There's no need to rely on fast-food when you're busy, thanks to these convenient healthy make-ahead dinners. Simply throw them together when you have time and pull them out when you're in a pinch!
55 Healthy Make-Ahead Dinners for Busy Nights
Updated on May 03, 2024
1/55
Baja Pork Tacos
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 320 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
2/55
Korean Beef and Rice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 2/3 cup rice: 413 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
3/55
Chicken Mole
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/3 cup sauce: 311 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
4/55
Quinoa Unstuffed Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This deconstructed stuffed pepper dish packs a wallop of flavor. I truly make it all the time, and I make sure my freezer is stocked with single-serve portions to take to work. —Rebecca Ende, Phoenix, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 261 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
5/55
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.
6/55
Southwest Turkey Patties with Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These turkey patties are delicious and low in calories. Skip the rice if you're looking to cut carbs. —Dot Carpenter, Washington, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 693mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
7/55
Arrabbiata Sauce with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This popular Italian dish is flavorful and spicy. We decided to re-create one of our favorite jarred sauces and serve over zucchini pasta for a lighter, healthier meal that's naturally gluten-free. The results were amazing! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 1 cup zucchini noodles: 287 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
8/55
Easy Chana Masala
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this quick and healthy Indian-inspired dish so much I always make sure to have the ingredients stocked in my pantry. It makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. —Janeen Judah, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
0.750 cup garbanzo bean mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 359 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.
9/55
Sassy Salsa Meat Loaves
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
2 loaves (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days. Make meat loaf sandwiches with the leftovers, buns and a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/55
Lemony Chickpeas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chickpea mixture with 1 cup rice: 433 calories, 9g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 13g protein.
11/55
Roasted Vegetable Strata
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
12/55
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.
13/55
Shrimp & Broccoli Brown Rice Paella
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago my husband and I were vacationing in France and came across an open market where a man from Spain was making paella in a skillet; we've been hooked ever since. I love to whip this up for a large group, but if the gathering is small, I know I can easily freeze leftovers for another time. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 331 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 693mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
14/55
Tender Salsa Beef
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my Mexican-style twist on comfort food. To keep it kid-friendly, use mild salsa. —Stacie Stamper, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice : 259 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
15/55
All-Day Red Beans & Rice
Total Time
9 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves New Orleans-style cooking, so I make this dish often. I appreciate how simple it is, and the smoky ham flavor is scrumptious. —Celinda Dahlgren, Napa, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup bean mixture with 2/3 cup rice: 297 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 12g fiber), 17g protein
16/55
Chicken with Mushroom Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants. —Jennifer Pemberton, Muncie, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 225 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/55
Artichoke Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give chicken a wonderful savory flavor. I've served this dish for a large group by doubling the recipe. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
18/55
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.
19/55
Lamb Stew
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a delicious, nourishing and economical dish. The flavor improves if you make the stew the day before you serve it. —Margery Richmond, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 360 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
20/55
Top-Rated Italian Pot Roast
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always getting recipe inspiration from newspapers and magazines. Here’s a tender roast with aromatic spices that give it a Moroccan feel. —Karen Burdell, Lafayette, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 2/3 cup sauce: 251 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 271mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/55
Couscous Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This couscous salad makes the most of summer's bounty. I used to prepare it with a mayonnaise dressing, but lightened it with lemon vinaigrette. It's even better now! —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 173 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
22/55
Black Bean Turkey Enchiladas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My best friend and I created this recipe together because we wanted a meal that’s easy to prepare, affordable and nutritious. We both have hectic schedules, so when we’re feeling crunched for time, it’s a relief to have these wholesome enchiladas waiting for us in the freezer. —Holly Baber, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 343 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 795mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
23/55
Chicken Florentine Meatballs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 272 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 0.500 fat.
24/55
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.
25/55
Saucy Indian-Style Chicken & Vegetables
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This Indian-style dish seems to develop a devoted following. Prepared sauce makes
it easy to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your family. Feel free to use more or less tikka masala sauce according to your personal taste. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 334 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 686mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
26/55
Slow-Cooker Beef Burgundy
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender cubes of beef are braised in a wine sauce with savory vegetables. I made this slow-cooker beef burgundy often when I worked full time. It’s good over noodles or mashed potatoes. —Sherri Mott, New Carlisle, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 460 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
27/55
Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 282 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
28/55
Weeknight Beef Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mild but hearty family fare is chock-full of veggies, Italian seasoning and nutrition. It’s a quick-and-easy meal that just might become one of your family’s favorites! —Clara Coulston, Washington Court House, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups beef mixture with 3/4 cup noodles : 400 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 11g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
29/55
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup spaghetti with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without cheese): 327 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
30/55
Oven-Fried Fish Nuggets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on dietary fat. I came up with this oven-baked version. He likes it as much as deep-fried fish, so I know it's a winner. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
9 piece: 171 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
31/55
Mexican Pork & Pinto Beans
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
We've lived in Arizona for decades, so Mexican-style cooking has become the same as "Arizona-style cooking" for us. Nothing tastes better than chili-spiced pork with tortillas. —Anne Fatout, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without tortillas): 211 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
32/55
Wintertime Braised Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy beef stew is incredibly rich. Since it's even better a day or two later, you may want to make a double batch. —Michaela Rosenthal, Woodland Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 310 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
33/55
Chili Tortilla Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A homestyle Tex-Mex casserole is all it takes to gather the whole family around the dinner table. With its popular flavors and bubbly cheese topping, there is never a need to worry about leftovers. —Celine Weldy, Cave Creek, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 413 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 28g protein.
