Check out our favourite dinners under 500 calories below!
Whether you are trying to be healthy or just want to enjoy something that’s tasty and comforting without the calories, this is the place to look! Below we’ve got over 100, yes 100, amazing recipes that ALL come in under 500 calories. The perfect lunch or dinner choices for all year round.
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Choosing healthy but flavoursome dinners to rustle up for family or friends doesn’t have to be a chore. From beef to chicken, pasta to curries, these versions of your favourite dishes are all under 500 calories! Perfect for those on a diet or for a guilt free mid-week treat!
READ MORE: DINNER AND LUNCH IDEAS UNDER 300 CALORIES
So whether you feel like a comforting pasta dish for the family, or a show-stopping casserole for friends then look no further! Below are the ideal guilt free recipes everyone, including fussy eaters, will enjoy.
RELATED: LOW CALORIE STIR-FRY RECIPES HERE
Find a new family favourite by scrolling through all our favourite dinner under 500 calories below and click on the recipe links to discover how to make these easy dishes at home…
What one will you be making? Tell us on our Facebook page here
A heady blend of Asian flavours. We can’t get enough!
Calories per serving: 215
Find the recipe here: Vietnamese Prawn Curryt
Poached eggs + bubble and squeak = food heaven!
Calories per serving: 250
Find the recipe here: Poached egg on bubble and squeak
Traditional fish and chips gets a healthy makeover but it’s just as tasty!
Find the recipe here: Fish & courgette chips
This speedy chicken balti, that is packed full of tasty potato and spinach is a totally delicious curry.
Find the recipe here: Speedy chicken Balti
You’ll be well on the way to your target 5-a day with a serving of this yummy pasta dish…
Find the recipe here: Hidden veggies vegetable bolognaise
One of the ultimate family faves, bangers and mash is always a winner dinner. We’ve mixed things up by serving sausages with a delicious butterbean mash.
Find the recipe here: Bangers and butter bean mash
One of our one pot wonders, you won’t need to faff around making different meals for the family as everyone will love this chicken and chorizo bake with sweet potatoes.
Find the recipe here: Roasted chicken and chorizo with sweet potatoes
Serve our chicken peperonata with pasta for full tummies and empty plates all round.
Find the recipe here: Chicken peperonata
If you love Chinese food, you have to try this easy but delicious stir-fry.
Find the recipe here: Chinese-style chicken
Give fish a zesty twist with our citrus-baked fish with courgettes.
Find the recipe here: Citrus-baked fish with courgettes
One of our curry faves, have a go at making our creamy prawn keralan curry.
Find the recipe here: Keralan prawn curry
Our easy bean stew uses a sneaky but delicious dinner, which means it’s on the dinner table in just 15 mins. We won’t tell if you won’t!
Find the recipe here: Easy Greek bean stew
We love this beef stew as you can just pop everything in a pan and leave it to simmer. Super flavoursome and super easy to prepare – our kind of dinner!
Find the recipe here: Easy beef stew
For a fragrant veggie dinner, look no further than our chickpea curry. It’s ready in three simple steps, too.
Find the recipe here: Chickpea curry
If you want to get more fish in your family’s diet, give our Normany fish stew a try.
Find the recipe here: Normandy fish stew
We love a hearty but healthy Hairy Dieters’ dinner. Their Hungarian beef goulash is just that.
Find the recipe here: Hairy Dieters’ beef goulash
At just 50p per serving, our gardener’s pie is savvy in more way than one.
Find the recipe here: Gardener’s pie
Our veggie gnocchi recipe will be loved by kids and adults alike.
Find the recipe here: Super easy gnocchi
Our lamb rogan josh is so good, make it for your next curry night. It’s hard to believe it’s under 300 cals.
Find the recipe here: Lamb rogan josh
We are hooked on this quick and delicious dish using chicken thighs. It’s easy to make and great value for money – the perfect summer chicken dinner and great with new potatoes.
Find the recipe here: Lemon chicken escalope
If you haven’t made cauliflower crust pizza before, now’s the time. Low carb but still oh-so-scrumptious. It’s great as a margherita or load it up with your family’s favourite toppings.
Find the recipe here: Low cal cauliflower pizza
We’ve swapped bread buns for Portobello mushrooms to make this totally veggie burger, stacked with all your favourite fillings.
