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With a little planning, these make-ahead dinner ideas go a long way. These dishes support healthy blood sugar levels by being mindful of calories, sodium and saturated fat to fit the criteria of a diabetes-friendly eating pattern. They're also high in fiber, with at least 6 grams per serving, which can help support healthy weight maintenance, promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. Make-ahead options like Black Bean Enchilada Skillet and One-Pot White Bean, Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo with Lemon and Feta allow you to have delicious, nutritious meals ready when it's dinnertime.
Vodka-flavored chickpeas
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors-Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser
These Vodka Braised Chickpeas are the super easy, fiber-packed dinner you've been waiting for. Chickpeas are bathed in a creamy vodka sauce that's enhanced with sautéed garlic, onion, and bright green baby kale. Crispy toasted whole wheat bread is perfect for dipping. You can easily customize this dish by using chard or spinach in place of the kale.
Vegan Superfood Grain Bowl
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey
This nutritious grain bowl comes together in 15 minutes with just a few convenient ingredients like pre-washed baby kale, microwaveable quinoa, and cooked beets. Pack it ahead of time and keep it on hand for an easy lunch or dinner on busy nights.
One-pot white bean, spinach and sun-dried tomato orzo
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
This one-pot pasta dish with white beans, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes is vibrant, bright, and easy to clean up.
Black Bean Enchilada Skillet
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall
These easy black bean enchiladas can be made in just one skillet and eliminate the hassle of stuffing and rolling corn tortillas. We use mild enchilada sauce to ensure there's a spiciness level to suit everyone, but if you like it spicier, you can use medium or hot enchilada sauce to add even more flavor to your meal.
Slow Cooker Three Bean Chili Mac
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Chili meets mac and cheese in this easy slow cooker dinner, with hot tomato sauce from Mexican canned tomato sauce, full of spices and chili peppers for extra flavor.
Roasted root vegetables and greens served over spiced lentils
Top this rustic lentil bowl with some leftover roasted root veggies from a big batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a dollop of plain yogurt for extra richness.
Roasted Vegetable and Black Bean Tacos
These hearty vegan tacos are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and so delicious you won't be bothered by the lack of meat or dairy.
Chickpea Green Goddess Salad
This cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese and chickpea salad features a healthy Green Goddess dressing made with avocado, buttermilk and herbs – any leftover dressing is delicious served with grilled veggies.
Three Bean Chili
This hearty bean chili is flavorful with cumin, chili, paprika, oregano and a variety of chili peppers, so feel free to use whatever beans you have in your pantry.
Curried chickpea stew
Who said a meatless meal can't be filling? Packed with fiber-rich veggies and chickpeas, this flavorful stew will leave you feeling satisfied.
Eggplant Gyro
Eggplant's meaty texture makes it a tasty vegetarian alternative to the lamb commonly used in gyro sandwiches, and this vegetable soaks up the spicy lemon-and-herb marinade like a sponge, so if you have the time, it's best to marinate it for a whole day.
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cauliflower Rice
This easy-to-make, meal-prep burrito bowl is even better than takeout. Substituting cauliflower rice for cilantro-lime rice, this is a super flavorful, protein-packed meal that won't leave you craving carbs. We love serving this with chicken, but it would be just as good with shrimp.
White Turkey Chili
This healthy white turkey chili is a beautiful dish with flecks of zucchini, oregano, and green chiles, and it also contains whole wheat bulgur for extra volume and fiber.
Florentine Lasagna Roll Ups
Control your portions with individually rolled lasagna – leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.
Zucchini and chickpea veggie burger with tahini ranch sauce
This veggie burger is one you'll want to make again and again. A flavorful chickpea and zucchini patty topped with creamy, herby tahini ranch sauce, juicy tomato slices and tangy arugula makes this a satisfying and healthy homemade veggie burger.
Roasted Vegetable Bowl with Pesto Sauce
Make a healthy lunch of roasted veggies and brown rice and your coworkers will be the envy of you. Make four lunches when you have the time and you'll have several days' worth of portable lunches (or ready-to-eat dinners) – just grab a container when you head out in the morning.
Spaghetti squash with roasted tomatoes, beans and almond pesto
The tangle of spaghetti squash will make you think you're about to eat a bowl of eggy noodles, but in reality, this healthy recipe will save you calories and carbs. Roasting the tomatoes in a hot oven makes them candy-sweet.
Eggplant Tortilla Casserole
This layered casserole is inspired by the classic cheese enchilada, but without the hassle of rolling and stuffing tortillas. You'd never guess that this hearty casserole is hiding layers of thinly sliced eggplant, which softens and imparts subtle flavor when roasted.
Easy spaghetti meat sauce
Instead of opening a jar of sauce, try this easy weeknight spaghetti with meat sauce. Serve with steamed broccoli and garlic bread. This recipe serves 8. If you're only serving 4 for dinner, cook 8 ounces of spaghetti and freeze the leftover sauce.
