The Best Low-Cal Recipes of 2024 (2024)

Home Healthy Eating

The votes are in! Check out the best low-calorie recipes of 2024.

1/50

Baked Crab Cakes

Reel in a breezy taste of the seashore with these easy and delicious baked crab cakes. For a heftier “burger,” make two larger patties and serve on buns. —Amelia Sunderland, Nashville, Tennessee

Go to Recipe

2/50

Quick and Simple Meatballs

Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

3/50

Coconut Curry Chicken

My husband and I love this coconut curry chicken recipe! It's a breeze to prepare in the slow cooker, and it tastes just like a meal you'd have at your favorite Indian restaurant. —Andi Kauffman, Beavercreek, Oregon

4/50

Roast Rosemary Leg of Lamb

Roast lamb is perfect for Easter time or any special occasion. This succulent rosemary leg of lamb recipe calls for a flavorful rosemary, garlic and onion rub. —Suzy Horvath, Milwaukie, Oregon

5/50

Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas

6/50

Sunshine Crepes

"My family wanted just a light brunch and coffee this year for Christmas morning, so I whipped up these sweet and fruity crepes that were a big hit with everyone! To save even more time, use pre-made crepes,” suggests Mary Hobbs, Campbell, Missouri.

7/50

Catalina Chicken

Using salad dressing to make this family favorite helps keep the prep time to only 10 minutes. I like to spoon extra sauce over the baked Catalina chicken just before serving. —Frances Roberts, Silver Spring, Maryland

8/50

Orange Barley Chicken

My mother used to prepare orange chicken with rice back in the ‘60s, and it was so good. My version uses pearl barley instead of rice, and I added parsnips for flavor as well as baby carrots for color. —Helen Glazier, Seattle, Washington

9/50

Sauteed Green Beans

These sauteed green beans with garlic and a variety of herbs and spices come together in no time at all for a well-seasoned side dish you'll make on repeat. —Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan

10/50

Beef Stroganoff

You'd never guess this creamy, full-flavored Stroganoff is actually light! It is very meaty and features a thick tomato sauce that makes it look so impressive. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

11/50

Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes

Wonderful blueberry flavor abounds in these thick and moist pancakes. My kids adore them, and I love that they're easy. —Amy Spainhoward, Bowling Green, Kentucky

12/50

Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

"When our children were little, my husband frequently worked late," recalls Michelle McWilliams of Fort Lupton, Colorado. "This eye-catching stir-fry was a satisfying alternative to a big dinner for me and the kids."

13/50

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

What fun—these double-chocolaty delights have a surprise bit of marshmallow. Kids love them! —June Formanek, Belle Plaine, Iowa

14/50

Easy Peanut Butter Balls

"These simple saucepan cookies are a snap to make," assures Marg Mitro of Grafton, Ontario. "In fact, I can whip them up in 10 minutes for school lunches. The little treats are a big hit with any crowd—young or old," she adds.

15/50

Spanakopita Casserole

This traditional Spanakopita Casserole features spinach and feta cheese. You can serve it as a side dish or meatless main dish. My dad and I used to fight over the last piece. —Sharon Olney, Galt, California

16/50

Broccoli Bites

An herb-seasoned stuffing mix and Parmesan cheese boost the flavor of the broccoli in these simple appetizers. The recipe makes several dozen and they’re freezer-friendly, so feel free to make them ahead. —Laurie Todd, Columbus, MS

17/50

Meat-and-Potato Casserole

For variety, you can use another kind of cream soup (cream of mushroom, for instance). But try this meat and potato casserole this way first.—Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa

18/50

Wintertime Braised Beef Stew

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

19/50

Homemade Pork Sausage

These country-style patties are so simple to prepare. You'll never again settle for store-bought versions that are loaded with preservatives and not as good. —Bertha Bench, Mineral Wells, Texas

