48 Easy Friday Night Dinners (That Aren’t Frozen Pizza)

Read Time: 22 mins

48 Easy Friday Night Dinners (That Aren’t Frozen Pizza)2/48 Quinoa Unstuffed Peppers 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This deconstructed stuffed pepper dish packs a wallop of flavor. I truly make it all the time, and I make sure my freezer is stocked with single-serve portions to take to work. —Rebecca Ende, Phoenix, New York Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 261 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat. 3/48 Po’Boy

I put my own twist on a po’boy recipe and ended up with something even better

Tacos 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I intended to make tostadas, but I misread a couple of ingredients and had to use what I had on hand. I put my own twist on a po’boy recipe and ended up with something even better. —Cynthia Nelson, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 551 calories, 29g fat (5g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 977mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. 4/48 Everything Bagel Chicken Strips 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30

Serve them with your favorite chicken finger dip

min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I re-created it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite chicken finger dip. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 246 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein. 5/48 Blue Plate Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Open Faced Turkey Sandwich Recipe photo by Kayla Widmer for Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe

Happily, my gravy is not from a can

Creator: Turkey with gravy makes divine comfort food that reminds me of old-time diners on the East Coast that serve open faced turkey sandwiches just like this one. Happily, my gravy is not from a can. —Chris Schwester, Divide, Colorado Nutrition Facts: 2 open-faced sandwiches: 361 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1462mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. 6/48 Caesar Chicken 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Caesar Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 531 calories, 39g fat

I created these pork cutlets and they were fantastic

(11g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein. 7/48 Breaded Mustard & Sage Pork Cutlets 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Breaded Mustard & Sage Pork Cutlets Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: After attending my daughter’s back to school night and receiving a complimentary package of instant potatoes, I had to make something with them. I created these pork cutlets and they were fantastic. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey Nutrition Facts: 2 pork cutlets: 328 calories, 13g fat

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat

(3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat. 8/48 Creamy Lemon Chicken 49 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Creamy Lemon Chicken Recipe photo by Leticia Almeida for Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: If you want an entree that’s quick, easy and elegant, you can’t beat this one. The lemon cream sauce is what makes it irresistible. It goes so nicely with the chicken and mushrooms. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas Nutrition Facts: 1

They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta

serving: 381 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. 9/48 Whole Grain Chow Mein Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 305 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean

meat, 2 starch, 1 fat

meat, 2 starch, 1 fat. 10/48 Taco Pockets 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chicken Taco Pockets Recipe photo by Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We love these taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick, easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky Nutrition Facts: 1/2 pocket: 393 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0

fiber), 16g protein

fiber), 16g protein. 11/48 Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These open-faced steak sandwiches play up the popular combo of steak and garlic bread. The salsa, sour cream and garnish elevate it into quick, satisfying meal. Substitute chopped green onions or chives for the cilantro if desired. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 1 garlic toast with 3/4 cup steak mixture: 375 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g

fiber), 29g protein

fiber), 29g protein. 12/48 Nacho Pie 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 462 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 26g protein. 13/48 Vegetable Meat Loaf 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I’m not big on leftovers, so I’ve pared down my recipes to serve two. This meat loaf is simple and quick to prepare, plus it helps you

eat your veggies

eat your veggies. It’s great served with cheddar-topped baked potatoes. —Judi Brinegar, Liberty, North Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 330 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 1349mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. 14/48 Turkey Sausage with Pasta 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: If you’re looking for recipes with turkey sausage, stop here. This has the perfect blend of meaty, veggie and cheesy goodness. You’ll be craving what’s good for you when this pasta dish is on the

menu. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1 cup sausage mixture with 1 cup pasta: 396 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. 15/48 Lentil Tacos 29 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Tasty Lentil Tacos Recipe photo by Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When my husband’s cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family’s diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge,

but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone

but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 16/48 Chicken Parm Sandwich 18 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Chicken Parm Sandwich Recipe photo by Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Coat tender chicken breasts with seasoned bread crumbs and smother in marinara sauce. Served on a

hoagie, they’re a real treat!

hoagie, they’re a real treat! —Sue Bosek, Whittier, California Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 669 calories, 32g fat (10g saturated fat), 198mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 48g protein. 17/48 Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs 41 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs Recipe photo by Kristina Vanni for Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A fabulous sauce, green pepper and pineapple chunks transform premade meatballs into something special. Serving them over rice makes for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington Nutrition Facts: 5 meatballs: 389 calories,

Coleslaw, spruced up with chopped walnuts, is a great side for the kabobs

19g fat (8g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. 18/48 Steak Sandwich Kabobs 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Skewers with seasoned steak, bread and veggies are grilled and topped with provolone cheese for a fantastic meal. Coleslaw, spruced up with chopped walnuts, is a great side for the kabobs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 1 kabob with 1/2 cup coleslaw: 597 calories, 33g fat (6g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g

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