Find the recipe here: Veggie quarter pounder
Our healthy take on fish and chips is still indulgent and full of flavour.
Find the recipe here: Pesto cod and veggie parcels
Switch your regular fried fish for a flavoursome steamed, low fat version. A balanced meal all in one pan.
Find the recipe here: Smoked haddock with spiced rice
Pack in the veg in this balti to help your family on the way to their 5-a-day.
Calories per serving: 211
Find the recipe here: Veggie balti
Grab the spiraliser! You have to give carrot and courgette spaghetti a go. Kids will love with colours and they won’t miss the usual pasta spaghetti.
Find the recipe here: Skinny spaghetti bolognese
A real family favourite, rustle up this toad in the hole for a dinner to please all. Sausages in a tasty sage and onion batter – what’s not to love?
Find the recipe here: Toad in the hole
This sausage stew, with chorizo and canned Italian beans, may look posh but it’s actually so easy to make.
Find the recipe here: Posh sausage stew
Mash has to be one of our favourite comfort foods. Sneak a health boost into this minced beef pie with a layer of veg before topping with moreish creamy potato.
Find the recipe here: Minced beef pie
Love paella when you’re on holiday? Whip up your own fancy version in just 45 mins.
Find the recipe here: Chicken & chorizo paella
Hot, fiery and filling – three essentials for any burrito!
Find the recipe here: Spicy chicken burritos
Pan-fried chicken served on a bed of giant cous cous is one sure fire way to satisfy rumbling tummies.
Find the recipe here: Pan-fried chicen with balsamic peppers & couscous
We’re going to share a secret with you… this prawn and tomato pasta is perfect for busy cooks thanks to a special shortcut ingredient.
Find the recipe here: Spaghetti with prawns and tomato salsa
You can always rely on The Hairy Dieters’ for flavoursome dinners that are also calorie-friendly.
Calories per serving: 224
Find the recipe here: The Hairy Dieters’ roasted cod with parma ham
Looking for the perfect, easy midweek dinner? Make it meatballs all round.
Find the recipe here: Meatballs
Swap a trip to the chippy for these delicious Friday night dinner. The fish goujons are bound to popular so make sure you make extra!
Find the recipe here: Fish goujons & potato wedges
A layer of melted cheese makes this classic fish pie irresistible – and still under 500 cals!
Find the recipe here: Creamy fish pie
Onions, peppers, broccoli and more are packed into this super vegetable Bolognese.
Find the recipe here: Vegetable bolognese
This 30 minute, nice and spicy chicken dinner is a midweek winner.
Find the recipe here: Nice and spicy chicken and rice
For your next curry night, get a real flavour-boost with our simple chicken tikka masala.
Find the recipe here: Chicken tikka masala
Give pork chops a fruity twist with apples! Even better, there’s no peeling of spuds to endure when making the tasty mash to enjoy alongside.
Find the recipe here: Pork chops with leek and butterbean mash
Harissa paste really jazzes up chicken breasts. Light, tasty and Hairy Dieters’ approved!
Find the recipe here: The Hairy Dieters’ harissa chicken with bulgur wheat
Kale is packed with nutrients and tastes so good with the crispy chorizo and potatoes in this Spanish stir-fry.
Find the recipe here: Spanish-style speedy stir-fry
They’re not just for Sundays! This time-saving roast is the perfect midweek dinner.
Find the recipe here: Easy roast chicken and veg
Baked beans are a welcome addition to this traditional mince beef pie with mash.
Find the recipe here: Mince, bean and mash pie
Mmm pizza – the perfect go-to TV dinner. Serve up slices of this pizza topped with baby tomatoes, mozzarella and Mexican chilli chicken and serve with salad.
Find the recipe here: Mexican chicken pizza
Instead of a chicken korma, swap the poultry for prawns. It’s a Hairy Dieters’ classic which can’t be missed off your menu.
Find the recipe here: The Hairy Dieters’ prawn korma
This speedy tuna and tomato pasta is ready on the dinner table in just 15 minutes. Hassle-free and delicious!
Find the recipe here: Tuna and tomato pasta
Jambalaya is a seriously tasty way to enjoy rice. This prawn and chorizo version is ready in just 25 minutes.
Find the recipe here: Cajun prawn and chorizo jambalaya
Got leftover cooked chicken that needs to be used up? These sweet and sour chicken noodles are the answer!
