Delicious Crock Pot Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Casserole (Weight Watchers-Friendly Version)

Introduction:
Philly Cheese Steak is a beloved classic, combining tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce. However, if you’re following the Weight Watchers (WW) program and aiming to enjoy a satisfying meal while keeping points in check, this version of the Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Casserole is just what you need. This recipe has been carefully crafted to make sure you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for a healthier, low-point dish.

By utilizing lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and light cheese, we’ve transformed this decadent dish into a WW-friendly delight. Not only will you enjoy every bite, but you’ll also stay on track with your health and weight goals. Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional breakdown for this tasty casserole.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 8 oz whole wheat rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese (8 oz)
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

WW SmartPoints Breakdown (per serving):

  • SmartPoints (Blue, Green, Purple plans): 7 points per serving
  • Calories: 305
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing all of your ingredients. Dice the onion and green bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. Set them aside in separate bowls. Next, measure out your broth, cheese, and seasonings to ensure you have everything ready before you start cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Brown the meat until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the recipe lower in points, as lean ground beef typically releases minimal fat. Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, or until they become soft and start to caramelize. The flavors of the vegetables will enhance the overall dish. Once done, transfer them to the crockpot with the ground beef.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Whole wheat pasta is a healthier option, as it contains more fiber, keeping you full longer. Drain the pasta once cooked, but do not rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole in the Crockpot
Add the cooked pasta to the crockpot, along with the browned ground beef and sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine. In a separate bowl, mix the reduced-fat cream cheese, low-sodium beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the mixture and the sauce becomes smooth. Pour this mixture over the pasta and meat in the crockpot.

Step 6: Cook the Casserole
Set the crockpot on low and cook for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Make sure to stir once or twice during cooking to ensure the sauce spreads evenly. The sauce should be creamy and coat the pasta thoroughly.

Step 7: Add the Cheese
About 20 minutes before the casserole is done, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will allow the cheese to melt into the dish and create a cheesy, gooey topping that resembles the classic Philly cheese steak.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is cooked and the cheese is melted, give it a final stir. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, adding a touch of color and freshness to the dish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Helpful Tips:

  1. Use Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef helps to reduce the fat content in the recipe, keeping it lower in WW points. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for an even leaner option.
  2. Substitute Cheese for Lower Points: You can further reduce the points by using fat-free mozzarella cheese, though this might slightly affect the creamy texture of the dish.
  3. Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to increase the fiber and nutritional value of the casserole. These will also add texture and flavor without significantly changing the WW points.
  4. Pasta Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of pasta for a low-carb alternative. This will cut down the carb content and reduce WW points further.
  5. Freezer-Friendly: This casserole can be made in advance and stored in the freezer. Simply let it cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 305
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Weight Watchers SmartPoints Breakdown:

  • Blue Plan: 7 SmartPoints
  • Green Plan: 7 SmartPoints
  • Purple Plan: 7 SmartPoints

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Flavorful: The combination of lean beef, vegetables, and creamy sauce delivers all the rich flavors of a Philly cheese steak, but in a healthier, lower-point form.
  • Satisfying: The use of whole wheat pasta and lean meat makes this dish a filling, hearty meal that won’t leave you hungry.
  • Easy to Prepare: The crockpot does most of the work, allowing you to set it and forget it while it cooks slowly to perfection.
  • WW-Friendly: Whether you follow the Blue, Green, or Purple plan, this recipe keeps you within your points without compromising on taste.

Conclusion:

This Crock Pot Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Casserole is a perfect blend of comfort food and healthy eating. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes for an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option. With just 7 WW SmartPoints per serving, you can enjoy a filling meal while staying on track with your health goals. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or simply looking for a tasty and nutritious meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll thank you for it! Happy cooking!