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100 Comfort Food Recipes You Won’t Believe Are Diabetic-Friendly

These diabetic-friendly recipes are cozier than your favorite pair of sweatpants.

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The Best Beef Stew

Our stew has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Family Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta Exps Ft19 44476 F 1211 1 7

Family-Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta

I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic! —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
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Never Fail Scalloped Potatoes Exps Sdfm18 36985 D10 03 2b 23

Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes

Take the chill off any blustery day and make something special to accompany meaty entrees. This is the best scalloped potatoes recipe ever, and my family loves when I serve it. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
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Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Exps Hrbz17 27195 C09 01 2b

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

These soft banana cookies have a cakelike texture and lots of flavor that everyone seem to love. It's one of the best banana cookie recipes I've found. —Vicki Raatz, Waterloo, Wisconsin
5 / 100
Slow Cooker Pork Chops Exps Wrsm17 32059 C03 22 3b 3

Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
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Sausage And Egg Grits Exps Cimzw20 76384 B09 02 6b 16

Sausage and Egg Grits

I always mix my sausage, grits and eggs together so I thought it would be great to make a casserole that did the same. It’s loaded with downhome flavor without using any butter! —Jeannine Quiller, Raleigh, North Carolina
7 / 100
Contest Winning New England Clam Chowder Exps Ft20 41095 F 0623 1 8

Contest-Winning New England Clam Chowder

This is the best New England 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, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
8 / 100
Yummy Chocolate Cake Exps Ft20 37220 F 0403 1 Home 15

Yummy Chocolate Cake

My husband and I are trying to eat lighter but still crave sweets. This moist, healthy chocolate cake really helps with that. With the rich frosting, it makes a decadent treat! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
9 / 100

Fluffy Banana Pancakes

I love to make pancakes for my family on Saturday mornings. Since we often have ripe bananas, I decided to add them to a batch of pancake batter. The results were delicious!—Lori Stevens, Riverton, Utah
10 / 100
Hamburger Casserole Exps4441 5ing133188c04 18 3bc Rms 2

Hamburger Casserole

This hamburger casserole recipe is such a hit it's traveled all over the country! My mother originated 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
11 / 100
Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits Exps Cimz19 21817 B01 08 7b 2

Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits

I scribbled down this recipe when our family visited The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown, New York, many years ago. I must have gotten it right, because these biscuits turn out wonderful every time. —Patricia Kile, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania
12 / 100
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Gran’s Apple Cake

My grandmother occasionally brought over this wonderful cake warm from the oven. The spicy apple flavor combined with the sweet cream cheese frosting made this recipe one that we treasured. Even though I’ve lightened it up, it’s still a family favorite. —Lauris Conrad, Turlock, California
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Basic Meat Loaf Exps Ft20 27563 F 0519 1 Home 15

Basic Meat Loaf

Since I can't have much salt, I've come up with a recipe for easy meatloaf that is really tasty without it. —Lillian Wittler, Wayne, Nebraska
15 / 100
Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast Exps Ft20 250448 F 0313 1 1

Easy Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

I love pot roast for a couple of reasons. First, it's delicious. Second, it's easy! I can't describe the feeling of walking into my house after work and smelling this dish that's been simmering all day. There's nothing better than this easy pot roast slow-cooker recipe. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
16 / 100
Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks Exps Ff20 167360 B02 25 2b 2

Oven-Fried Chicken Drumsticks

This fabulous recipe uses Greek yogurt to create an amazing marinade that makes the chicken incredibly moist. No one will guess that it has been lightened up and is not even fried! — Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
17 / 100
Quick Beef And Noodles Exps Ft20 41138 F 0228 1 26

Quick Beef and Noodles

We love stroganoff, and this beef and noodles dish is my lightened-up version. Using meat from the deli saves the hours spent cooking a beef roast. I serve this with a salad for a great, homestyle meal. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
18 / 100
Sheet Pan Taco Turkey Meat Loaf Exps Tohescodr20 53851 B02 19 4b 12

