Following the MyPlate guidelines is as easy as prepping, cooking, and eating with these healthy dinner recipes. Each dinner idea offers several food groups and suggestions for foods to serve with each recipe to include all five food groups.
MyPlate Inspired Dinners
Take the guesswork out of healthy eating with these MyPlate-inspired dinner recipes. Each Healthy Dinner provides the five food groups or suggestions for putting each food group on your plate while sticking to a 2,000 calorie diet.
Italian barley and sausage casserole
Individual casseroles make portion control easy! Loaded with sausage, barley, vegetables and mozzarella cheese, the flavors of this Italian casserole are reminiscent of pizza, so even picky eaters will be happy to eat a nutritious meal. Serve with a side of fruit to accommodate each food group.
Greek Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Beans
White beans provide the protein in this vegetarian recipe. Toss them with pasta, fresh vegetables, feta cheese and olive oil and you have a Mediterranean-inspired meal the family will love. Stay true to the Mediterranean theme by serving with fresh figs or grapes to round out the meal.
Farro, cherry tomato and asparagus casserole
The distinct texture and slightly nutty flavor of farro fills the grains section of your plate. A mix of fresh vegetables, eggs and cheese fills out three other food groups. Serve a slice of this healthy casserole with a fruit to get all five food groups for a complete meal.
How to cook asparagus
Look at our tips for cooking asparagus and you can always whip up a delicious serving of vegetables.
Mexican Macaroni and Cheese
Your family will ask for this healthy casserole recipe again and again. Eight basic ingredients go into this delicious Mexican dinner that satisfies three food groups. Serve it with a spinach and strawberry salad to round out the meal and add bright, fresh flavors.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
This cozy casserole is loaded with staples like pasta, sour cream, frozen (and fresh) veggies, and chicken to keep your shopping list short. Have a serving with a side of your favorite fruit for a balanced meal.
Spaghetti with the best bolognese sauce ever
Homemade Bolognese sauce loaded with beef and vegetables, served over your favorite whole-wheat pasta, makes a family-friendly dinner. Served with a fruit and yogurt parfait for dessert, it satisfies all food groups.
Mini meatball pizza
A base of delicious homemade pizza dough topped with lots of cheese and meatballs knocks out three food groups at once. Serve your slice with a fresh salad of chopped romaine, grapes and tangerines drizzled with vinaigrette to complete the meal.
- Watch: How to Make Meatballs
Pork chops, apples and green vegetables
With a delicious breadcrumb coating, this dinner of pork, fruits and vegetables caters to four food groups. Simply serve with a glass of milk to integrate your portion of dairy products.
Turkey Burger with Peach and Blueberries
Nothing says summer like a grilled burger. Topped with melty Monterey Jack cheese and summer peaches and berries, this burger recipe offers a new twist on the classic. Serve with fresh coleslaw or chopped vegetables to round out the meal.
Seared Chicken with Cherry-Tarragon Sauce
Lightly breaded chicken served with couscous and a cherry reduction makes an elegant three-food-group meal. Add a chopped salad with a sprinkle of cheese to account for other food groups.
Baked spaghetti
Spaghetti meets casserole in this nutritious, family-friendly recipe. Pasta, tomatoes, ground beef and cheese: we have all your favorite ingredients in one dish. Serve with fruit to get all five food groups.
Zucchini Strata with Four Cheeses
Topped with eggs, bread, vegetables and cheese, this make-ahead casserole can be served for dinner or brunch. Simply include a fruit to round out the meal.
