Have you been craving a hearty and filling meal that won't leave you feeling guilty? Look no further than a comforting bowl of 1 cup beef, dumplings, and vegetables in gravy. At just 227 calories, this dish is the perfect balance of protein and veggies to keep you satisfied and energized.
But what about the nutritional information? This dish has a moderate amount of fat at 7 grams, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 17 grams of protein. But perhaps most importantly, this dish contains a variety of vitamins from the vegetables, including vitamin A from the carrots, vitamin C from the broccoli, and folate from the dark-green leafy veggies.
In this article, we'll not only explore the nutritional benefits but also the best cooking methods and serving sizes for this filling meal.
Calories
As mentioned before, 1 cup of beef, dumplings, and vegetables in gravy contains 227 calories. This makes it a great option for those who want a filling meal without compromising their daily calorie intake. In comparison to other meals with similar ingredients, this dish provides a healthy balance of protein and carbs. So, if you're counting your calories, this is definitely a meal to consider.
Fat Content
This dish has 7 grams of fat per serving. Since this is a meat-based dish, most of the fat content is likely from the beef. However, the dish also contains a small amount of fat from the gravy. While this isn't the lowest fat content, it's also not the highest. As an occasional meal, it can definitely be a part of a healthy diet.
Carbohydrates
With 20 grams of carbohydrates, this dish is perfect for those who need a good source of energy. While it does contain some complex carbohydrates from the veggies and dumplings, there's also some simple carbs from the gravy. However, don't be too concerned with the carb content as this dish provides numerous health benefits from the vitamins and minerals.
Protein
The beef is the primary source of protein in this dish, providing 17 grams per serving. This makes it a great option for those who need to increase their protein intake to support an active lifestyle. Dumplings and veggies also provide some small amount of protein, but it's the beef that makes this meal a protein powerhouse.
Vitamins
One of the best things about this dish is its variety of vitamin-rich ingredients. Carrots provide a healthy dose of vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function. Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy skin and aids in iron absorption. Dark-green leafy veggies, like kale or spinach, provide folate, which is essential for fetal development in pregnant women.
Minerals
The veggies in this dish also provide a variety of essential minerals. Carrots are a good source of potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure. Broccoli contains calcium and magnesium, which are important for bone health, and iron for healthy red blood cells. Dark-green leafy veggies are also a great source of iron, which is crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Sodium Content
While this dish is deliciously savory thanks to the gravy, it also contains a moderate amount of sodium at 480mg per serving. This is about 20% of your recommended daily value. For those watching their salt intake, it's important to be mindful of other high-sodium meals throughout the day.
Fiber Content
This dish contains some fiber from the veggies and dumplings. However, the overall fiber content is not very high. For those looking to increase their fiber intake, it's recommended to pair this dish with a high-fiber side like roasted sweet potatoes or a quinoa salad.
Serving Size
The serving size for this dish is 1 cup, which is a moderate portion size. If you're looking for a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with some brown rice or a whole wheat roll. If you're hoping to meal prep this dish for the week, it can easily be portioned out into Tupperware containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Cooking Method
This dish can be made in a variety of ways, but some cooking methods are healthier than others. We recommend using a slow cooker or instant pot to cook the beef, veggies, and dumplings to perfection without adding extra oil or butter. If you'd like to make the gravy from scratch, use a low-sodium beef or vegetable broth and thicken with cornstarch to keep it healthy.
There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of beef, dumplings, and veggies in gravy to fill you up and keep you satisfied. With its variety of vitamins and minerals, this meal is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Cup Beef, Dumplings and Vegetables in Gravy
1) What are the nutritional benefits of this dish?
This dish provides a good source of protein from the beef and a variety of vegetables, which contribute important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. However, it may also be high in sodium and fat depending on how it is prepared.
2) What is a recommended serving size?
A recommended serving size for this dish is 1 cup, which contains approximately 227 calories.
3) Can this dish be made healthier?
Yes, this dish can be made healthier by using lean cuts of beef, reducing the amount of gravy, and adding more vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
4) Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
This dish contains dumplings, which are typically high in carbohydrates, so it may not be suitable for a low-carb diet. However, you could opt to remove the dumplings or substitute with a low-carb alternative.
5) How can I make this dish at home?
You can make this dish by cooking beef in a pot with vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and dark leafy greens like kale or spinach. Once the beef is fully cooked, add gravy and let simmer. Finally, add the dumplings and cook until they are tender.