Taco Turkey Meat Loaf

After buying a supersized package of ground turkey, I made this spicy taco turkey meat loaf using what I had on hand. It's now become a family favorite! I serve it for tailgating parties and it's delicious the next day for sandwiches. —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey
19 / 100
Air Fryer Apple Fritters With Brown Butter Glaze Exps Ft20 245433 F 0225 1 4

Air-Fryer Apple Fritters

An air fryer makes these easy apple fritters healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They're a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze! —Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island
20 / 100

Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian skillet chili screams comfort food to me. This recipe makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and it's loved by both my vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends. —Casey Hill, London, United Kingdom
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Country-Style Pork Loin

This pork roast is so moist and tender that it melts in your mouth. My son puts it at the top of his list of favorite foods. We like it with mashed potatoes. —Corina Flansberg, Carson City, Nevada
22 / 100
Brunswick Stew Exps Ft20 4170 F 0207 1 10

Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew dates back to the 1860s, when it was served as a complete meal. We now use it as an accompaniment to barbecues. It is delicious picnic fare when served with country ribs, coleslaw or potato salad. When I make this stew, I double the recipe and freeze small portions so we can enjoy it at several meals. —Alyce Ray, Forest Park, Georgia
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Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

I love to serve lighter desserts that will satisfy those with a sweet tooth. I make these every Christmas Eve, but they're marvelous any time of the year. —Sara Pleso, Sparta Tennessee.
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Onion Garlic Hash Browns Exps Bmmz20 83621 E10 23 6b 3

Onion-Garlic Hash Browns

Quick to assemble, this is a simple recipe I’ve cooked many times. Stir in hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. I also like to top the finished dish with a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese. —Cindi Hayward-Boger, Ardmore, Alabama
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Banana Blueberry Pancakes Exps Bmz20 32350 B10 25 2b 5

Banana Blueberry Pancakes

This blueberry pancakes recipe is a favorite in our home. My kids don’t even realize how healthy it is! —Kelly Reinicke, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
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Tuna Noodle Casserole Exps Sdfm19 18043 E10 17 3b 6

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Families are sure to love the creamy texture and comforting taste of this traditional tuna casserole that goes together in a jiffy. I serve it with a green salad and warm rolls for a nutritious supper. —Ruby Wells, Cynthiana, Kentucky
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Slow-Cooked Beef Tips

These slow-cooked beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I cook them with mushrooms and serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Meatless Chili Mac Exps Cimz19 23257 E09 06 6b 2

Meatless Chili Mac

I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. — Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
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Chai Spiced Bread Pudding Exps Fbmz19 159439 E05 02 6b 4

Chai-Spiced Bread Pudding

Nothing says the holidays to me more than the warming spices of chai. This bread pudding incorporates those flavors to make a dessert that everyone raves about. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California

Also check out our diabetic-friendly bread recipes.

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Chicken Creole Exps Ft20 2424 F 1027 1 3

Chicken Creole

I like food with a little zip to it, and this Creole chicken recipe fits the bill. It’s especially good served over rice. —Dolly Hall, Wheelwright, Kentucky
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Pumpkin Banana Muffins Exps Pcbbz19 50362 B04 11 1b 15

Pumpkin Banana Muffins

These pumpkin banana muffins are the perfect bite-sized snack for fall. —Desiree Rasch, Blue Springs, Missouri
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Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes Exps Thedsc19 187808 B03 01 4b Rms 19

Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes

I make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture. It’s especially good when children don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away until the end of the day and let the slow cooker do all the work. Also delicious: Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Spicy Cowboy Chili Exps Tohfm20 148521 B09 23 4b 22

Spicy Cowboy Chili

Toasting the peppers for this chili releases their earthy flavors – but do wear gloves when handling dried peppers and seeds. — Rachel Sprinkel, Hilo, Hawaii

