Perfect for the nights when you open your pantry and realize it's pretty much empty, these easy dinner recipes come together with just 4 ingredients (not including basics like salt and pepper!).
4-Ingredient Dinner Recipes for Busy Families
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches
My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, Kentucky
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Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You won’t need to fish for compliments from your dinner guests when you serve this spectacular honey mustard salmon! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 292 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
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Skewered Ginger Shrimp with Plums
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet, simple and sensational, these shrimp skewers boast loads of flavor with just four ingredients. Throw them on the grill for a quick dinner or tasty potluck dish. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 173 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1295mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
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Margarita Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinated in flavors of garlic and lime, this tangy margarita chicken is ready to go whenever the coals are hot! Serve with roasted corn on the cob and lemonade. —Kelly Bruneman, Cedar Park, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 250 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
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Ranch Pork Roast
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our Test Kitchen created this simple Savory 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.
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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Saucy Grilled Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mamaw in Kentucky used this "dip," as she called it, on many grilled meats including chicken and steak. —Misty Schneider, Bayport, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 476 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
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Sesame Cilantro Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On days when I don't feel like spending much time in the kitchen, I reach for shrimp. I can have a hot meal in the table in 10 minutes. —Tami Penunuri, League City, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup shrimp mixture (calculated without rice): 153 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 461mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Apple-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My “pickatarian” child is choosy but willing to eat this chicken glazed with apple juice and thyme. I dish it up with mashed potatoes and green beans. —Kerry Picard, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with about 1 tablespoon glaze: 204 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Ham and Cheese Pockets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These unique sandwich pockets are filled with ingredients both kids and adults enjoy. —Callie Myers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pocket: 229 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
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Maple Pork Ribs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A luscious maple-mustard sauce will take your next plate of ribs to a new level. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 428 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 272mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
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Breaded Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Meat is a hard sell with my teenage daughter unless I make it look like a restaurant dish. Drizzle ranch dressing or barbecue sauce on top and it's a home run. —Donna Carney, New Lexington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 338 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
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Pistachio Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple salmon gets its crunch from a coating of crushed pistachios, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Add steamed veggies and rice and it's dinnertime! —Anthony Oraczewski, Port St. Lucie, FL
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked fish: 269 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Turkey Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Need an awesome snack for game day? My kids love these easy four-ingredient turkey pinwheels. Go ahead and make them the day before—they won’t get soggy! —Amy Van Hemert, Ottumwa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 51 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Fast Baked Fish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. —Judie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 270 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
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How to Grill Chicken Breasts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this grilled chicken, and I love having a healthy and tasty recipe that keeps my kitchen cool. —Linda Coss, Lake Forest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 207 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Gourmet Barbecue Beef Sandwiches
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
These beef sandwiches were a tradition in my family on winter vacations after a long day of snow skiing, but they're a hit anytime we make them. Serving the savory barbecue beef on croissants with melty provolone cheese makes the sandwiches a little more special. —Katie Anderson, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 511 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
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How to Cook a Ham
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned ham glaze gives a pretty golden brown coating—just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar which adds a tangy flavor to this glazed ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces ham: 284 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 1110mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
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Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pull out your ovenproof skillet for this juicy balsamic pork tenderloin that goes from stovetop to oven. Balsamic vinegar gives it a tangy glaze. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 298 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
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Pigs in a Blanket
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. —Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2 sandwiches: 516 calories, 39g fat (12g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
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Slow-Cooked Hoisin Pot Roast
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One day my husband commented that he loves plums and meat. The next time I put a roast in the slow cooker, I added some plums. He was onto something! —Jackie Cole, Dunnellon, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked meat with 1/4 cup sauce: 389 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
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Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One night I looked in the refrigerator and pondered what I could make with chicken, cheese, mushrooms and pesto. This pretty dish was the result. Add Italian bread and a fruit salad for a complete meal! —Melissa Nordmann, Mobile, AL
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast half: 374 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 44g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
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Lemon Feta Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bright, Greek-inspired chicken has only five ingredients—it's a busy-day lifesaver! My husband and I prepare the dish often, and it’s a hit every time. —Ann Cain, Morrill, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 143 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
