Get creative to clean up your favorite comfort food recipes.
Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean leaving all your favorite indulgences behind. Those comforting dinner ideas that you keep daydreaming about? They can still be a part of your weekly meal plan. All you need is just a few creative ways to make them healthier!
Tips for Turning Naughty Recipes into Healthy Homemade Dinner Ideas
We all have those dishes that test our willpower and could easily break any diet we’re trying to stick to. But with a few simple swaps and adjustments, those high calorie dinners can become healthier homemade versions that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.
Here are some tips for making healthier comfort food recipes:
- Ditch processed ingredients: Instead of reaching for canned soups, boxed mac and cheese, or pre-packaged sauces, try making your own with fresh ingredients. This will not only reduce the amount of added sugars and preservatives in your meal but also add more nutrients.
- Incorporate vegetables: Adding more veggies to your dish can help boost its nutritional value while still keeping it satisfying. For example, add grated zucchini to your meatloaf or cauliflower rice to your stir-fry.
- Choose lean proteins: Rather than using fatty cuts of meat, opt for leaner options like chicken breast or fish. You can also swap out a portion of the meat with plant-based protein sources like beans or tofu.
- Use whole grains: Instead of refined carbohydrates like white pasta or white rice, opt for whole-grain options. They are higher in fiber and other nutrients that can help keep you fuller for longer.
- Experiment with herbs and spices: Don’t be afraid to add flavor to your dishes with herbs and spices instead of relying on salt or sugar. Not only will it enhance the taste, but it will also provide health benefits.
20 Family-Friendly Dinner Ideas that are Comforting and Healthy
Whether you’d like easy recipes for busy nights, chicken recipes, make-ahead meals, vegetarian meals, or even kid-friendly meals, you’ll find plenty of main dishes here to please the entire family any night of the week.
These 20 dinner ideas may look unhealthy, but they’re filled with high-quality ingredients to keep you and your family nourished and satisfied. Get ready for your mouth to water! Tacos, pizza, pasta, burgers…we’ve got it all covered.
1. Healthy Gumbo Recipe in the Crock Pot
Southern cooking at its finest! This Healthy Gumbo Recipe is made effortlessly in the Crock Pot. It’s vegan, so instead of sausage and seafood, we used kidney beans and mushrooms for a heart-healthy twist on this classic Louisiana dish. It’s bold, flavorful, and filling — everything you could want for a comforting dish!
2. Clean Eating Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese
This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese combines two tempting food favorites into one healthy and delicious dish. Made with clean ingredients, the calories stay low, but the flavor is sky-high! It’s packed with protein and fiber and has a delicious breadcrumb topping that is totally drool-worthy.
3. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Colorful, fresh, and delicious, these Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a flavor party for your taste buds! It’s a quick weeknight meal that combines juicy shrimp, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado for a nutritious meal. Ready in 15 minutes, you can’t go wrong with these tacos!
4. Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes
These Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes come together using ground turkey instead of beef, Stevia instead of sugar, and whole wheat buns. It’s a one-pot meal that is still packed with that sweet and savory flavor you love but is way easier on the stomach than canned versions.
5. Egg Roll Bowl
If Chinese food and egg rolls are your guilty pleasure, try this Egg Roll Bowl! It satisfies your cravings without all the added grease and unhealthy ingredients. Packed with fresh veggies, fat-trimmed pork loin, and a flavorful sauce, this dish has all the tastes of an egg roll without the guilt.
6. Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza
This Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza takes the naughty out of pizza and replaces it with a healthy dose of protein and fat. The crust is made with almond flour and is topped with savory Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and fresh basil. Use your favorite topping combinations to make it your own!
7. Make-Ahead Roasted Veggie Burritos
These Make-Ahead Roasted Veggie Burritos are practically oozing with yummy flavor. This simple meal is packed with veggies like zucchini, squash, peppers, onions, and black beans but somehow tastes indulgent and satisfying. Each burrito contains 14 grams of protein and a whole lot of fiber.
8. The Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ooey, gooey, and absolutely mouthwatering, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole has all the naughty flavors you love! Melt in your mouth chicken is combined with turkey bacon, cauliflower rice, spinach, cheese, and a creamy base made with low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt. You’re going to want to eat it every day!
9. Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros
Avoid the temptation of ordering out at your favorite Greek restaurant and make these Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros at home instead! Tender, juicy chicken is slow-cooked with traditional flavors like garlic, lemon, and thyme. It’s one of those easy weeknight dinners that tastes so good you won’t believe it’s good for you!
10. Seared Chicken and Quinoa Salad
Salads can easily fool you into being healthy, but this Seared Chicken and Quinoa Salad is the real deal. A bed of baby arugula and quinoa is tossed with flavorful seared chicken, bell peppers, cucumbers, and celery and tossed in a delicious Dijon honey dressing. It’s filling, satisfying, and will leave you feeling energized!
11. Clean Eating Chipotle Burgers
Who doesn’t crave a juicy burger every now and then? These Chipotle Burgers are made with lean ground sirloin and topped with lettuce, tomato, and creamy avocado between whole wheat buns. Skip the drive-thru and make these home for a healthier version of your favorite fast-food meal!
12. 6-Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Noodle Bake
Buffalo sauce and blue cheese are enough to make anyone want to drool, but this Buffalo Chicken Noodle Bake takes it to a whole new level. Made with only six nourishing ingredients, you don’t have to worry about additives and preservatives in this dish! It’s creamy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
13. Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
This Shepherd’s Pie is a healthier take on one of the most loved comfort foods. It’s loaded with ground turkey, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes and made all in the slow cooker for an easy, hands-off meal. With an impressive nutritional profile that puts traditional shepherd’s pie to shame, taking care of your body doesn’t get any easier!
14. The Easiest BBQ Air Fryer Ribs
Finger-licking good, these BBQ Air Fryer Ribs are flavored and cooked to tender perfection. While they’re cooked in the air fryer, they taste like they’re hot off the grill. They’re a good source of protein and a great way to enjoy a classic BBQ dish without all the added unhealthy fats and sugars. Pair them with a baked potato or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
15. Broccoli and Mushroom Stir-Fry
This Broccoli and Mushroom Stir-Fry is a veggie-friendly dish with a punch of flavor. Loaded with fresh vegetables and cashews for added protein, this stir-fry is perfect for those looking for a meatless option that still delivers on taste and nutrition. It cooks in 30 minutes or less, making it one of those perfect easy dinners to whip up on a busy weeknight.
16. Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Skip the hassle of pie crust and make this Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits instead. Packed with veggies and lean chicken, this hearty dish is topped with homemade biscuits for a comforting twist on a classic comfort food. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something comforting but still want to stick to your healthy eating goals.
17. Indian Style Meatball Curry
When you’re this close to ordering Indian takeout, try making this Indian Style Meatball Curry at home instead. Made with lean ground turkey and a rich sauce aromatic with Indian spices, this dish is a healthier dinner option for satisfying those curry cravings. Serve it with steamed brown rice or quinoa for the ultimate healthy indulgence.
18. Vegetarian Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
This Vegetarian Spinach Mushroom Lasagna is a healthier spin on the classic Italian dish. It’s loaded with veggies, gooey cheese, and a flavorful homemade tomato sauce. A 100% vegetarian dish, it’s perfect for Meatless Mondays or any time you want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet.
19. One-Skillet Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
Full of Tex-Mex flavor, this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole is cooked all in one skillet and will surely become a family favorite. It’s packed with fiber and protein from black beans, corn, and zucchini, making it a satisfying and healthy option for any night of the week.
20. Slow Cooker Texas Chili
Enjoy the official dish of Texas without the guilt with this Slow Cooker Texas Chili, the last on our list of dinner ideas. It’s made with lean ground beef chuck, making it a healthier option than traditional chili recipes. Packed with pantry staples, veggies, and spices, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Top it with Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost!
Get More Healthy Recipes
If you enjoyed these healthy yet comforting dinner ideas, you might also like:
- 12 No-Prep Dinner Ideas
- 21 Healthy Low Calorie Southern Meals
- 21 Protein-Packed Lunches for Kids
- Healthy Spicy Food for Weight Loss: 21 Recipes to Try if You Love Spicy Food
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