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Sassy Pot Roast Exps Scmbz19 118429 B01 24 2b 7

Sassy Pot Roast

I love walking into my home after a long day and smelling this lovely pot roast. You can add potatoes and carrots to round out the meal, and the leftover meat makes a comforting soup for the next night. —Susan Burkett, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
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Turkey Enchilada Stack

As a child, my husband was one of the pickiest kids around, but my mother-in-law could always get him to dig in to this enchilada dish. —Ashley Wolf, Alabaster, Alabama
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Penne Beef Bake Exps Gbbz19 135390 C11 27 8b 15

Penne Beef Bake

I had ground beef and veggies on hand so I came up with this pizza-flavored casserole. I never expected my family to love it so much. It's a good way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids. —Jennifer Wise, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
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Italian Mushroom Meat Loaf Exps Gbbz19 81678 C11 27 2b 2

Italian Mushroom Meat Loaf

Healthful oats and flaxseed amp up the nutrition in this tasty meat loaf. —Kylie Werning, Candler, North Carolina
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Rich & Creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

For special occasions (like my husband’s birthday dinners), I mash potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream and Parmesan. It's divine comfort food. —Jo Ann Burrington, Osceola, Indiana
39 / 100
Broccoli Tuna Casserole Exps 13x9bz19 133475 B10 05 6b 24

Broccoli Tuna Casserole

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
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Easy Beef Stroganoff Exps Sdfm19 39897 C10 18 2b 10

Easy Beef Stroganoff

I wanted to lighten my mother-in-law's wonderful recipe and came up with this tasty beef Stroganoff. In our home, we call it special noodles. —Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri
41 / 100
Buffalo Sloppy Joes Exps Cimz18 42598 C09 07 1b 5

Buffalo Sloppy Joes

Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
42 / 100

Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake

You’ll fall in love with this sweet treat. Each silky slice is topped with juicy raspberries. Yes, you can have cheesecake without breaking the calorie budget. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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One Pot Chili Mac Exps Opbz18 46363 E06 07 1b 12

One-Pot Chili Mac

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
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Tasty Turkey And Mushrooms Exps Sdas18 27510 D03 30  6b 1

Tasty Turkey and Mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms star in this tender turkey entree that comes together in 15 minutes. Served with a side of brown rice, it makes a light but satisfying dinner. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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English Pub Split Pea Soup Exps Edsc18 184673 B03 20 1b 5

English Pub Split Pea Soup

This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of the slow cooker, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and come back to "soup's on." Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
46 / 100
Corn And Broccoli In Cheese Sauce Exps Scmbz18 45657 C01 10 3b 16

Corn and Broccoli in Cheese Sauce

Save room in the oven by making this savory side in your slow cooker. It is a standby in my house. My daughter likes to add leftover ham to create a hearty main course. —Joyce Johnson, Uniontown, Ohio
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Root Beer Float Pie Exps Sscbz18 147321 D10 18 2b 4

Root Beer Float Pie

This is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And you don't even need to use an oven. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
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Sausage-Sweet Potato Hash & Eggs

When I first began making this dish for breakfast, I served it with fried eggs on top. Now I sometimes make it for supper and serve it without eggs. It’s fantastic when I want a dish I can make quickly with minimal cleanup. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida
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Date Oatmeal Bars Exps Hcka19 25287 B10 17 4b 10

Date Oatmeal Bars

In no time at all, you can treat your family to these bars. They’ll never suspect how light the snacks are. —Helen Cluts of Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Amish Chicken Corn Soup Exps Cwfm18 31049 B10 13 5b 4

Amish Chicken Corn Soup

Creamed corn and butter make my chicken corn soup homey and rich. This recipe makes a big batch, but the soup freezes well for future meals—one reason why soups are my favorite thing to make. —Beverly Hoffman, Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania
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Colcannon Potatoes