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Rosemary Pork Loin
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I started growing rosemary in my garden after I discovered this pork recipe. My husband and I think it’s restaurant quality, and we look forward to making it after work. —Judy Learned, Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 163 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Spaghetti Squash & Sausage Easy Meal
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son’s favorite dish uses homegrown spaghetti squash, kielbasa, and pico de gallo or salsa. —Pam Mascarenas, Taylorsville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 267 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
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Baked Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups onion sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
As far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken (skin removed) with 2 tablespoons sauce: 182 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
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Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a super easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple flavor really shines through. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1 tablespoon glaze: 239 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
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Skillet Chicken with Barbecue Onion
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecue chicken is a sure bet with guests, but it’s also messy at times. My stovetop BBQ chicken recipe lets you savor that flavor without a pile of napkins. —Evelyn Cleare, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/4 cup sauce: 250 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
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Crispy Dill Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 256 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Garlic Bread Pizza
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 281 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
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Zesty Grilled Ham
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If it's ham, my kids will eat it, but they like this kicked-up recipe best of all. Even the small ones eat adult-sized portions, so be sure to make plenty. —Mary Ann Lien, Tyler, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 180 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 845mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein.
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Caesar Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 531 calories, 39g fat (11g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
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Just Peachy Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a pork tenderloin and ripe peaches that begged to be put together. The results proved irresistible! This fresh entree tastes like summer. —Julia Gosliga, Addison, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 241 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Balsamic-Seasoned Steak
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple recipe ensures a tender steak without a long marinating time. Steak sauce and balsamic vinegar are a great team, and you can’t go wrong with melty Swiss on top.
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 ounce cheese: 188 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Dogs in a Sweater
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a new twist on an old favorite, try these skewered hot dogs wrapped with breadstick dough and baked. They're fun to dip in ketchup, mustard or ranch dressing. The dressed-up dog recipe comes kid-tested from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 257 calories, 16 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 751 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, General Number g fiber, 8 g protein.
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Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the chicken roll-ups my mom made for special occasions, filled with spinach and cream cheese. My own kids wouldn't eat those, so I came up with a pizza-flavored variety the whole family enjoys. —Tanja Penquite, Oregon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 344 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
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Easy Glazed Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 394 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
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Cheeseburger Pockets
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ground beef is my favorite meat to cook with because it's so versatile, flavorful and economical. Refrigerated biscuits save you the trouble of making dough from scratch. —Pat Chambless, Crowder, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 299 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 1101mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
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Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 325 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
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Spicy Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We devour these golden chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Total Time
3 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 526 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
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French Fry Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just a few ingredients and little prep time. It's a win-win for all! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 352 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
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Spicy Apricot-Glazed Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a new chicken idea? Save yourself a trip to the store and check the fridge first. I found out chili sauce, mustard and apricot preserves for a sweet, hot flavor. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 209 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
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Easy Stuffed Shells
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I threw this recipe together one day when we had unexpected guests. It was an immediate hit and is now a family favorite. Get the kids involved when putting together this simple, savory dish. —Dolores Betchner, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 334 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
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Beef Teriyaki Noodles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we love to combine fresh ingredients with a pantry product. This version starts with beef, onions, peppers and mushrooms, since we always have them on hand, but make the dish your own—bring out your inner chef! —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 403 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
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Mustard Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A bread crumb coating is all you need to turn pork chops into a wow-worthy family dinner. Try the breading on chicken breasts too. —Chris Rentmeister, Ripon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 334 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 44g protein.
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Pesto Halibut
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The mildness of halibut contrasts perfectly with the robust flavor of pesto in this recipe. It takes only minutes to get the fish ready for the oven, leaving you plenty of time to get started on your side dishes. Nearly anything goes well with this entree. —April Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 188 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 481mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
