Lighter Cheesy Pastitsio Recipe

Name: Lighter Cheesy Pastitsio
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces, weight Uncooked Whole Wheat Penne Pasta; 1 pound Lean Ground Beef; 1 Medium Onion, Chopped; 5 cloves Garlic, Minced; 3/4 teaspoons Salt; 1/2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper; 2 cups Skim Milk; 1 can (14.5 Oz. Size) Italian Style Diced Tomatoes, Diced; 6 ounces, weight Reduced Fat Or Fat Free Cream Cheese; 3/4 cups Shredded Part-skim Mozzarella Cheese; 1 Tablespoon Dried Italian Seasonings

Servings: persons

8 ounces, weight Uncooked Whole Wheat Penne Pasta
1 pound Lean Ground Beef
1 Medium Onion, Chopped
5 cloves Garlic, Minced
3/4 teaspoons Salt
1/2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
2 cups Skim Milk
1 can (14.5 Oz. Size) Italian Style Diced Tomatoes, Diced
6 ounces, weight Reduced Fat Or Fat Free Cream Cheese
3/4 cups Shredded Part-skim Mozzarella Cheese
1 Tablespoon Dried Italian Seasonings

1
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2
Cook penne in a large pot according to package directions until pasta is almost done, but not quite, and drain.
3
Return to pot and set aside.
4
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5
Add beef to pan and brown, stirring to crumble.
6
Remove beef from pan and drain thoroughly.
7
While beef is draining, add chopped onion to skillet and saute about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8
Add garlic and saute for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
9
Return beef to skillet and add salt, pepper, milk, tomatoes, and cream cheese.
10
Stir until smooth and bring to a simmer.
11
Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
12
Add beef mixture to pasta and stir to combine.
13
Spread mixture into prepared baking dish.
14
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Italian seasonings.
15
Bake 5-10 minutes uncovered until cheese melts.

778

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 ounces, weight Uncooked Whole Wheat Penne Pasta, 1 pound Lean Ground Beef, 1 Medium Onion, Chopped, 5 cloves Garlic, Minced, and more.

Yes, Lighter Cheesy Pastitsio falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Lighter Cheesy Pastitsio

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions