Healthy Million Dollar Spaghetti (Print Version)

Lighter baked spaghetti with lean beef, sharp cheeses, and fresh herbs for a comforting dinner.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 3.17 cups spaghetti noodles (450 grams), cooked al dente

→ Meat and Vegetables

02 - 1 pound extra lean ground beef
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
05 - 10 ounces canned mushrooms, drained
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 3 green onions, chopped
08 - 1.5 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dairy

09 - 0.25 cup fat-free grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 0.5 cup fat-free cream cheese
11 - 3 cups low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, grated

→ Sauce and Seasonings

12 - 3.17 cups pasta sauce
13 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 11x13 inch lasagna pan with non-stick cooking spray.
02 - Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper until beef is browned. Drain excess grease and return to skillet.
04 - Add pasta sauce, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking until all ingredients are combined.
05 - Stir in canned mushrooms and chopped cilantro. Remove from heat.
06 - Mix the cooked spaghetti noodles with the sauce mixture. Transfer to the prepared lasagna pan and spread evenly.
07 - Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
08 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then broil at 500°F for 2 minutes or until the cheese bubbles and browns lightly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
09 - Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

# Extra Tips & Details:

01 - Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
02 - Drain meat mixture completely to avoid excess moisture and grease.
03 - Use part-skim or light cheeses to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess.
04 - Allow dish to rest 10-15 minutes post-baking to firm up for cleaner slices.
05 - If sauce is too thick, loosen with a small amount of reserved pasta water.
06 - High-protein pastas such as lentil or chickpea varieties can boost nutrition.
07 - This can be assembled the day before and refrigerated, adding extra baking time if cold.
08 - Top with fresh basil or parsley for added aroma and presentation.

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