34/55
Meat Loaf with Chili Sauce
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to serve this meat loaf in my cafe, where so many of my customers asked for it. I adapted the recipe for my slow cooker at home, where it's quite popular, too. —Robert Cox, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 253 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 686mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
35/55
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.
36/55
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I take this dish to potlucks, there's never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 398 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 832mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
37/55
Spicy Shredded Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food, but not the high calorie count that often comes with it. This easy dish is healthy, delicious and a definite crowd pleaser! I like to serve the chicken with warm tortillas, rice, beans and salsa. For an equally awesome dish, you can substitute beef or pork for the chicken. —Heather Walker, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 202 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
38/55
Sirloin Strips over Rice
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe in a movie magazine some 20 years ago. It was the favorite of some male star, but I don’t remember which one. Its great flavor and the fact that leftovers just get better have made it a family favorite! —Karen Dunn, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 318 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 595mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
39/55
Makeover Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy the convenience of this make-ahead dish or bake right away. Either way, it has half the saturated fat of the original recipe but is just as meaty. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed shells: 295 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
40/55
Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty slow-cooker pepper steak for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture: 232 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 639mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
41/55
Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our kitchen is tiny and cramped, so we try to grill simple (but tasty) meals outside as often as possible during the summer months. Dried herbs work as well, but during the summer use fresh herbs for the best taste. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 teaspoons sauce: 245 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
42/55
Asian Chicken Thighs
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The thick, tangy sauce makes this dish one of my favorite Chinese chicken recipes. Serve the chicken over long grain rice or with ramen noodle slaw. —Dave Farrington, Midwest City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 291 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
43/55
Greek Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My in-laws taught me a lot about cooking, so any time I come across a great new recipe, I enjoy making it for them. These bright, lemony chops quickly became a favorite. —Geri Lipczynski, Oak Lawn, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 193 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
44/55
Mango-Pineapple Chicken Tacos
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I lived in the Caribbean when I was a child. Every time I make this yummy chicken, the fresh tropical fruits in it transport me back to those happy times.—Lissa Nelson, Provo, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 246 calories, 7 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 51 mg cholesterol, 582 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate (10 g sugars, 2 g fiber), 21 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
45/55
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture: 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
46/55
Pork Roast
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom would prepare pork roast for our family, friends and customers at the three restaurants she and Dad owned. The herb rub and vegetables give it a remarkable flavor. It's one of my favorite pork roast recipes. —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with about 2 tablespoons gravy: 174 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
47/55
Hearty Turkey & Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love this tasty dinner. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great (and yummy!) meal when you’re running late. You’ll love the easy cleanup, too! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup turkey mixture with 3/4 cup rice (calculated without optional toppings): 354 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
48/55
Taco Stuffed Shells
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a kid-friendly dish so flavorful and fun, nobody is likely to guess that it's also lower in fat. It's a great family supper for busy weeknights! —Anne Thomsen, Westchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 384 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
49/55
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.
50/55
New England Lamb Bake
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 356 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
51/55
Red Clam Sauce
Total Time
3 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 3/4 cup cooked linguine: 305 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
52/55
Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We do a lot of outdoor cooking during the summer months, and this grilled pork tenderloin recipe is one my entire family loves. —Betsy Carrington, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 196 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
53/55
Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued chicken gets a makeover in this recipe. The combination of ingredients makes for a mellow flavor that tastes more grown up than the original. It's fantastic over rice, pasta or potatoes. —Sharon Fritz, Morristown, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
54/55
Chipotle Shredded Beef
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This beef is delicious whether you serve it all rolled up in a tortilla, with corn salsa in a burrito, in a bun or over rice or mashed potatoes. So many options! —Darcy Williams, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup cooked rice (calculated without optional ingredients): 345 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
55/55
Spicy Pork and Butternut Squash Ragu
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a marvelously spicy combo that's perfect for cooler fall weather and satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup ragu: 195 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 426mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
