As a versatile ingredient, ground beef features in many delicious recipes. But on Weight Watchers, the points can vary greatly depending on factors like fat content So how many points does ground beef have on WW? Let’s break it down
Understanding point values for ground beef enables you to make informed choices when meal planning. You can balance higher point ingredients with lower point foods to stay within your daily budget Read on for a detailed guide to calculating Weight Watchers ground beef points so you can build healthy, satisfying meals
How Fat Percentage Impacts Ground Beef Points
The largest determining factor for ground beef points is fat percentage Beef is typically sold as regular, lean or extra lean
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Regular ground beef contains about 20% fat. This has the highest WW points.
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Lean ground beef has around 15% fat and fewer points.
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Extra lean ground beef is the leanest at about 5-10% fat. It has the lowest points.
The more fat in the beef, the more points it will have. Choosing leaner beef minimizes your points while providing the flavor you want.
Handy WW Point Values for Ground Beef
Based on typical fat percentages, here are the Weight Watchers points for common serving sizes:
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4 oz regular (20% fat): 7 points
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4 oz lean (15% fat): 6 points
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4 oz extra lean (5-10% fat): 4 points
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3 oz regular (20% fat): 5 points
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3 oz lean (15% fat): 4 points
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3 oz extra lean (5-10% fat): 3 points
As you can see, just trimming the fat percentage from 20% to 15% saves you 1 point per serving. Opting for extra lean beef saves up to 3 points compared to regular.
Smart Swaps to Reduce Ground Beef Points
If you want to lower ground beef’s points even further, try these healthy substitutions:
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Replace half the beef with mushrooms or lentils to cut points up to 50%.
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Blend in riced cauliflower. It mimics the texture with a fraction of the points.
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Swap in ground chicken or turkey breast. With minimal fat, they have just 1-2 points per serving.
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Try plant-based meat substitutes like soy crumbles or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for zero points.
With creative substitutions, you can still enjoy the flavors you love while slashing ground beef points on your WW journey.
Seasonings That Enhance Flavor for Zero Points
Don’t worry – lowering points doesn’t mean sacrificing taste! Boost flavor with these zero point seasonings:
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Aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, cilantro or parsley
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Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder or cumin
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Acid from lemon juice, lime juice or vinegars
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Salt-free seasoning blends for meat, tacos, chili or burgers
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Worcestershire or soy sauce for umami flavor
Amp up the flavor and your recipes will taste indulgent, minus the points!
Smart Ways to Work Ground Beef Into Your Meals
With its savory flavor, ground beef stars in many WW-friendly dishes:
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Burgers: Stuff patties with mushrooms, onions or peppers. Serve in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
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Meatballs: Roll bite-sized meatballs using a blend of beef, chicken and oats. Simmer in tomato sauce for pasta or subs.
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Chili: Swap half the beef for beans to add fiber and cut points. Top with salsa and cilantro.
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Taco Bowls: Brown lean ground beef with taco seasoning and spoon into bowls with lettuce, beans, veggies and guacamole.
With creative recipes, you can satisfy cravings for beef while keeping portions and points in check.
Answers to FAQs About Ground Beef SmartPoints
Still have questions about ground beef points on WW? Here are answers to some common queries:
How many points in 80/20 ground beef?
4 oz of 80/20 ground beef has around 7 WW points. This has a higher fat content of 20%.
What are the points for 90/10 ground beef?
4 oz of 90/10 extra lean beef has approximately 4 WW points. The 10% fat content makes it lower in points.
How can I reduce the points when cooking ground beef?
Sautee with cooking spray instead of oil, drain fat after cooking, choose leaner blends and incorporate vegetables, lentils or mushrooms.
Should I weigh ground beef before or after cooking?
To determine WW points, weigh ground beef before cooking. The point values are based on raw weights since cooked beef will weigh less after fat cooks off.
Is ground turkey better than ground beef for points?
Yes, ground turkey breast has only 1-2 points per 4 oz since it contains minimal fat. It’s a great lower point option.
Make Every Bite Count with Smart Meal Planning
With knowledge about how fat content influences its points, you can now make informed ground beef choices to build delicious, lower point meals on Weight Watchers. A few simple substitutions and seasoning tricks go a long way in trimming points without compromising taste.
Equipped with this guide, you can now confidently incorporate lean ground beef into your diet in wholesome, modest portion recipes that align with your daily points budget. Knowledge is power when it comes to points, so make every bite count!