These delicious dinner recipes will keep you satisfied and still help you lose weight. Combine them with the healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack options in this diet for a total of 1,500 calories a day.
500 Calories Italian Sausage and Veggie Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 ounces uncooked whole wheat pasta
- 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce
- 1 precooked Italian-style chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Make It
Cook pasta according to package directions. Heat spaghetti sauce, sausage, garlic, and vegetables for about 12 minutes, until veggies are tender. Top pasta with sauce mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
500 Calories Steak and Pepper Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 ounces steak strips
- 1 1/2 cups sliced green and red bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 2 small (6-inch) whole-grain tortillas
- 4 tablespoons salsa
- 2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream
Make It
In a skillet, saute olive oil, cumin, and garlic for 1 minute. Add steak strips and cook about 5 minutes. Add pepper and onion slices and cook for another 8 minutes. Place mixture in tortillas and fold. Top with salsa and sour cream.
500 Calories Stuffed Chili and Cheese Potato
Ingredients
- 1 medium potato
- 1/2 cup turkey or vegetarian chili
- 2 cups frozen broccoli
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Make It
Microwave potato for about 7 minutes. Wrap it in foil and let sit for 5 minutes. In a pot, warm chili and broccoli. Cut potato lengthwise, top with chili mixture, and sprinkle with cheese
500 Calories Cajun Chicken with Dirty Rice
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried Cajun seasoning
- 4 ounces chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Few dashes Tabasco sauce, to taste
- 3/4 cup precooked brown rice
Make It
Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on chicken and bake or grill. Add oil to skillet; saute garlic, onion, bell pepper, tomato paste, and Tabasco for 2 to 3 minutes. Add precooked rice and saute for 5 more minutes. Serve chicken on rice.