If you’re following the Weight Watchers program, you know that it’s all about making healthier choices without sacrificing flavor. Here’s a collection of Weight Watchers hamburger meat recipes ranging from hearty dinners to quick snacks. Each recipe is packed with flavor and easy to customize based on your preferences.
1. Skinny Hamburger Stir-Fry
Points: ~5 per serving
This quick and healthy stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with colorful veggies, lean beef, and a savory sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Heat a non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic and onions to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant.
- Toss in broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot over brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-point meal.
Deer Meat Chili Crock Pot Recipe
2. Weight Watchers Hamburger Soup
Points: ~4 per serving
This hearty, comforting soup is packed with nutrients and is perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added)
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened.
- Add carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans. Stir well.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy a bowl of goodness.
3. Low-Point Hamburger Meat Tacos
Points: ~6 for 2 tacos
Tacos are always a hit! These low-point tacos are full of flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (as a sour cream substitute)
- Optional toppings: jalapeños, salsa, avocado slices (adjust points accordingly)
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Assemble tacos by adding a scoop of seasoned meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or black beans for a complete meal.
4. Weight Watchers Beef and Zucchini Skillet
Points: ~5 per serving
This one-pan dish is a delicious way to enjoy hamburger meat while sneaking in some extra veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
- Toss in zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot as is or with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
5. Hamburger Meat Lettuce Wraps
Points: ~4 for 3 wraps
Light, refreshing, and full of flavor, these lettuce wraps are perfect for a quick snack or light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 head of butter lettuce (for wraps)
- Optional: shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, or green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Add onions and mushrooms, and sauté until tender.
- Mix in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Spoon the mixture into butter lettuce leaves. Garnish with carrots, peanuts, or green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately for a fresh, low-point meal.
Tips for Cooking Hamburger Meat in Weight Watchers Recipes
- Choose Lean Meat: Use 90% or 93% lean ground beef for fewer points. Alternatively, try ground turkey or chicken for an even lighter option.
- Portion Control: Stick to recommended serving sizes (typically 3-4 oz of cooked meat per serving).
- Boost with Veggies: Adding vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach not only adds nutrients but also stretches the recipe without increasing points.
- Low-Fat Alternatives: Use reduced-fat cheese, Greek yogurt, and low-sodium sauces to keep recipes flavorful and Weight Watchers-friendly.
- Smart Sides: Pair your hamburger meat dishes with low-point sides like cauliflower rice, steamed veggies, or whole grains.
FAQs About Weight Watchers Hamburger Meat Recipes
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger meat in Weight Watchers recipes?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute for hamburger meat in Weight Watchers recipes. They are often lower in fat and points, especially if you choose lean or extra-lean options. The taste may vary slightly, but they work wonderfully in dishes like tacos, stir-fries, and soups.
2. What is the best type of ground beef to use for Weight Watchers recipes?
For Weight Watchers recipes, it’s best to use lean ground beef, such as 90% or 93% lean. This reduces the fat content and keeps the points lower. Always drain excess fat after cooking to make the dish even lighter.
3. Can I freeze meals made with hamburger meat for meal prep?
Yes! Most recipes using hamburger meat freeze well, especially soups, casseroles, and skillet dishes. Let the dish cool completely, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
4. How can I add flavor to my Weight Watchers hamburger meat recipes without adding points?
You can enhance the flavor of your recipes with herbs and spices like garlic, onion powder, paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, or chili flakes. Fresh ingredients like cilantro, parsley, or lemon juice also add a burst of flavor without adding points.
5. What are some low-point sides to serve with Weight Watchers hamburger meat dishes?
Great low-point sides include cauliflower rice, steamed or roasted vegetables (like broccoli, zucchini, or green beans), mixed greens or side salads with a light vinaigrette, or whole grains like quinoa or brown rice (in portion-controlled amounts). These pair perfectly with hamburger meat recipes while keeping the overall meal Weight Watchers-friendly.