20/50

Mexican Meat Loaf

Tasty taco ingredients makes this Mexican meat loaf extra special. Serve with sour cream and sliced fresh avocado. —Tena Huckleby, Greeneville, Tennessee

21/50

Skillet Pizza

Meet the Cook: I created this recipe during a hot spell one summer. With the temperature in the 90's every day, I didn't want to turn on the oven. So I decided to make our favorite family pizza in a skillet instead! Anyone who likes pizza, has kids or just wants a quick and simple meal would likely enjoy skillet pizza. It's great to take along to get-togethers, too - you can prepare it at home, then just plug in the skillet when you arrive. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

22/50

Pecan Tarts

The flaky crust combined with a rich center makes these little pecan tarts a satisfying snack to serve and eat. They look so appealing on a pretty platter and make a great finger-food dessert when you're entertaining. They also freeze well. —Jean Rhodes, Tignall, Georgia

23/50

Steak and Shrimp Kabobs

These steak and shrimp kabobs make any get-together special. Cubes of marinated steak are skewered with shrimp and veggies, then grilled. For picnics, I assemble the kabobs at home and carry them in a large container. —Karen Mergener, St. Croix, Minnesota

24/50

Sausage Cheese Balls

These bite-sized sausage balls are a favorite of mine. Feel free to swap in different cheese for the cheddar. You can also serve the cheesy meatballs with Dijon mustard instead of the barbecue and sweet-and-sour sauces. —Anna Damon, Bozeman, Montana

25/50

Coastal Carolina Muffin-Tin Frittatas

Incorporating the flavors of a low country South Carolina crab boil, these tasty frittatas are easy to make and fun to eat. If you have leftover cooked potatoes (roasted or boiled), try dicing them and substituting them for the refrigerated shredded potatoes in this recipe. —Shannon Kohn, Summerville, South Carolina

26/50

Potato-Lentil Stew

Jampacked with veggies, this main-dish soup equals a meal the whole family will love. Serve with a loaf of your favorite bread and dinner’s done! —Krista Goodwin, Ypsilanti, Michigan

27/50

Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

I layer a creamy, coffee-flavored filling between buttery shortbread, then dip the sandwiches in chocolate. Guests always love them.—Bertha Seyer, Oak Ridge, Missouri

28/50

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

This savory, scrumptious hash brown breakfast casserole uses an egg substitute for lower fat and cholesterol. Serve with fresh fruit for a morning meal that’ll keep your family going strong until lunch! —Cindy Schneider, Sarasota, Florida

29/50

Shrimp in Cream Sauce

Looking for an extra-special Christmas Eve entree to delight your busy crowd? My family always manages to make time for this rich shrimp dish. We enjoy it over golden egg noodles.

30/50

Bourbon Balls

Remember the days at Grandma and Grandpa's house when you made these wonderfully traditional treats? We love these Kentucky Derby bourbon balls—the blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistible! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

31/50

Cajun Macaroni

When I follow my favorite meat loaf recipe, I end up with an extra half-pound of ground beef. So I came up with this easy Cajun mac and cheese dish to use it up.—June Ellis, Erie, Illinois

32/50

Cilantro-Topped Salmon

This cilantro lime salmon has been a favorite with everyone who’s tried it. A bright and fresh cilantro-lime sauce complements tender salmon fillets in this entree. —Nancy Culbert, Whitehorn, California

33/50

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Bacon lends a wonderful salty flavor while balsamic vinegar adds a hint of spicy tang. Who knew Brussels sprouts could taste so good? Paula Young -Tiffin, Ohio

34/50

Rice Meatballs

I first made these meatballs when our children were small, and they just loved them. I occasionally use cream of mushroom soup instead of tomato soup, and that variation is delicious too. —Mary Kelso, Hannibal, Missouri

35/50

Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon

You won't need to fish for compliments from your dinner guests when you serve this spectacular honey mustard salmon! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

