From oven fried chicken to chili mac, these healthy dinner recipes let you satisfy your comfort food cravings without the guilt.
50 Classic Comfort Food Dinners You Won’t Believe Are Healthy
Updated on Sep. 09, 2024
1/50
Cornmeal Fried Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cornmeal fried chicken dish perks up the dinner table. Its flavorful cornmeal/bread-crumb coating is a good variation from the usual. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 249 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 331mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/50
Black Bean Burrito
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My neighbor and I discovered these delicious low-fat burritos a few years ago. On nights my husband or I have a meeting, we can have a satisfying supper on the table in minutes. —Angela Studebaker, Goshen, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 395 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
3/50
Skillet Meat Loaf
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. It’s a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. —Emily Sund, Geneseo, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat loaf: 292 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
4/50
Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I always like to make this soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow-cooker, turn it on, and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 266 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 15g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
5/50
Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone eats for comfort during the holidays, but comfort foods aren't necessarily healthy. To make a classic comfort food dish healthier, I came up with this lovely take: butternut squash shepherd's pie with ground turkey. It's perfect for putting out on your holiday buffet table. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 314 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
6/50
Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband often ordered pineapple fried rice at Thai restaurants, so I surprised him by tweaking some similar recipes to come up with a version that's both simple and delicious. —Bonnie Brien, Pacific Grove, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 491 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
7/50
Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me about 25 years ago. Ever since then, it's been a go-to whenever I need good food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 419 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
8/50
Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 pizzas (6 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A wonderful crust layered with herbed tomato sauce and toppings encourages my family of six to dig right in to this low-fat main course. —Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 190 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
9/50
The Ultimate Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. —Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 284 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/50
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were first married and poor college students, I found this sloppy joe recipe and tweaked it. The fresh bell peppers give it a wonderful flavor. —Kallee Twiner, Maryville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 251 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
11/50
Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found the original recipe for this dish on a can of pineapple slices in the 1980s. After making it for a number of years, I lightened the ingredients and adapted it to a quick skillet meal. My family gave it a big thumbs-up, and we've enjoyed it this way ever since! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture: 316 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
12/50
Turkey Gyros
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Greek seasoning, feta cheese and dill-cucumber sauce give this gyro an authentic taste. It was my family's introduction to how really good pita bread can be. Instead of feta cheese, we'll sprinkle on cheddar or Monterey Jack if we have it. —Donna Garvin, Glens Falls, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 307 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/50
Chicken Chalupa
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chalupa: 206 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
14/50
Root Stew
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While inventing a new form of comfort food, I made a stew of carrots, turnips, parsnips and rutabaga. When I'm in the mood to change things up, I add potatoes or chicken. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 227 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 676mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
15/50
Light & Lemony Scampi
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without cheese): 378 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 146mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
16/50
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I've figured out a way to get the best part of the eggroll—without the mess. If you prefer a traditional egg rolls made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 451 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
17/50
Rich Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
18/50
Baked Barbecue Chicken Breast
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend made this saucy chicken for us when we had our first child. I pared down the recipe to make it lower in fat and calories. Now it's a family favorite, and even the kids ask for this baked bbq chicken breast. —Marge Wagner, Roselle, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
19/50
Quinoa & Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're thinking about a meatless meal, give these no-fuss peppers a try. They come together with just a few ingredients and put a tasty spin on a low-fat dinner! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PA
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 393 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 18g protein.
