2 Kid-Friendly Dinners and Their Healthy Makeovers

Sloppy Joes: Indulge or Go Healthy

Indulge: Sloppy Joe Mama's

"This was awesome! It tastes so much better than the canned stuff. I added half of a chopped bell pepper to get more veggies in, but it will be in our rotation from now on," says Jimmie Souza.

Go Healthy: Apple-Turkey Sloppy Joes

Healthy Tricks

The Apple-Turkey Sloppy Joes have 2 grams more heart-healthy fiber, 215 fewer calories, and 5 fewer grams saturated fat than the Sloppy Joe Mamas. Here's why:

• Adding bell pepper and apple gives flavor and crunch, provides fiber, and bulks up the recipe with fewer calories.
• Using ground turkey breast instead of ground beef results in less saturated fat.

Mac and Cheese: Indulge or Go Healthy

Indulge: Instant Pot Creamy Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Stovetop Method: Cook pasta in a large pot according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and set shells aside. In same pot, stir together cheeses, milk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper over medium-low heat until cheese is melted. Gently stir in cooked pasta and bacon. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauciness.

Go Healthy: Cauliflower Mac-N-Cheese

We used frozen riced cauliflower, prepared according to package directions.

Healthy Tricks

The Cauliflower Mac-N-Cheese has four times the fiber and 3 fewer grams saturated fat than the Instant Pot Creamy Bacon Macaroni and Cheese. Here's why:

• Using whole-wheat pasta instead of refined macaroni provides more good-for-you fiber.
• Opting for reduced-fat milk and cream cheese instead of full-fat lowers saturated fat but still provides all the bone-building goodness of dairy.
• Stirring in riced cauliflower adds creaminess — and vitamins C and K.

This article originally appeared in the August/September 2021 issue of Allrecipes Magazine.

Related:

• 35 Easy Dinner Ideas for Families
• Healthy Summer Recipe Makeovers
• More Makeover Recipes