Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole (WW SmartPoints)

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Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole (WW SmartPoints)

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Indulge in a hearty, cheesy, and meaty delight without the guilt! This Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole is perfect for those who crave the deliciousness of a pizza but are watching their waistline. Packed with protein-rich meats, flavorful veggies, and gooey cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits right into your WW SmartPoints budget.

Description:

This casserole takes all the flavors of a classic meat lover’s pizza and layers them into a comforting, oven-baked dish. By using lean meats, reduced-fat cheese, and a veggie-packed sauce, this version keeps the calories low without sacrificing taste. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a game-day feast.

Servings:

  • 6 servings
  • WW SmartPoints: Approximately 7 per serving (Points may vary based on the specific brands and products used.)

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean or better)
  • 4 oz turkey pepperoni (sliced or chopped)
  • 4 oz Canadian bacon (diced)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1 bell pepper (diced – any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added, drained)
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce (no sugar added)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cooking spray

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook the Meats:
    • In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
    • Add the turkey pepperoni and Canadian bacon. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy.
  3. Sauté Veggies:
    • In the same skillet, add diced onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
  4. Make the Sauce:
    • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.
    • Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Pour the meat and veggie mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
    • Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake:
    • Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve:
    • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
See also  Weight Watchers No-Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: ~280
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • WW SmartPoints: ~7 (may vary by product brand)

Tips and Notes:

  • Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrients and bulk without many additional points.
  • Cheese Choices: Use part-skim cheese to keep points lower. You can also mix in some reduced-fat cheddar for variety.
  • Meal Prep: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Low Carb Option: This is already low in carbs, but for an even lower count, skip the diced tomatoes or reduce the portion.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your taste.

Health Benefits:

  • High Protein: Keeps you fuller longer and helps with muscle maintenance.
  • Low Carb: Great for those following low-carb or keto-inspired diets.
  • Reduced Fat: Using lean meats and part-skim cheese helps lower the fat content without losing flavor.
  • Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins from veggies like bell peppers and tomatoes.

Q&A:

Can I use other meats?

Absolutely! Lean ground beef or chicken sausage are great alternatives. Just adjust the SmartPoints accordingly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the meats with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-lover’s twist.

Can I prep this ahead?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

See also  Weight Watchers Chicken Corn Chowder soup

How can I make this spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes, use spicy turkey sausage, or top with jalapeño slices.

Final Thoughts:

This Loaded Meat Lover’s Pizza Casserole brings all the savory pizza flavors you love into a healthier, hearty dish that satisfies cravings while keeping you on track with your WW goals. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite!

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