20/50
Crispy Fish & Chips
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with a white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup fries: 416 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
21/50
Cabbage Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It was an abundance of dill in my garden that led me to try this. My family liked the taste so much that, from then on, I made my old-fashioned cabbage rolls recipe with dill. This is how to make easy cabbage rolls. – Florence Krantz, Bismarck, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
2 cabbage rolls: 260 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 694mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
22/50
Chicken Jambalaya
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a great easy chicken jambalaya recipe. It's great to serve at parties and it reheats well after! —Lynn Desjardins, Atkinson, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 285 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
23/50
Zucchini Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We plant zucchini every year and always seem to have more than we can use! This hearty zucchini lasagna is a delicious way to use an abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
24/50
Baked Chicken Tenders
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 194 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
25/50
Turkey a la King with Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this dish with our leftover turkey. It's a nice change from casseroles and so simple. Serve over rice, noodles, biscuits or toast. —Pat Lemke, Brandon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups turkey mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 350 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 594mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
26/50
Tomato Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
27/50
Salisbury Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Finding the best Salisbury steak recipe is hard! I remember enjoying it often when I was growing up, but when I decided to add it to my recipe collection, I wasn't able to find it in my modern cookbooks. I came up with these ingredients on my own and experimented until it tasted like the dish I remembered. —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 581 calories, 37g fat (17g saturated fat), 250mg cholesterol, 1960mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
28/50
Spicy Oven-Fried Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family adores this recipe. The coating keeps the chicken nice and moist. With the taste enhanced by marinating, the result is delicious. —Stephanie Otten, Byron Center, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 296 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 6 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/50
Italian Hot Dish
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband had a poor perception of healthy food until he tried this beefy casserole. The combination of pasta, oregano, mushrooms and green peppers makes it a favorite healthy pasta recipe in our house. —Theresa Smith, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
30/50
Savory Beef & Cabbage Supper
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My beef and cabbage supper began as an idea for a gluten-free Reuben sandwich. We also make this dish with smoked sausage. It’s comforting on cooler days. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 260 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
31/50
Cashew Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture: 349 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 starch.
32/50
One-Pot Chili Mac
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty entree is low in fat, but full of flavor. I love that you can cook the dried pasta right in the chili. One less pot to wash! This also reheats in the microwave perfectly. —Dawn Forsberg, Saint Joseph, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
33/50
Hamburger Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hamburger casserole recipe is such a hit it's traveled all over the country! My mother invented the recipe in Pennsylvania, I brought it to Texas when I married, I'm still making it in California, and my daughter treats her friends to this oldie in Colorado. It's hearty, yet simple to prepare. —Helen Carmichall, Santee, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
34/50
Shrimp Puttanesca
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I throw together these bold ingredients for a feisty seafood pasta. —Lynda Balslev, Sausalito, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup shrimp mixture: 228 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
35/50
Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe for beef Stroganoff with round steak is one I spotted in a local hospital auxiliary cookbook. When I gave it a try, my husband loved it! And I've had lots of compliments every time I've served it. –Brenda Read, Burns Lake, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 325 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 722mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
36/50
Chicken Taco Salad
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
37/50
Spinach ‘n’ Broccoli Enchiladas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It's quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 246 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
38/50
Curry Chicken and Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
39/50
Broccoli Tuna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my family away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
40/50
Sausage-Topped White Pizza
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love cooking, and I learned from Nana and Mom. Pizza is easily one of my favorite dishes to prepare. I switched up this recipe to make it my own. —Tracy Brown, River Edge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 242 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
41/50
Fried Green Tomato Stacks
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is for lovers of red and green tomatoes. When I ran across the recipe, I just had to try it and it proved to be so tasty! —Barbara Mohr, Millington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 stack: 284 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
42/50
Easy Cuban Picadillo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 363 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
43/50
Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 195 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 639mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
44/50
Veggie Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 430 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein.
45/50
Sunday Roast Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe proves that comfort food doesn't have to be full of unwanted calories. Mixed with orange and lemon juice, my roast chicken is both flavorful and healthy. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island.
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken (skin removed) with 1/2 cup vegetables: 292 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
46/50
Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At lunch one day, a friend told me about a steak salad she'd had at a party. It sounded so fantastic I had to try it for myself. My family would eat it nonstop if we could. Can't seem to get enough of that tangy dressing! —Alma Winberry, Great Falls, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 289 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
47/50
Company Turkey Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's our smart spin on potpie, filled with turkey, autumn vegetables and a creamy herb sauce. Best of all, there's no crust to make—just top with prepared phyllo dough. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 275 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
48/50
Chicken Pesto Meatballs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender, pesto-stuffed meatballs get gobbled up in our house. They're short on ingredients, but packed with flavor. I always make a double batch, freezing the other half for a busy night. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup meatball mixture with 1 cup spaghetti: 422 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
49/50
Mushroom Turkey Tetrazzini
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, comforting casserole makes a fantastic way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. And it’s a real family-pleaser! —Linda Howe, Lisle, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 357 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 717mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
50/50
Creamy Skinny Pasta Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked pasta is a favorite potluck dish, so I altered some of the ingredients in my traditional recipe to make it lower in calories. Try this healthy pasta recipe with ground beef too! —Andrea Bolden, Unionville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 445 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