Find the recipe here: Vietnamese chicken noodles
We’ve swapped meat for lentils in this wholesome, easy, veggie moussaka.
Find the recipe here: Easy veggie moussaka
Stews were made for enjoying on chilly evenings. Sausage stews are a staple in lots of households, but this recipe also includes prawn and Pollack fillet for a real treat. It might sound unusual, but it works!
Find the recipe here: Chorizo, prawn and fish stew
Use stale bread to make a crispy breadcrumb topping for this smoked haddock pie.
Find the recipe here: Smoked haddock and leek pie
Perk up your taste buds with this light fish dish. Ready in just 2 steps, it’s a lazy meal but you’d never know it with the surprise ginger taste.
Find the recipe here: Healthy fish with kale and chilli
We call this our ‘Flash in the pan lemony lamb’ as it’s ready in (next to) no time!
Find the recipe here: Lemony lamb with mixed veg
This is our easiest ever chicken tikka masala and tastes just as good as a takeaway.
Calories per serving: 225
Find the recipe here: Chicken tikka masala
Curry isn’t completely off the menu if you’re watching the calories. Treat the family to a healthier Friday night treat than a takeaway with this simple korma recipe. As it’s low in calories, serve with balti rice and small poppadums.
Find the recipe here: Simple chicken korma
This lovely lemon and herb roast chicken is perfect for the family and any extra guests on a Sunday.
Find the recipe here: Lemon & herb roast chicken
These dinky Quorn burgers are bound to go down a treat.
Find the recipe here: Quorn burgers
Swap your usual tomatoey pasta for this creamy pasta – ready in just 15 mins!
Find the recipe here: Creamy broccoli pasta
This lemony chicken tastes so fresh, and the veg couscous makes a deliciously filling side.
Find the recipe here: Speedy chicken & peperonata stew
A great way for the family to eat their greens without fuss is with this veg and lentil pie, topped with fluffy mash.
Find the recipe here: Vegetable and lentil gardener’s pie
We give this sausage and bean stew the thumbs up as it’s definitely one to please adults and kids alike.
Find the recipe here: Sausage and bean stew
This low-cal sausage dinner definitely doesn’t compromise on taste!
Find the recipe here: Sausages with roasted rataouille
Pick up a jar of pepperonatas – Italian roasted and marinated peppers – the next time you do your food shop. They’re a great way of adding a flavour-boost to a stew.
Find the recipe here: Speedy chicken & peperonata stew
After a chicken dinner with a difference? We love this mustard chicken with lentils.
Find the recipe here: Saucy mustard chicken with lentils
You just need one pot to make this seriously tempting, lamb curry.
Find the recipe here: One-pot lamb curry
Meatballs are one of our favourite midweek choices – fuss-free, simple and delicious! This dinner with roasted veg is a great option for the whole family.
Find the recipe here: Meatballs and roasted vegetables
This paprika goulash is filling, spicy and so moreish.
Find the recipe here: Paprika goulash
If you’re on the hunt for a new favourite curry, try this prawn and potato delight, which is jazzed up with red curry paste.
Find the recipe here: Prawn and potato curry
Ready in a super speedy 17 minutes, and with no fiddling around with stirring or adding stock gradually, this easy peasy prawn and pea risotto really does live up to its name.
Find the recipe here: Easy peasy, cheesy prawn risotto
Swap rice for giant couscous. It’s delicious tossed together with vegetables and served with the lemon and mint chicken.
Find the recipe here: Vitality couscous chicken
Look out for lemon and pepper flavoured prepared breadcrumbs to add a lovely crunchy crust to haddock. The crispy coating is a great way to get the whole family eating and enjoying fish.
Find the recipe here: Lemon crusted haddock
This slimming steak with balsamic tomatoes is a real indulgent treat. It’s low carb, luscious and perked up with a tangy tomato sauce.
Find the recipe here: Steak with balsamic tomatoes
Budget meals really don’t have to be boring. This prawn spaghetti is quite the opposite!
Find the recipe here: Prawn spaghetti
A one-pot meal, with a taste of the Med and only 150 cals per portion? This is one heavenly dish.
Find the recipe here: Mediterranean veg stew
This roast spiced cod, with sweet potato mash and broccoli, is a brilliant low cal swap for fish and chips.
