When you’re counting calories, it’s easy to get stuck eating the same meals over and over, which can make it even harder to stick to your healthy eating plan.
I’ve pulled together 31 super tasty 500-calorie recipes to help you add some variety to your meal plan. These meals are packed with flavor and won’t leave you feeling hungry or unsatisfied.
Whether you’re craving something comforting or just need a quick, easy dinner, this 500-calorie recipes list has something for everyone.
Why These 500-Calorie Recipes Are a Must-Try
- Balanced and Satisfying: You don’t have to sacrifice taste for low-calorie meals—500-calorie recipes can be filling, flavorful, and balanced.
- Easy to Make: Most 500-calorie recipes are quick and simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
- Variety of Flavors: From comfort food classics to fresh, light meals, these 500-calorie recipes offer a wide variety of flavors that keep your meals exciting and enjoyable.
- Portion Control: These 500-calorie recipes focus on portion control without skimping on taste.
- Family-Friendly: Many 500-calorie recipes are versatile enough to please the whole family, making healthy eating a breeze for everyone at the table.
31 Easy 500-Calorie Recipes to Make Fun & Healthy Meals
1. Instant Pot Bolognese
This Instant Pot Bolognese is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s hearty and packed with flavors that taste like it’s been simmering all day, but the Instant Pot does all the hard work for you. You’ll love how this meal keeps you full without going over your calorie goals, making it an easy, family-friendly dinner.
Calories: 500 kcal
2. Italian Wrap Recipe
A fresh, tasty Italian Wrap is the perfect option when you need something light but satisfying. It’s loaded with delicious deli meats, cheese, and veggies, wrapped up neatly in a low-calorie tortilla for a portable lunch or dinner. You can whip this up in minutes, making it a perfect recipe for those busy days when you’re short on time.
Calories: 520 kcal
3. Easy BBQ Meatloaf
If you’re craving comfort food but want to watch your calories, this BBQ Meatloaf is the perfect solution. It’s got that tender, smoky flavor we all love, topped with a tangy BBQ sauce that keeps everyone going back for seconds. But here’s the best part—it’s portioned perfectly to stay under 500 calories!
Calories: 495 kcal
4. Orange Chicken Recipe
When I crave takeout but want to stay on the healthier side, my go-to is this Orange Chicken Recipe. It’s got all the sweet, tangy flavor of your favorite takeout spot but with way fewer calories—and you know exactly what’s in the sauce because it’s made from scratch in your kitchen.
Calories: 454 to 520 kcal
5. Slow Cooker Ribs
Slow Cooker Ribs are a hearty meal you can make with minimal effort. They cook low and slow until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the BBQ sauce adds just the right amount of smoky sweetness.
Calories: 451 kcal
6. Chicken Parmesan Casserole
My Chicken Parmesan Casserole is hands down one of the easiest ways to enjoy all the cheesy, saucy goodness of the classic without the fuss. What I love most is that everything bakes together in one dish, saving me time on cleanup—always a win when you’re juggling a busy day!
Calories: 500 kcal
7. Chicken Tortilla Soup
For a warm, spicy meal that’s low in calories, Chicken Tortilla Soup is always a hit at our house. It’s packed with tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, and a hint of spice, all topped off with crunchy tortilla strips.
Calories: 454 to 537 kcal
8. BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls
BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls are a great way to get a hearty, satisfying meal that’s still packed with good-for-you ingredients. This recipe has it all – juicy chicken, flavorful quinoa, and a mix of veggies with a tangy BBQ ranch drizzle.
Calories: 551 kcal
9. Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ham and Cheese Sliders are an easy meal that can be made in a snap. With just the right amount of melty cheese and savory ham, these sliders are the perfect solution for a low-calorie lunch or dinner. Even with a couple of sliders, you’ll stay under your calorie limit and still feel satisfied.
Calories: 262 kcal
10. Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are one of those dishes that look like you put in way more effort than you actually did. The chicken comes out super juicy with this amazing sticky, sweet glaze that just hits the spot.
Calories: 495 kcal
11. Big Mac Smash Burger Taco Recipe
If you love a good burger but want something a little different, the Big Mac Smash Burger Taco is a fun twist. Juicy beef, cheese, and pickles are wrapped in a tortilla and give you all the classic flavors in a soft taco. It’s a great option for when you’re craving fast food but want to stay within your calorie limit.
Calories: 492 kcal (2 tacos)
12. Pull Apart Meatball Sliders
These Pull Apart Meatball Sliders are perfect for a filling and delicious meal. They’re loaded with tender meatballs and gooey cheese but portioned just right to keep you under 500 calories. Whether for game day or a quick dinner, these sliders are a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Calories: 456 kcal (2 Sliders)
13. Panda Express Orange Chicken
Are you craving takeout but don’t want to wait for delivery? This homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken is the answer! The tangy, sweet sauce coats the crispy chicken perfectly, making it a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without breaking your calorie budget.