Every Irish family has its own colcannon recipe, since it’s a classic dish. My recipe comes from my father’s family in Ireland. It’s part of my St. Pat’s menu, along with lamb chops, carrots and soda bread. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
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Italian Beef On Rolls Exps Sscbz18 37511 B09 27 3b 2

Italian Beef on Rolls

This slow-cooker recipe is one of my all-time favorites! With 29 grams of protein per serving, it’s a great way to meet your daily needs. —Jami Hilker, Harrison, Arkansas
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Slow Cooker Pork And Apple Curry Exps Sscbz18 22240 D09 27 2b 1

Slow-Cooker Pork and Apple Curry

Here's a gentle curry dish that's sure to please American palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California
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Spicy Goulash Exps Sscbz18 41001 D09 08 2b 6

Spicy Goulash

Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Turkey And Mushroom Potpies Exps Thca18 121583 C08 31 7b 1

Turkey and Mushroom Potpies

I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Mushroom Turkey Tetrazzini Exps Hck19 38633 B08 24 4b 10

Mushroom Turkey Tetrazzini

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.
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Lattice Topped Turkey Casserole Exps Hcka19 33954 C08 24 6b 5

Pastry-Topped Turkey Casserole

My friends tell me this is the best potpie they've ever had. Hearty and full-flavored, my comforting classic never lets on that it’s also low in fat and a good source of fiber. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
58 / 100
Italian Hot Dish Exps Hck19 31288 B08 24 2b 1

Italian Hot Dish

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
59 / 100
Slow Cooked Turkey Sloppy Joes Exps Hca23 17379 Dr 11 17 3b

Slow-Cooked Turkey Sloppy Joes

This tangy sandwich filling is so easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it goes over well at gatherings large and small. I frequently take it to potlucks, and I'm always asked for my secret ingredient. —Marylou LaRue, Freeland, Michigan
60 / 100

No-Bake Apple Pie

We always have an abundance of apples in the fall, so I like to make this easy pie. My husband has diabetes, and this recipe fits into his diet ... but everyone enjoys it. —Shirley Vredenburg, Ossineke, Michigan
61 / 100
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Maple Apple Baked Oatmeal

I've tried a number of different types of fruit for this recipe, but apple seems to be my family's favorite. I mix the dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls the night before and combine them the next morning when it's time to make breakfast.—Megan Brooks, Saint Lazare, Quebec.
62 / 100
Potato Topped Ground Beef Skillet Exps Hck18 191121 B04 014 6b 31

Potato-Topped Ground Beef Skillet

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. If your butcher has chili grind beef, which is coarsely ground, go for that; it lends an extra meaty texture. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
63 / 100

Turkey Dumpling Stew

My mom made this stew when I was young, and it was always a hit. Since it's not time-consuming to make I can fix it on a weekend for our children, who love the tender dumplings. —Becky Mohr, Appleton, Wisconsin
64 / 100
Onion Yorkshire Puddings Exps35779 Thcs133233a06 25 9b Rms 2

Onion Yorkshire Puddings

This easy recipe is a cross between traditional Yorkshire pudding and popovers. It makes a perfect complement to prime rib. We also like it with beef stew and steak. Make more than you need, because everyone loves it. —Emily Chaney, Blue Hill, Maine
65 / 100
Mushroom Herb Chicken Exps49619 Sd2401789a08 07 2b Rms 2

Mushroom & Herb Chicken

My easy skillet dish is a comfort food classic. It's also delicious with rice instead of noodles. No one will guess they're eating healthy with this one. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
66 / 100
Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells Exps Sdam17 161032 B12 07 3b 15

Slow-Cooker Stuffed Shells

There's no need to precook the shells in this simple pasta dish. It's almost like magic when you open the lid and find the deliciousness waiting in the slow cooker. Add garlic bread and you're golden! —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
67 / 100
Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Exps Scmbz17 132312 B01 12 5b 1