Find the recipe here: Roast spiced cod with sweet potato mash and broccoli
Lower in fat thanks to using buttermilk, this salmon and courgette pasta is seriously creamy and high in calcium and potassium.
Find the recipe here: Creamy salmon and courgette pasta
For a veggie curry packed full of flavour, which is also kind to the waistline, look no further than this easy cauliflower and lentil balti.
Find the recipe here: Caulifower and lentil balti
Make fish the dish of the day with our easy salmon and pea mash recipe.
Find the recipe here: Salmon with pea mash
Pesto and crème fraiche add a deliciously creamy twist on the traditional fish pie. This super simple recipe is on the table in just 30 mins.
Find the recipe here: Pesto fish pie
A sausage dinner suitable for all the clan, try this balsamic sausage sizzle tonight!
Find the recipe here: Balsamic sausage sizzle
Great value, speedy AND curry? What a delicious combo.
Find the recipe here: Easy beef curry & pak choi stir-fry
We’ve given this spaghetti a sweet twist!
Find the recipe here: Quick & cheesy butternut squash spaghetti
Get a taste of Thai with this fragrant coconut curry.
Find the recipe here: Chicken, sweet potato and coconut curry
When only pasta will do, make this spaghetti dish with juicy prawns and garlic.
Find the recipe here: Easy spaghetti with prawns
If you’re giving the 5:2 a go, this Italian-style cod is a delicious low-cal option for your fast day dinner.
Calories per serving: 200
Find the recipe here: Italian-style cod
Grab the teriyaki sauce as it gives these chicken noodles a real kick.
Find the recipe here: Easy Thai chicken noodle stir-fry
This casserole, with chipolatas and cannellini beans, is perfect prepare-ahead nosh.
Find the recipe here: Italian-style bean and sausage casserole
Make a salad more substantial with lamb cutlets in this speedy dinner.
Find the recipe here: Spinach and feta salad with lamb cutlets
One of our favourite go-to chicken dinners is this super easy bake with mature Cheddar cheese, sun blush tomatoes, sweet potatoes and more.
Find the recipe here: The Hairy Dieters’ easy chicken bake
Mix things up at dinnertime and serve up omelettes!
Find the recipe here: Cream cheese and salmon omelette
Here’s how to add 5 different vegetables to sausages in-a-bun, without the kids kicking up a fuss!
Find the recipe here: Sticky sweetcorn salsa hot dogs
You can’t go wrong with a casserole to fulfil hunger cravings. We love this Italian chicken version, packed with herbs and spices.
Find the recipe here: Italian chicken casserole
It’s time to mix up your midweek chicken dinners – this Italian-style chicken really is a must-make.
Find the recipe here: Italian-style chicken
Try these Moroccan chicken parcels for a potentially new family favourite.
Find the recipe here: Moroccan chicken parcels
Brisket beef tastes divine cooked slowly in the oven in gravy, boosted with mushrooms and a sundried tomato paste.
Find the recipe here: Braised brisket of beef
You only need four ingredients to whip up this colourful, veggie spaghetti, which is packed with roasted peppers.
Calories per serving: 240
Find the recipe here: Veggie spaghetti
You can switch up the veg in this flavoursome jalfrezi according to your family’s favourite greens.
Find the recipe here: Vegetable jalfrezi
This roast beef dinner is served with deliciously different Dubonnet gravy.
Find the recipe here: Roast beef with Dubonnet gravy
Make a change from mash and top this saucy fish pie with slivers of tender new potatoes.
Find the recipe here: Creamy salmon and haddock fish pie
Take 10 minutes preparation time, one pan and then let the oven do the hard work for you with this easy roast dinner.
Find the recipe here: Roast chicken thighs with roasted veg
This chunky chilli is a one-pot wonder, packed with lots of warming spices.
Find the recipe here: Perfect chunky chilli
Ready in just 20 minutes, don’t feel guilty tucking into this potato and chorizo Spanish omelette as it’s under the 500 calories mark.
Find the recipe here: Simple Spanish omelette
A real winter warmer, this one pot stew only needs 5 minutes preparation time, meaning less time in the kitchen as well as less washing up too!
Find the recipe here: Beef stew
For a super healthy dinner, packed full of veg that the family will still love, give this chilli vegetable hotpot a go.
Find the recipe here: Super-healthy chilli vegetable hotpot