Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Nuts Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Nuts Every Day

      Here's what the research says about this nutritious and versatile type of food. Read More
    • African Heritage Diet as Medicine: How Black Food Can Heal the Community

      African Heritage Diet as Medicine: How Black Food Can Heal the Community

      We’ve been conditioned to think that traditional Black food is not nutritious, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. History and food are a source of empowerment to change the narrative regarding nutrition and health across the African diaspora. Read More
    • 20 Healthy 5-Ingredient Dinners in 30 Minutes or Less

      20 Healthy 5-Ingredient Dinners in 30 Minutes or Less

      All you need is 5 ingredients—aside from pantry staples like salt, pepper and oil—to make one of these delicious meals. Plus, they only take 30 minutes or less to prepare, so dinner tonight is bound to be a breeze. Recipes like our Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms and Teriyaki-Glazed Cod with Cauliflower Rice are healthy, tasty and easy choices for any night. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Recipes for Specific Health Condition
  4. Healthy Diabetic Recipes
  5. Diabetic Dinner Recipes
  6. 20 Diabetes-Friendly Dinners You Can Make Ahead For Busy Weeks

20 Diabetes-Friendly Dinners You Can Make Ahead For Busy Weeks

portrait of Dani
Danielle DeAngelis Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD December 08, 2022
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce

You can make these healthy dinner recipes in advance to make mealtimes during busy weeks a breeze. Just whip up these meals and store them in your fridge or freezer for days to come. With complex carbs like whole grains and legumes, low amounts of saturated fat and sodium counts within our recipe parameters, these dishes fit well into a diabetes-friendly eating pattern. Recipes like our Chicken & Mushroom Shepherd's Pie and Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce taste just as delicious when reheated.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken & White Bean Soup

3933878.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Once again, rotisserie chickens can really relieve the dinner-rush pressure-especially in this Italian-inspired soup that cries out for a piece of crusty bread and a glass of red wine.

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Braised Beef with Carrots & Turnips

4293510.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The spice blend in this healthy beef stew recipe--cinnamon, allspice and cloves--may conjure images of apple pie, but the combo is a great fit in savory applications too. Serve over creamy polenta or buttered whole-wheat egg noodles.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken & Mushroom Shepherd's Pie

4007931.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The creamy chicken filling is spiked with sherry and the potatoes are mashed with olive oil in this healthy shepherd's pie recipe. To make individual pies, use six 10-ounce ramekins. Serve with a green salad with balsamic vinaigrette and crusty bread.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Three-Bean Chili

Three-Bean Chili
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This rib-sticking bean chili is richly flavored with cumin, chili, paprika, oregano and an assortment of peppers. Use whatever beans you have in your pantry.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce

Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Instead of opening a jar of sauce, try this easy spaghetti with meat sauce on a weeknight. Serve with steamed broccoli and garlic bread. The recipe makes enough for 8 servings. If you're serving only four for dinner, cook 8 ounces of spaghetti and freeze the leftover sauce.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Four-Bean & Pumpkin Chili

4293535.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy vegetarian chili has a fragrant touch of cinnamon for added flavor. Let diners top it with whatever suits their taste.

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

6582070.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This scrumptious and healthy salad combines elements of Caesar salad, pasta salad and chicken salad for an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes (and most of the prep can be done ahead). Use your blender to whip together the tangy buttermilk-based dressing, which would also be great on a salmon or chickpea salad.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Eggplant Tortilla Casserole

6349109.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This layered casserole is inspired by classic cheese enchiladas, minus the fuss of rolling and stuffing individual tortillas. You'd never guess that within this comforting Tex-Mex casserole hides a layer of thinly sliced eggplant. The thin slices become tender when roasted and add a subtle savory note.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken-Spaghetti Squash Bake

6349101.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this version of a chicken-and-broccoli casserole, spaghetti squash takes on a creamy texture when baked with cream of mushroom soup.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Turkey Chili

3758427.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy white turkey chili recipe is gorgeous, with flecks of green from zucchini, oregano and green chiles. To keep the saturated fat low, we use one pound of ground turkey and add whole-grain bulgur to boost the volume and fiber in this chili recipe. After all the ingredients are added to the pot, we like to slowly simmer our chili for close to an hour to develop the best flavor, but if you're in a hurry, reduce the liquid by half and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Zucchini-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Tahini-Ranch Sauce

Zucchini-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Tahini-Ranch Sauce
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This veggie burger recipe is one you'll want to make again and again. Savory chickpea and zucchini patties are topped with a creamy, herb-flecked tahini ranch sauce, juicy tomato slices and peppery arugula for a satisfying and healthy homemade veggie burger. Serve these vegan burgers on buns or stuff them in pitas. We recommend making extra sauce—it's a great dip for veggie sticks and, thinned with a little water, it makes a wonderful salad dressing.