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

I was raised as a southern girl, with the love of barbecue built into my DNA. This slow-cooker recipe allows me to enjoy the flavors I grew up eating, while still following a healthy diet. —Heidi Mulholland, Cumming, Georgia
68 / 100
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake Exps Drds17 36628 C11 18 1b 2

Chocolate-Topped Strawberry Cheesecake

Creamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
69 / 100
Pecan Crusted Chicken Nuggets Exps161217 Th143190a09 26 4bc Rms 3

Pecan-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

I loved chicken nuggets as a child. This baked version is healthier than the original, and it's a great meal for kids. — Haili Carroll, Valencia, California
70 / 100

Italian Sausage Breakfast Wraps

My husband leaves for work at 4 a.m., and I want him to have a healthy breakfast to start the day. I usually make half a dozen of these on Sunday and keep them in the fridge so he can grab one and go. —Dauna Harwood, Union, Michigan
71 / 100
Overnight Brunch Casserole Exps99791 Thhc2377565b08 23 4bc Rms 6

Overnight Brunch Casserole

I love to cook for company and do brunch frequently. Different from most egg bakes, this casserole combines scrambled eggs and a cheese sauce that bake up into a rich and creamy dish. —Candace Hesch, Mosinee, Wisconsin
72 / 100
Chicken Corn Soup with Rivels

Chicken Corn Soup with Rivels

Traditional chicken soup is rich with a dumplinglike soup stretcher called rivels. This healthy recipe is brimming with chicken, vegetables and herbs. You won't be able to resist it. —Elissa Armbruster, Medford, New Jersey
73 / 100

Meatball Cabbage Rolls

My mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I've tried. —Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma
74 / 100

Sweet Potato Stuffing

Mom likes to make sure there will be enough stuffing to satisfy our large family. For our holiday gatherings, she slow-cooks this tasty sweet potato dressing in addition to the traditional stuffing cooked inside the turkey. —Kelly Pollock, London, Ontario
75 / 100

Delicious Oven Barbecued Chicken

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
76 / 100

Cherry & Spice Rice Pudding

I live in Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World. What better way to celebrate our wonderful orchards than by using plump, tart dried cherries in my favorite desserts? This slow-cooked rice pudding recipe always turns out wonderful. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
77 / 100

Quick Hawaiian Pizza

Our family never quite liked the taste of canned pizza sauce, so one time I tried mixing some barbecue sauce into spaghetti sauce to add some sweetness. I’ve made my pizzas with this special and easy sauce ever since, and my family loves it! —Tonya Schieler, Carmel, Indiana
78 / 100
Makeover Slow Cooked Mac N Cheese Exps Hscbz16 33528 B08 02 4b 3

Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' Cheese

This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
79 / 100
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Cheese Smashed Potatoes

Who doesn't like mashed potatoes? Try this slimmed-down dish with any entree. —Janet Homes, Surprise, Arizona
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Barley Beef Burgers

Barley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really enjoy these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed right in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan
81 / 100
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Sausage and Egg Pizza

I love breakfast pizza, but not all the fat and calories that go along with it. My lighter version gives you a big energy boost whether you eat it at brunch, dinner or somewhere in between. —Vicki Meyers, Castalia, Ohio
82 / 100
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Power Lasagna

When my husband and I wanted to live healthier, our first step was to eat more power foods, such as whole grains, fresh veggies and protein. Combined with our love for Italian food, this tasty lasagna is one of the nutritious results.—Jennifer Yaden, Richmond, Kentucky
83 / 100
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Black Bean-Tomato Chili

My daughter Kayla saw a black bean chili while watching a cooking show and called me about it because it looked so good. We messed with our own recipe until we got this easy winner. —Lisa Belcastro, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
84 / 100
Warm N Fruity Breakfast Cereal Exps Lsbz18 39560 C01 19 4b 4

