Weight Watchers-Friendly Mushroom Meatballs in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients:
- 500g lean ground beef (5% fat) – 15 points
- 1 large egg – 2 points
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – 0 points
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – 0 points
- 50g cabbage, finely shredded – 0 points
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley – 0 points
- Salt and pepper to taste – 0 points
- 300g chopped Parisian mushrooms – 0 points
- 20cl (200ml) reduced-fat sour cream (or fat-free Greek yogurt as a substitute) – 6 points
Total points for the entire recipe: 23 points
Yields: 4 servings (approx. 5-6 meatballs each serving)
Points per serving: 6 points
Instructions:
- Prepare the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, egg, onion, garlic, shredded cabbage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Cook the meatballs:
- Heat a non-stick pan or a large skillet over medium heat. Spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Brown the meatballs in the pan, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and browned on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
- Make the mushroom sauce:
- In the same pan, add the chopped mushrooms. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Lower the heat and stir in the reduced-fat sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve:
- Add the meatballs back to the pan and coat them in the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve warm: Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or low-point pasta alternatives if you want to keep the points low.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbs: ~5g
- Fat: ~15g
- Points per serving: 6 points
Tips:
- Lean meats: Using lean ground beef or a beef/pork mix can help keep the points lower while still providing richness.
- Sour cream swap: You can substitute fat-free Greek yogurt for sour cream to lower the points even more. This will give a similar creamy texture but with fewer points.
- Extra veggies: You can increase the volume of the meal without adding points by adding more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce.
- Low-carb/keto option: Serve the meatballs over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower mash to keep it low-carb while still getting that comforting meal.
Benefits:
- High in Protein: With lean meat and eggs, this dish is packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- Lower in Points: Using reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt keeps the creaminess without the extra points.
- Balanced: This dish gives you a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and low carbs, making it ideal for those on both Weight Watchers and low-carb diets.
Conclusion:
These Weight Watchers-friendly mushroom meatballs in a creamy mushroom sauce are a flavorful, hearty dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste while keeping the points manageable. Perfect for a cozy dinner, and the reduced-fat options ensure you can enjoy the creaminess without feeling guilty. A delicious and satisfying meal for anyone on a healthier eating plan!