Easy Spaghetti Crust with Cheese Layer and Meat Sauce Recipe

Craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish but want to keep it Weight Watchers-friendly? This Spaghetti Crust with Cheese Layer and Meat Sauce is a delicious and satisfying twist on traditional baked pasta. The spaghetti forms a sturdy, flavorful crust, layered with a creamy cheese topping and a hearty, protein-packed meat sauce. It’s the perfect way to indulge in classic Italian flavors while staying on track with your wellness goals. Comfort food, made smarter!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

WW-Friendly: Lightened-up ingredients keep SmartPoints in check.
High-Protein & Satisfying: A balance of pasta, cheese, and lean meat.
Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
Family-Approved: A healthy twist on a classic dish everyone will love.
Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Crust:

• 6 oz whole wheat spaghetti (or a lower-carb pasta alternative)
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp olive oil

For the Cheese Layer:

• ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• ½ cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg white
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Meat Sauce:

• ½ lb lean ground turkey or extra-lean ground beef
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Spaghetti Crust

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
4. Press the mixture into the greased pie dish to form a crust.

Make the Cheese Layer

1. In a bowl, combine cottage cheese (or ricotta), mozzarella, egg white, and Italian seasoning.
2. Spread evenly over the spaghetti crust.

Cook the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add ground turkey (or beef) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Assemble & Bake

1. Pour the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
2. Bake for 25 minutes or until heated through and slightly golden on top.
3. Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 290 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 5g
WW SmartPoints: 6-7 per serving (varies based on ingredients used)

Tips for Success

Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Higher in fiber and keeps you fuller longer.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds the crust shape.
Let It Rest Before Slicing: Helps everything set for clean slices.
Customize the Cheese Layer: Try using Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Lightened-up cheese and lean protein keep points lower while maintaining rich flavors.
• Whole wheat spaghetti provides fiber to keep you full longer.
• Tomato-based sauce is naturally low in calories and packed with nutrients.
• Perfectly portioned servings make tracking easy!

This Spaghetti Crust with Cheese Layer and Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food makeover! It’s cheesy, hearty, and satisfying—without the guilt. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers deliciousness while keeping you on track.