These quick comfort food recipes make it easy to eat healthily. Take your pick from these hearty main dishes and sides that are loaded with flavor. Round out your menu with our healthy appetizers and light dessert recipes.
36 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes That Satisfy
Updated on May 07, 2024
Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We’re crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Potato-Topped Ground Beef Skillet
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Compared to other ground beef skillet recipes, the depth of flavor in this recipe is amazing, and I never have leftovers when I take it to potlucks. I love recipes that I can cook and serve in the same skillet. Bonus points if they’re healthy, too. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Spinach Quesadillas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 wedges: 281 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
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Shrimp Tortellini Pasta Toss
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter how you toss ’em up, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any fresh veggie. This healthy pasta is sure to satisfy. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 413 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
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Barley Beef Skillet
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even my 3-year-old loves this family-favorite beef barley skillet. It’s very filling, inexpensive and packed with veggies. It’s also really good spiced up with chili powder, cayenne or a dash of Tabasco. —Kit Tunstall, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 400 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 10g fiber), 30g protein.
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Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family enjoys this sweet potato black bean chili, but my daughter especially loves it. I like to make it because it’s so easy, comforting and flavorful. —Joy Pendley, Ortonville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 283 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 11g fiber), 9g protein.
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Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Air-Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instant mashed potatoes and bread crumbs have a similar texture, so I wondered how the combo would taste on air-fryer thin pork chops. This is now the only way we make pork chops in our house! It’ll be your new favorite comfort-food recipe. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 pork chops: 297 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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The Best Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Our stew has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar. You won’t believe it’s healthy. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 366 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Ranch Pork Roast
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We created this light and simple pork roast with a mild rub that’s perfect for new cooks. The leftover meat is tender and flavorful enough to be used in countless recipes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 212 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
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Clam Chowder
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best clam chowder recipe ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available everywhere, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
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Slow-Cooked Coffee Beef Roast
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee is the key to a flavorful beef roast that simmers in the slow cooker until it’s fall-apart tender. Try it once and I’m sure you’ll cook it again. —Charles Trahan, San Dimas, California
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 281 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
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Mixed Veggies and Rice
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To add variety to sides for those who don’t care for potatoes, I came up with this colorful dish that’s healthy, too. It’s an easy slow-cooker recipe that you can put right onto the buffet table. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 120 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
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Pumpkin Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I especially like this comforting fall dish because it's vegetarian. Even friends who aren't big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 310 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 lean meat.
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Colcannon Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Irish family has its own colcannon recipe, since it’s a classic potato and cabbage dish. My recipe comes from my father’s family in Ireland. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 168 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Southwest Vegetarian Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This healthy veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It’s a healthy canned vegetable recipe that’s perfect anytime I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 285 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Easy White Chicken Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili is one of our best cold-weather strategies. We use chicken and white beans for a twist on the regular bowl of red. It’s soothing comfort food. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 228 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
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De-Lightful Tuna Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 329 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Spinach and Artichoke Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
My from-scratch pizza has a whole wheat crust flavored with beer. Top it with spinach, artichoke hearts and tomatoes, then add chicken or ham and fresh basil if you want to include meat. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 290 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
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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.
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Black Bean Turkey Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This busy-day chili is packed with flavor and nutrition! We make it ahead and freeze some to eat later. —Marisela Segovia, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 247 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Basil Vegetable Strata
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been cooking this strata for years, and my family just can't get enough! Fresh basil gives the healthy brunch dish an added flavor boost. —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 322 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Creamy Braised Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A smooth, delicate cream sauce gives a special taste to these tender chicken breasts accompanied by pearl onions and sauteed mushrooms. This dish is so rich-tasting, you'll want to serve it to company.
—Margaret Haugh Heilman, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 254 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Zucchini Crust Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 188 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Weeknight Pasta Squiggles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
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Onion Potato Pancakes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When Grandma prepared potato pancakes, she used an old-fashioned grater, great for potatoes but not for knuckles! With homemade applesauce, this sauce, this side dish complements a meal so well. I made these pancakes for my family and often served them as a main dish for light suppers.
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 159 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 527 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
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Chicken and Dumplings
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perfect for fall nights, my simple version of comforting chicken and dumplings is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 260 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 964mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
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Beef Lo Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 358 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Chicken Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 354 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Shrimp with Orzo and Feta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 406 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
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Skillet Beef Tamales
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup meat mixture with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 329 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
34/36
BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
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Spaghetti Meatball Supper
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without spaghetti): 254 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
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Black Beans and Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This black bean pasta was something I created as a teenager, back when I was a vegetarian. Now that my daughter doesn't eat meat, she asks for this dinner several times a week. —Ashlynn Azar, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 255 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
