If you’ve been dreaming of a comforting, cheesy lasagna without the guilt and a hefty point count, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna (Only 8 Weight Watchers Points!) Recipe. It combines all those classic flavors we adore—rich tomato sauce, tender veggies, savory lean beef, and melty cheese—into one effortless, healthier dish that satisfies your cravings without undoing all your hard work. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or simply want a lighter take on a family favorite, this recipe is pure magic on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna (Only 8 Weight Watchers Points!) Recipe so irresistible. Each item brings its own magic, from the hearty ground beef to the fresh herbs, ensuring every bite is packed with taste and nutrition.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the vegetables evenly.
- Unsalted butter: Combines with olive oil to create a flavorful base for your veggies.
- Carrots (diced): Provide natural sweetness and a tender crunch.
- Celery (diced): Offers a fresh, crisp texture that balances the richness.
- Zucchini (peeled and diced): Adds moisture and a mild, pleasant flavor to deepen the sauce.
- Sweet yellow onion (diced): Brings a savory depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a little punch.
- Fresh thyme (chopped): A fragrant herb that elevates the savory notes beautifully.
- 90% lean ground beef: Keeps the dish hearty without the guilt of extra fat.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): Provide the robust, rich tomato flavor that’s essential in any lasagna.
- Water: Helps thin out the sauce slightly, perfect for cooking the pasta right in the skillet.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the sauce’s tomatoey goodness for a luxurious finish.
- Barilla Oven-Ready lasagna sheets: Broken into pieces, they cook effortlessly in the sauce, skipping the boiling step.
- Mozzarella pearls (optional): Add gooey cheese pockets that melt into the sauce.
- Non-fat shredded Italian cheese blend: Sprinkled on top for a flavorful, golden crust.
- Fresh basil (chopped): Finishes the dish with a fresh, herbaceous kick.
How to Make Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna (Only 8 Weight Watchers Points!) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Build Flavor
Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in diced carrots and celery. Sauté for about 3 minutes to start softening these veggies, stirring occasionally. This foundational step creates a flavorful base for your lasagna.
Step 2: Add More Veggies for Depth and Texture
Next, add diced onion and zucchini to the skillet, continuing to sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the zucchini softens slightly. This blend ensures every bite is packed with fresh, vibrant textures.
Step 3: Aromatics Bring Everything Together
Stir in minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme, cooking for a quick 30 seconds. The joyous scent will fill your kitchen and make you even more eager to dive in.
Step 4: Brown the Lean Meat
Add your lean ground beef to the skillet, cooking until it’s fully browned, about 2 to 4 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat into small pieces so it spreads evenly through the sauce.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, one cup of water, and the tomato paste. Stir well to combine all those hearty ingredients into a luscious sauce base.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Give the sauce a quick taste test, then season it with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. This crucial step customizes the flavor exactly how you love it.
Step 7: Bring It to a Boil
Raise the heat and bring your mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully before adding the pasta pieces.
Step 8: Add Pasta and Cheese Pearls
Stir in the broken lasagna sheets and mozzarella pearls, if using. These elements soak up the sauce while creating marvelous pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish.
Step 9: Simmer Covered for Tender Pasta
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. This allows the pasta to soften perfectly as it absorbs the rich sauce.
Step 10: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the lasagna pieces beautifully.
Step 11: Broil to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven’s broiler and sprinkle the non-fat Italian cheese blend generously on top of the lasagna. Broil just until the cheese melts and turns a tempting golden brown color. Be sure to watch it closely; it happens quickly!
Step 12: Add Fresh Basil and Finish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the entire dish with chopped fresh basil for a bright, fresh note that balances out all the warm, savory flavors.
How to Serve Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna (Only 8 Weight Watchers Points!) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper makes for an inviting presentation. You can even add a few torn basil leaves right at the table to enhance the aroma and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and fresh with a crisp side salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or serve with oven-toasted buttery crostini. These sides complement the rustic, comforting nature of the lasagna while keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna (Only 8 Weight Watchers Points!) Recipe family-style in the skillet it was cooked in to showcase those gorgeous layers and gooey cheese topping. For a fun twist, try plating individual servings with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil and a few grinds of black pepper for an extra touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your lasagna cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and it actually tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing to maintain the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through and bubbly. Adding a few fresh basil leaves after reheating revives that fresh-from-the-oven vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Using ground turkey or chicken is a great way to reduce fat content even further while keeping the protein high. Just follow the same cooking times and steps for browning the meat.
Do I have to use oven-ready lasagna sheets?
Oven-ready sheets save time since they don’t require pre-boiling, and they absorb the sauce right in the skillet. If you only have traditional sheets, cook them according to package instructions before layering.
Is it necessary to use mozzarella pearls?
Mozzarella pearls are optional but add a fun twist with little pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish. You can skip them and rely on the shredded Italian cheese blend on top if you prefer.
Can I prepare this recipe completely on the stovetop?
You almost can! The only oven step is broiling the cheese topping for that golden, bubbly finish. However, if you don’t have an oven, you can cover and cook a little longer on the stovetop—though you’ll miss the broiled cheese crust.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully. You can make a large batch to have ready meals throughout the week that stay low in Weight Watchers points.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like savoring a homemade lasagna that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into your healthy lifestyle, and this Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna (Only 8 Weight Watchers Points!) Recipe does just that. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and satisfying every single time. I can’t wait for you to make it your go-to recipe whenever the lasagna craving hits—you’ll be so happy you did!
Print
Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna (Only 8 Weight Watchers Points!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna recipe is a delicious, low-calorie twist on the classic Italian comfort meal. With just 8 Weight Watchers points per serving, it features lean ground beef, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and oven-ready lasagna sheets cooked in a skillet for a time-saving and easy meal. Topped with melted Italian cheese blend and fresh basil, this lasagna offers all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering or lengthy baking.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 zucchini, peeled and diced
- ½ sweet yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for serving)
Meat & Dairy
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls (optional)
- 1½ cups non-fat shredded Italian cheese blend
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained, 1 can)
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 5 Barilla Oven-Ready lasagna sheets (broken roughly into 8–12 pieces)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced carrots and celery and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften and develop flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and zucchini, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the zucchini softens.
- Garlic and Thyme: Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme, stirring for 30 seconds to release their aromas without burning.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with juices, water, and tomato paste to create the sauce base.
- Season: Taste the sauce and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, preparing to cook the pasta.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the broken lasagna sheets and optional mozzarella pearls, stirring to submerge pasta in the sauce.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 minutes to allow the pasta to soften and absorb flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Preheat Broiler: While the sauce thickens, turn your oven broiler on to prepare for melting the cheese topping.
- Broil Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend over the beef mixture and place the skillet under the broiler. Broil just until the cheese melts and the top turns golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top for a fresh, herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve the lasagna hot, ideally with a side salad and oven-toasted, buttery crostini for a complete meal.
- Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your quick, skinny cheat’s lasagna that satisfies both taste buds and weight watchers points!
Notes
- Using oven-ready lasagna sheets eliminates the need for boiling pasta separately, saving time.
- Fresh basil added at the end brightens the flavors and adds a fresh herbal note.
- Optional mozzarella pearls add creaminess but can be omitted to reduce calories.
- Be sure to use an oven-proof skillet to transition safely from stovetop to broiler.
- Watch the broiler carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean beef for a lighter alternative.
- Serve with a crisp green salad and crostini to balance the meal.