Warm 'n' Fruity Breakfast Cereal

Sleepyheads will love the heartiness of this nutritious cooked cereal with cinnamon. It's loaded with chopped fruit and nuts. Eat it with plain yogurt and sliced bananas or blueberries. —John Vale, Long Beach, Washington
85 / 100
Dream Cupcakes Exps Cmz18 11761 B10 20 2b 7

Dream Cupcakes

My grandchildren absolutely love these cream-filled cupcakes, and I hope the chocolaty treats become a favorite in your home as well. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa
86 / 100
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Sunday Brunch Egg Casserole

My favorite brunch dish got a makeover with egg substitute and lower-fat cheese. The lightened-up version still tastes delicious, but it won't weigh you down. —Alice Hofmann, Sussex, Wisconsin
87 / 100
Chocolate Swirled Cheesecake Exps Hcka19 31352 B10 17 2b 10

Chocolate Swirled Cheesecake

This cheesecake looks and tastes indulgent, but it's a lightened up version you can feel good about serving your family. —Kathy Shan, Toledo, Ohio
88 / 100
Gouda Mixed Potato Mash Exps173245 Sd132779c06 11 5bc Rms 11

Gouda Mixed Potato Mash

Everything’s better with cheese, right? This cheesy two-potato mash is no exception. If you cube the cheese, you’ll discover delicious pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish. —Shelby Goddard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
89 / 100
Exps142088 Sd163324d08 07 4b Ap 20

Apple-Sage Sausage Patties

Apple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
90 / 100

Makeover Biscuits & Gravy

We lightened up biscuits and gravy to curb our guilt for eating them the day after having pancakes. Here’s a terrific homemade recipe for brunch guests. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
91 / 100
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Crunchy French Toast

This light version of classic French toast is perfect for quick meals or Sunday brunches. My kids love it, and so do I! —Barbara Arnold, Spokane, Washington.
92 / 100
Texas Beef Barbecue Exps Sscbz18 32417 B08 29 5b 3

Texas Beef Barbecue

A boneless beef roast simmers for hours in a slightly sweet sauce before it's shredded and tucked into rolls to make hearty sandwiches. This is a family favorite. —Jennifer Bauer, Lansing, Michigan
93 / 100
Terrific Teriyaki Burgers Exps Dsbz17 40353 C01 19 4b 5

Terrific Teriyaki Burgers

Golden flecks of pineapple give these burgers a touch of sweetness, while the ginger root adds some spice. Ground chicken works well in this recipe, too. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
94 / 100
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Classic Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These make-ahead mashed potatoes save me a ton of time on Christmas Day. No more frantically whipping the potatoes while hungry family and guests hang around the kitchen! —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
95 / 100
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Presto Pizza Patties

Craving both beef and pizza? These patties feature both in an open-faced sandwich. And they're lighter than you'd think! —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
96 / 100

Makeover Deviled Eggs

This updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of the original recipe and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. We replaced the mayo with fat-free mayonnaise and reduced-fat sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
97 / 100

98 / 100
Black Eyed Peas With Ham Exps Scmbz18 142765 C01 03 3b Basedon 4

Pressure-Cooker Black-Eyed Peas with Ham

Here's a regional favorite I grew to love after moving to the South, pressure-cooker black-eyed peas. You'll never want to eat canned black-eyed peas again! Serve the dish as a side with grilled chicken, or make it your main course and round out the meal with greens and cornbread. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, NC
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Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches

I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
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Makeover Hash Brown Casserole

I wanted a hash brown casserole I could feel good about eating. This light version keeps the cozy flavor while nixing a lot of the fat. —Kelly Kirby, Westville, Nova Scotia

Peggy Woodward, RDN
Peggy is a Senior Food Editor for Taste of Home. In addition to curating recipes, she writes articles, develops recipes and is our in-house nutrition expert. She studied dietetics at the University of Illinois and completed post-graduate studies at the Medical University of South Carolina to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Peggy has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. She’s a mom, a foodie and enjoys being active in her rural Wisconsin community.