16 Healthier Comfort Foods That Still Taste Totally Indulgent
Get warm and cozy and still feel good about it.
Eating healthier can be a challenge any time of year. But when it's cold outside, it can be especially hard. All you want to do is curl up at home with some comfort food and wait for the world to defrost. That can be even harder when you've embarked on a weight loss journey like Ree Drummond did a few years ago or have made it your New Year's resolution to be healthier. But fear not! Because there are actually healthy comfort food recipes you can make that will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your goals.
You'll find plenty of healthy dinner recipes that make simple swaps like using ground turkey instead of beef to make burgers and meatballs or making use out of that handy dandy air fryer to make chicken parm. Lean proteins like chicken aren't the only way to make healthier choices. You can also find clever ways (or sneaky if you've got picky kids!) to eat more vegetables. It's amazing how many different things cauliflower recipes can be, for example. You can mash it as a side, fry it up like rice, and even make pizza!
No matter what you're craving, you'll be able to find a healthier swap. Whether you want low carb, gluten free, or vegetarian dinners, there will be an idea that will make you feel warm and cozy and maybe just a little bit naughty. But you're getting all the protein, vitamins, minerals, plus healthy fats and carbs to fuel your body at the same time. Now that's a win-win!
Turkey Swedish Meatballs with Cauliflower Mash
Lighten up not one but two comfort foods on the same plate! The secret to the cauliflower is a little bit of sour cream. It makes them taste rich and creamy.
Get Ree's Turkey Swedish Meatballs with Cauliflower Mash recipe.
Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
Spaghetti squash is a smart way to replace carb-heavy pasta. It has a similar texture, plus it adds a lot of vitamins and minerals. It also happens to pair really well with meatballs, sauce, and cheese.
Get Ree's Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs recipe.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Get all the flavors you love about chicken pot pie in soup form. It's easier and faster to make, full of lean protein and veggies. Plus, you can cut down on the carbs by eating a smaller portion of the crust dippers.
Get Ree's Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe.
Turkey Meatloaf
Make a lightened-up version of this childhood classic by using lean ground turkey and sautéed mushrooms. It's still super moist and hearty. Make your favorite veggie side and dinner is served!
Get the Turkey Meatloaf recipe.
Eggplant Lasagna
Yes, you can have lasagna and you won't even miss the noodles! They're swapped out with flavorful eggplant instead. Thanks to the meat sauce and melty cheese, you won't feel like you're missing a thing.
Get the Eggplant Lasagna recipe.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Oh, cauliflower. It's amazing what this veggie can turn into―even mac and cheese! This option has more nutrients than the tradition pasta version, and it's gluten free, too.
Get Ree's Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe.
Grill-Fried Chicken
You don't have to fry chicken to get that crispy crust. Nope, this crunchy buttermilk-brined chicken has a magical coating that transforms on a grill. Less grease and less mess to clean up!
Get the Grill-Fried Chicken recipe.
Black Bean Chili
Chili will warm you right though on any cold day. If you swap out the beef for black beans and lean turkey, you still get plenty of protein and a whole lot of comfort. Go ahead, have another bowl!
Get the Black Bean Chili recipe.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Here's another way to transform cauliflower: turn it into fried rice! It's lower in carbs, higher in vitamins and minerals, and really does a stellar job of soaking in all the Asian-inspired flavors.
Get Ree's Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.
Chicken Stew
Another stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal is stew. But you can make it with chicken and still have an absolutely cozy dinner everyone will love. There's even some sneaky veggies hidden inside.
Get Ree's Chicken Stew recipe.
Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Instead of stuffing and rolling tortillas, put all that tasty goodness inside nutrient-dense sweet potatoes. You still get the filling chicken, silky sauce, and cheese, but with a healthier twist.
Panko-Crusted Pork Chops with Carrot Mash
Mash carrots instead of potatoes for a fun and colorful twist. When served alongside lean, baked pork chops, you won't feel like you're making any sacrifices to feel comforted.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Skip the oil and a bunch of prep and cook time by making chicken parm in your air fryer. If you want to cut down the carbs even more, serve the sauce with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.
Turkey Burgers
It's amazing how flavorful and juicy turkey burgers can be! They're just as satisfying as beef, especially when paired with cheese and creamy avocado for some heart-healthy fat.
Get the Turkey Burgers recipe.
Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches
Instead of making deep fried chicken to get your buffalo sauce kick, you can make sandwiches out of vegetarian-friendly chickpeas. You get plenty of protein and all that same flavor, but nothing is fried.
Get Ree's Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches recipe.
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
By now, you've probably tried cauliflower pizza crust. But did you know you can make it at home? It's a healthy low-carb twist and you can have so much fun customizing your toppings.
Get the Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe.
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