If you’re cooking healthy meals for yourself, there’s no need to make a second option for your little ones. These kid-approved low-cal dinners will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
21 Low-Calorie Dinners Your Kids Will Actually Eat
Updated on Apr. 14, 2024
1/21
Mexican Turkey Skillet
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This family-friendly main dish with turkey, black beans and vegetables has a rich Mexican flavor that may seem indulgent, but it’s delightfully light. Created by our Test Kitchen, it cooks in one skillet, so it’s a snap to clean up for a weeknight supper.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 254 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
2/21
Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken: 214 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
3/21
Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 284 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
4/21
Turkey Sausage Pizza
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If pizza night is a must in your house, double this recipe and freeze one for later. —Melissa Jelinek, Apple Valley, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 283 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
5/21
Southwestern Goulash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 224 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
6/21
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you need supper fast, this tuna casserole with peas, peppers and onions makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 340 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
7/21
Fabulous Fajitas
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 220 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
8/21
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The recipe for these tender sweet and sour pork chops chops was given to me years ago by my best friend. It's become one of my family's favorites and we enjoy it often. Hope you do, too! —Gina Young, Lamar, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 198 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
9/21
Asian-Style Round Steak
Total Time
7 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend gave me this recipe two decades ago. All I added was a little more meat, the celery and mushrooms. My family loves it! —Marilyn Wolfe, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 237 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
10/21
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.
11/21
Italian Burritos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is very picky, so I created this Italian burrito loaded with beef, cheese and sauce to satisfy everyone. It turned out great! —Donna Holter, Centennial, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 275 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
12/21
Skillet Pork Chops with Apples
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family loves to use apples to brighten savory dishes. We experimented with pork chop and apple recipes to find the perfect pairing. —Amanda Jobe, Olathe, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/2 cup apple mixture: 215 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
13/21
Chicken Dijon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken dish is extremely fast and economical. It makes a nice sauce that works well over brown rice or wide noodles. If you want extra sauce for leftovers, double the recipe. —Irene Boffo, Fountain Hills, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3 tablespoons sauce: 295 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/21
Texas Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe by combining a bunch of taco ingredients that my kids like. Once it’s ready, I often keep the beef mixture warm in a slow cooker so the kids can quickly fill taco shells after an afternoon of rigorous soccer practice. —Susan Scully, Mason, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 294 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
15/21
Quick Chicken Parmesan
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother inspired me to develop my first pasta sauce. It's tangy, simple and really satisfying. The longer it simmers, the better it gets, so keep that in mind if you have time to spare. —Danielle Grochowski, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without pasta): 248 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
16/21
Crispy Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This breaded tenderloin rekindles memories of a sandwich shop in my Ohio hometown. Even though I've moved away, I'm happy to say my family can still enjoy them thanks to this recipe. —Erin Fitch, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 289 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
17/21
One-Pot Meaty Spaghetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to help my mom make this when I was growing up, and the recipe stuck. It was a beloved comfort food at college and is now a weeknight staple for my fiance and me. —Kristin Michalenko, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 292 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
18/21
Maple-Dijon Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Eating dinner as a family every night is really important to us, and this recipe is one that we all love. It's our favorite skillet chicken dish. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/21
20/21
Tacos on a Stick
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational southwestern flavor of this twist on the classic beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 277 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/21
Loaded Chicken Carbonara Cups
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Spaghetti cupcakes with a chicken carbonara twist make for a tasty, fun family dinner. Whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat ingredients make these quick and easy little pasta cakes nutritional winners, too. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pasta cups: 266 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
