26 Low-Calorie Dinners Your Kids Will Actually Eat
Updated: Jan. 05, 2022If 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.
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Mexican Turkey Skillet
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.
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Chicken Nuggets
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. You can also use the seasoning to cook chicken breast halves. Stack them on rustic bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato for delicious sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
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Sneaky Turkey Meatballs
Like most kids, mine refuse to eat certain veggies. In order to feed them healthy foods, I have to be sneaky sometimes. The veggies give these meatballs a pleasing texture while providing valuable nutrients—and I'm happy to say my kids love 'em. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
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
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Turkey Sausage Pizza
If pizza night is a must in your house, double this recipe and freeze one for later. —Melissa Jelinek, Apple Valley, Minnesota
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Southwestern Goulash
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
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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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Fabulous Fajitas
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
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Tender Sweet 'n' Sour Pork Chops
The recipe for these moist, tender pork 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
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Family-Pleasing Sloppy Joes
My grandma gave this recipe to me years ago, but I made a few changes to give this yummy supper more pizzazz. —Jill Zosel, Seattle, Washington
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Asian-Style Round Steak
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
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Four-Cheese Spinach Lasagna
This rich cheesy lasagna has become one of my specialties. It's packed with fresh-tasting vegetables like spinach, carrots, red pepper and broccoli. I'm never afraid to serve the colorful casserole to guests, since it's always a huge success. —Kimberly Kneisly, Englewood, Ohio
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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
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Italian Burritos
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
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Skillet Pork Chops with Apples
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
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Creamy Dijon Chicken
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
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Sausage & Pepper Pizza
All pizza should satisfy a craving. This one easily beats delivery service to your table. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Texas Tacos
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
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Mini Turkey Meat Loaves
These turkey loaves are tender, hearty and convenient. They're loaded with flavor—not to mention oats, turkey and veggies! Bake them ahead and top them with cheese before serving—or freeze them for later. —Janice Christofferson, Eagle River, Wisconsin
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Quick Chicken Parmesan
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
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Crispy Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
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
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One-Pot Meaty Spaghetti
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
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Maple-Dijon Chicken
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
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Mini Barbecue Meat Loaves
I gave classic meat loaf a tasty twist by adding barbecue sauce. My kids usually get bored with beef entrees, but they keep asking for this dish. It's become a dinner staple at my house. —Vicki Smith, Okeechobee, Florida
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Tacos on a Stick
Teens 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 beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
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Loaded Chicken Carbonara Cups
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
Originally Published: November 13, 2019