36/50

Gooey Butter Cookies

As a native of St. Louis, I wanted to make a cookie version of the famous gooey butter cake. And although many gooey butter cake recipes use a cake mix, these cookies are made from scratch. —Julia TenHoeve, Richmond, Virginia

37/50

Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas

I created this recipe one night when we were in the mood for enchiladas but didn't want the fat and calories of the traditional ones. I used ingredients I had on hand that day, and now this recipe's a family favorite! —Nicole Barnett, Northville, Michigan

38/50

Pot Roast with Gravy

My family loves this tangy, slow-cooked beef roast with gravy. We always hope for leftovers that I turn into a tasty sandwich spread.—Deborah DaileyVancouver, Washington

39/50

Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers

My sister was hosting a birthday party and asked me to bring Italian sausage and peppers. I'd never made them before, so I altered a braised pepper recipe. Now family members request this dish often.—Jeanne Corsi, Arnold, Pennsylvania

40/50

Traditional Popcorn Balls

Having an old-fashioned popcorn ball will make you feel like a kid again. You'll find one batch of this sweet treat goes a long way. —Cathy Karges, Hazen, North Dakota

41/50

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

My sister-in-law, who is a dietitian, shared this recipe with me. Buttermilk and garlic flavor these smooth mashed potatoes that are better for you than typical versions with lots of butter. —Stephanie Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri

42/50

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks

When Mom makes grilled chicken thighs and drumsticks, this is the way we like it prepared. It's juicy, has great barbecue flavor and makes a big batch, so it's perfect for a summer picnic and family reunions. —Brenda Beachy, Belvidere, Tennessee

43/50

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

It’s fun to watch my friends eat these meatballs for the first time. They’re pleasantly surprised to find melted cheese in the middle. These meatballs are also great in a hot sub sandwich.

44/50

Sautéed Broccoli

I invented this sauteed broccoli recipe while looking for a different way to cook broccoli that was lower in fat and sodium. Quick, colorful and tasty, it makes a quick and easy accompaniment to a variety of meals.—Jim MacNeal, Waterloo, New York

45/50

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

Get out the chopsticks! This shrimp and broccoli stir fry is a healthier alternative to takeout and is so easy to prepare. The sesame oil, ginger and soy sauce add a rich flavor that enhances the taste of fresh broccoli. —Mary Kisinger, Calgary, AB

46/50

This elegant hors d'oeuvre is almost effortless. Use fresh herbs if possible, and feel free to sub in whole wheat phyllo. —Lisa Diehl, Edina, Minnesota

47/50

Chicken Tostada Cups

Several years ago I tried a version of these cups at a restaurant in Santa Fe, and I wanted to make my own spin. They're perfect for gatherings where you can let everyone add their own favorite toppings. —Marla Clark, Moriarty, New Mexico

48/50

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

My mom made these oatmeal banana cookies when I was young. Now my children like making them just as much as I did, and we quadruple the recipe to serve our large family. You can't eat just one of these goodies packed with chocolate morsels. —Jaqueline Wilson, Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin

49/50

Favorite Creamy Chicken Casserole

I created this creamy chicken casserole when my husband was craving a dish his aunt used to make. It tastes and smells great and is now a staple at our house. —Mari Warnke, Fremont, Wisconsin

50/50

Sweet and Savory Deviled Eggs

My Grandma Phyllis' sweet and savory deviled eggs are unrivaled by any of the ones I've tried. The sweetness of the cherries balances the heat of the jalapeno; celery and pickles give a nice crunch. These snacks are always a party pleaser. —Adrienne Vradenburg, Bakersfield, California

Christina is a Social Media Editor for Taste of Home. She enjoys trying out local restaurants and coffeehouses and adding copious amounts of garlic and cheese to any recipe she can get her hands on. In her free time, you can find her hunting down one-of-a-kind furniture pieces at thrift and vintage stores and DIYing trendy home decor crafts.