11 of 20

12 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken-Sausage & Kale Stew

8356739.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A splash of vinegar is a long-standing chef's trick for soups. Added just before you serve the soup, vinegar brightens the taste considerably. Use your favorite style of chicken sausage to add variety to this dish.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Frittata with Butternut Squash, Kale & Sage

Baked Frittata with Butternut Squash, Kale & Sage
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy frittata recipe is full of fall flavors, thanks to creamy butternut squash, plenty of fresh sage, and earthy lacinato kale.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pesto Chicken & Cannellini Bean Soup

3759159.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy, Italian-inspired chicken soup recipe is loaded with fiber-rich vegetables and beans and gets an extra boost of flavor from a swirl of pesto at the end. To get a homemade stock flavor using store-bought broth, we simmer bone-in chicken breasts in the broth before adding the rest of the soup ingredients.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas

4538536.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese and chickpea salad recipe, a healthy green goddess dressing is made from avocado, buttermilk and herbs. The extra dressing is delicious served with grilled vegetables.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes, Beans & Almond Pesto

Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes Beans & Almond Pesto
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Looking at a tangle of spaghetti squash tricks your brain into thinking you're about to eat a serving of eggy noodles, when in fact, you get a nice calorie and carb savings in this healthy recipe. Giving tomatoes a stint in a hot oven makes them candy-sweet.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pork & Pineapple Tacos

8127297.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Plan ahead so you can use your slow cooker to prepare the pulled pork for these tacos. This recipe is a better-for-you twist on the classic tacos al pastor. Pork loin is a lean cut that's a healthier option than traditional pork shoulder, which has more fat.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Stout & Chicken Stew

3757921.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chicken thighs can take plenty of cooking without getting tough or drying out, which makes them perfect for the slow cooker. Here we braise them in Guinness stout along with hearty vegetables, with just the right amount of bacon for added savoriness.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lentil Bowls with Fried Eggs & Greens

8115221.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lentils are a quick and easy protein. We like French green lentils, which hold their shape when cooked.

19 of 20

20 of 20

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Superfood Grain Bowls

Vegan Superfood Buddha Bowls
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This nutrient-packed grain bowl recipe comes together in 15 minutes with the help of a few convenience-food shortcuts like prewashed baby kale, microwavable quinoa and precooked beets. Pack these ahead to keep on hand for easy meal-prep lunches or dinners on busy nights.

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Danielle DeAngelis

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Chicken & White Bean Soup
    2 of 20 Slow-Cooker Braised Beef with Carrots & Turnips
    3 of 20 Chicken & Mushroom Shepherd's Pie
    4 of 20 Three-Bean Chili
    5 of 20 Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce
    6 of 20 Four-Bean & Pumpkin Chili
    7 of 20 Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
    8 of 20 Eggplant Tortilla Casserole
    9 of 20 Chicken-Spaghetti Squash Bake
    10 of 20 White Turkey Chili
    11 of 20 Zucchini-Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Tahini-Ranch Sauce
    12 of 20 Chicken-Sausage & Kale Stew
    13 of 20 Baked Frittata with Butternut Squash, Kale & Sage
    14 of 20 Pesto Chicken & Cannellini Bean Soup
    15 of 20 Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas
    16 of 20 Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes, Beans & Almond Pesto
    17 of 20 Pork & Pineapple Tacos
    18 of 20 Slow-Cooker Stout & Chicken Stew
    19 of 20 Lentil Bowls with Fried Eggs & Greens
    20 of 20 Vegan Superfood Grain Bowls

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    20 Diabetes-Friendly Dinners You Can Make Ahead For Busy Weeks
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.