17 Under 500 Calorie Meals That Actually Make Me Look Forward to Dinner

ByMandy

Dinner doesn’t have to feel like a trade-off between flavor and keeping things light. These 17 meals stay under 500 calories without making you feel like you’re stuck in snack mode. They’re actually good enough to look forward to, yes, even after a long day. Turns out, low-cal doesn’t have to mean low fun.

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who says pizza can’t be reinvented? Pizza Casserole brings that cheesy goodness you love, baked into a warm, hearty dish. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on your own. Packed with flavor, it stays under 500 calories.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

Three pulled pork sliders with coleslaw on a white plate, topped with a sprig of parsley.
BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Small enough to grab, big enough to fill you up—BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw are a game changer for dinner. Tender chicken paired with crunchy slaw creates the ultimate duo. Great for busy nights or casual gatherings. You’d never guess they stay light on calories.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Sliders with Homemade Slaw

Leg of Lamb

Two roasted lamb shanks on a plate with rosemary and caramelized onions, with stacked plates in the background.
Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Love something bold and satisfying? Leg of Lamb is an impressive option that feels indulgent without breaking your calorie goals. Its rich flavor makes it stand out, but it’s surprisingly approachable for any dinner occasion. Perfect for pairing with fresh veggies or simple sides.
Get the Recipe: Leg of Lamb

Chicken Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken pieces, croutons, and grated cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce. Dressing is served on the side.
Chicken Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A favorite you can feel good about, Chicken Caesar Salad combines lean protein with crunchy greens. It’s a lighter way to enjoy a dish that’s always comforting. The dressing pulls everything together without weighing it down. This approachable meal is a win for healthier dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad

Rocky Road Ice Cream

A glass bowl filled with scoops of chocolate ice cream, wafer rolls, waffle biscuits, chopped nuts, and marshmallows.
Rocky Road Ice Cream. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who says dessert doesn’t belong in a low-calorie plan? Rocky Road Ice Cream brings chocolatey indulgence with just the right balance of sweetness. Packed with texture, it’s the ultimate way to treat yourself without overthinking. A foolproof favorite for any day of the week!
Get the Recipe: Rocky Road Ice Cream

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A crowd-pleaser that feels downright homey. Marry Me Chicken Casserole delivers comfort food vibes while staying calorie-smart. Rich flavors blend together in a way that makes every bite memorable. Perfect for impressing guests or keeping it casual at home.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Pork Tenderloin

Close-up of roasted pork tenderloin on a white plate, topped with a drizzle of dark sauce. The meat is seasoned with visible spices and has a textured, caramelized surface.
Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Easy to prep and packed with flavor, Pork Tenderloin works for just about any dinner plan. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself, it’s always a good choice. Juicy and lean, it fits well with lots of sides. All this without tipping over calorie limits.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dinner feels fresh and fun with Mexican Street Corn Salad. Loaded with bold textures and vibrant ingredients, it’s a lighter spin on a classic snack. Perfect for adding variety to your meal rotation. It pairs well with just about anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Sloppy Joe

Close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich with ground meat, diced vegetables, and sauce in a toasted hamburger bun.
Sloppy Joe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A comfort food classic gets a lighter twist with Sloppy Joe. All the hearty goodness you love, minus the overly heavy feeling. Ideal for quick weekday meals or casual gatherings. This one doesn’t sacrifice flavor while sticking under calorie limits.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

Mexican Casserole

A plated serving of cheesy casserole with ground meat, topped with sliced green onions and parsley, accompanied by a fork.
Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bringing bold flavor to the forefront, Mexican Casserole is a lighter way to enjoy a classic. Plus, it’s filling without being overwhelming. Great for big portions or leftovers that taste just as good. It’s simple but layered with textures you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

Sushi Rice

A bowl of steamed white rice topped with sliced green onions and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Sushi Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A dinner staple for nights when you crave something versatile. Sushi Rice works as a base for endless combinations without going overboard on calories. Light yet deeply fulfilling, it’s the perfect starting point for creative meals. No need to compromise flavor for health here.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Rice

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Close-up of stacked quesadilla slices filled with cheese, beans, and chicken, topped with sliced jalapeños and cilantro, on a white plate.
Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ditch the fuss without skimping on taste with Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas. It’s a fun option with minimal cleanup, great for busy evenings. Everyone gets their own portion packed with flavor. You’ll love how it keeps things simple and calorie-conscious.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

A baked dish with slices of glazed ham, roasted sweet potato cubes, and green beans, garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet-rich combos never get old, and Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies proves it. This dish brings together lean protein with wholesome veggies while keeping dinner balanced. It’s ideal for casual meal plans or small gatherings. The flavors are unexpectedly deeply fulfilling and under 500 calories.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Ham and Veggies

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re looking for something bold, Chipotle Grilled Chicken has you covered. It’s smoky, flavorful, and works well with a variety of sides. Perfect for switching up your routine without extra effort. The calorie count makes it easy to keep things light while still delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Take dinner in a different direction with Asian Style Pork Chops. Enjoy lean protein paired with rich, satisfying flavors, perfect for something new. Great for pairing with rice or steamed veggies. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Mini Tacos

A plate of beef tacos topped with cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro, served with avocado sauce and lime wedges. A bowl of cilantro and a jar lid are next to the plate.
Mini Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fun, customizable, and totally under 500 calories—Mini Tacos just work. They’re perfect for feeding a group or enjoying small portions with a big flavor impact. Easy to mix up with your favorite fillings while staying light. Put them on your dinner list this week!
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Big flavor in a small package, Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes are surprisingly simple and filling. Perfect for a quick dinner when you want something comforting. The spicy chicken adds boldness to soft, warm potatoes. All while keeping it under your calorie goals.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

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