Bon appetite! Give into your craving with these Italian dishes that won’t wreck your diet.

By JULIE BRINKLEY

When your next craving for some delicious Italiano sets in, give in to it with these fantastic recipes that will keep your health and waistline in check.

Bon appetite!

Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole

WHAT’S IN IT

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 tsp garlic powder

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried oregano leaves

1 tsp dried basil leaves

2 cups roughly chopped fresh cauliflower

1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

* 2 cups approved marinara sauce

1 1/2 cups reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese

2 oz. turkey sliced pepperoni

HOW TO MAKE IT

Over medium high heat, cook ground beef in a large skillet. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain grease and remove from heat.

Add oregano, basil, cauliflower, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce and 1 oz of turkey pepperoni that has been cut into fourths to the ground beef until combined.

Pour into a slow cooker that has been sprayed lightly with cooking spray and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Top with mozzarella cheese and additional pepperoni; cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or until the cheese has melted.

Zucchini Lasagna

WHAT’S IN IT

¾ cup marinara

1.5 cups zucchini (180g)

1 egg

⅔ cup part skim or reduced fat mozzarella

1 cup part skim or low fat ricotta

1 tsp Italian seasoning

4 tbsp grated parmesan

HOW TO MAKE IT

Preheat the oven to 400 and slice zucchini using a mandolin or peeler.

Mix 2 T. parmesan, ricotta, Italian seasoning and egg.

Place marinara at bottom of pan.

Roll zucchini with ricotta mixture and line up in a baking dish.

Cover with shredded mozzarella and remaining parmesan; cook for 30 minutes or until toasted brown and zucchini is tender.