Calories: 493 kcal
14. Healthy Hawaiian Chicken
Healthy Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious way to enjoy tropical flavors while keeping your meal light. The sweet pineapple mixed with savory chicken creates a perfect balance of flavors that feels like a mini vacation on your plate.
Calories: 513 kcal
15. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken
For a refreshing and light meal, this Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken is a great choice. The sweet strawberries, savory chicken, and fresh spinach come together with a light vinaigrette. It’s colorful, nutritious, and filling without being heavy, making it perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Calories: 475 kcal
16. Oven Fajitas
Oven fajitas are a time saver when you need a quick, healthy dinner with minimal effort. Toss everything—peppers, onions, and seasoned chicken—onto a baking sheet, and let the oven do the work.
Calories: 483 kcal
17. Szechuan Salmon
Szechuan Salmon is a great way to spice up your usual fish dinner! The bold, spicy seasoning adds tons of flavor while the salmon stays tender and flaky.
Calories: 544 kcal
18. Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos are one of those meals that even the meat lovers in my house enjoy. The cauliflower gets perfectly roasted with smoky spices, and you can pile on fresh toppings and a squeeze of lime to make them pop.
Calories: 507 kcal (2 tacos)
19. Vegetarian Paella
This Vegetarian Paella is packed with colorful veggies and bold flavors, making it super hearty without any meat. The rice is seasoned just right, and the mix of vegetables gives it a nice balance of flavor and texture.
Calories: 480 kcal
20. Moroccan Inspired Chicken Couscous
This Chicken Couscous recipe is packed with flavor and totally worth the time it takes. In about an hour, you’ll have tender, perfectly spiced chicken and fluffy couscous that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Calories: 492 kcal
21. BBQ Chili Cheese Biscuit Casserole
BBQ Chili Cheese Biscuit Casserole is a favorite at our house, and you’d never guess it’s under 500 calories per serving! The fluffy biscuits on top of hearty chili and melted cheese make it feel like the ultimate comfort food.
Calories: 525 kcal
22. Lazy Skillet Lasagna
I love how this Lazy Skillet Lasagna gives you all the flavor of classic lasagna but with way less effort. Everything cooks up in one pan, and you still get the cheesy, saucy goodness without having to fuss with layers.
Calories: 514 kcal
23. Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (Paleo)
Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are such a fun twist on a classic chili night. The sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that pairs so well with the spicy, hearty chili on top. And the best part? It’s paleo-friendly and under 500 calories.
Calories: 520 kcal
24. Homemade Hamburger Helper
I love this Homemade Hamburger Helper. It totally takes me back to childhood. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor but without all the processed stuff. You can whip this up in no time, and it’s just as satisfying as the boxed version.
Calories: 501 kcal
25. Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls
These Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls are one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh and filling. The roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and all the yummy toppings make every bite super flavorful.
Calories: 565 kcal
26. Steak and Potato Sheet Pan Dinner
I think you’ll love this sheet pan dinner! It is a complete meal with barely any cleanup. You get tender steak and crispy potatoes all cooked together in one pan, which makes it super easy for a busy night.
Calories: 470 kcal
27. Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo
Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo has all the creamy, rich flavor of the original without the heaviness. The sauce is made with lighter ingredients and is easy to make.
Calories: 508 kcal
28. Creamy One Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta
One-pot meals are my favorite, and this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Pasta does not disappoint. It’s a mashup of two comfort food favorites—pasta and enchiladas—so you get the best of both worlds in one dish. It’s creamy, a little spicy, and comes together quickly.
Calories: 530 kcal
29. Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf is an old-school favorite with a simple twist that keeps it flavorful and moist. The onion soup mix gives it just the right amount of seasoning, and it’s super easy to throw together with a few pantry staples.
Calories: 533 kcal
30. Mexican Tortilla Pie
Mexican Tortilla Pie is a fun twist on dinner—it’s a Mexican version of lasagna with layers of tortillas, beans, cheese, and veggies. It’s super easy to throw together and packed with flavor.
Calories: 529 kcal
31. Old Fashioned Goulash
Old Fashioned Goulash is a dish that brings back all the nostalgic, cozy feelings of home-cooked meals. It’s got pasta, ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked in one pot.
Calories: 500 kcal
More Recipes You Might Like
If you loved these 500-calorie recipes, I’ve got a couple more ideas that might be right up your alley!
If you’re in the mood for something grilled and packed with flavor, check out these Chicken Kabob Recipes. They’re perfect for summer barbecues or an easy dinner that feels a little more special.
If you’re all about comfort food like me, you’ll definitely want to try these Crockpot Soup Recipes. There’s nothing like coming home to a warm, hearty soup that’s been simmering all day—plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you!
Slow cooker meals are perfect for those busy weekdays when you want a meal ready and waiting without much effort.
Final Thoughts
With so many flavors and easy options, you can enjoy delicious dishes without feeling like you’re missing out.
Whether you’re craving something comforting or need a quick weeknight dinner, there’s something here for everyone.
So grab a recipe, have some fun in the kitchen, and make tonight’s dinner a little more exciting. Happy cooking, friends!
