid dryness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti pie warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside Italian recipes like Pasta E Fagioli(Italian Bean Soup). This dish is also great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead and reheated easily.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly, which helps maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Pie(Weight Watchers) contains roughly 173 calories, with 17g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2036mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spaghetti pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to serve, bake it at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of egg substitute?
If you don't have egg substitute on hand, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana as a binder. Alternatively, two large eggs can be used if you are not concerned about the calorie count. These substitutions help maintain the pie's structure while adding moisture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian spaghetti pie, simply replace the lean ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, or use a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein or lentils. You can also boost the flavor by adding Italian seasoning or additional herbs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).