If you fancy shaking up your mealtime repertoire, our healthier versions of family favourites are sure to go down a storm. With a few tweaks and additions, these comforting classics are given a nutritious makeover. For more wholesome, child-friendly meals, see our healthy family recipe collection.

Advertisement

10 healthier versions of classic family meals

1. Chicken curry

chicken-curry-2b3d03e

Contains half the saturated fat of a classic korma

This mild, moreish curry contains a whopping four of your 5-a-day. Serve it with filling brown rice and play around with spices to get the desired heat, remembering that some korma pastes are spicier than others.

Get the recipe: Chicken, sweet potato & pea curry

For more inspiration, see our top 5 healthy family curry recipes.

2. Enchiladas

enchilads-8160d9d

Contains half the calories of regular enchiladas

These baked Mexican-inspired tortilla wraps are packed with healthy red peppers and black beans. Play around with the quantity of chipotle depending on your family's preference for heat, adding only after you've tasted the sauce at the end of step 2 of the method.

Get the recipe: Chicken & bean enchiladas

Next, see our healthy Mexican recipes.

3. Sausage casserole

sausage-casserole-6f4ba5f

Contains half the fat of regular sausage casserole

Casseroles are a great opportunity for packing in extra goodness, and this sausage bake is no exception. It contains four of your 5-a-day in the form of peas, peppers, tomatoes and carrots, plus nutritious white beans.

Get the recipe: Sausage & white bean casserole

Find more inspiration in our family casserole recipe collection.

4. Chicken goujons

crispy-chicken-strips-bce4e17

Lower in calories than chicken nuggets

A crunchy carrot salad adds health credentials to this crowd-pleasing recipe. For added crunch, use Japanese panko breadcrumbs – they're larger and crispier than ordinary breadcrumbs and are readily available from supermarkets.

Get the recipe: Crispy chicken strips

Our family chicken recipes provide more ideas for using this versatile ingredient.

5. Macaroni cheese

macaroni-b950dfb

Contains one third of the fat in classic macaroni cheese

Pack some veg into this popular pasta bake with frozen spinach and cherry tomatoes. Make this dish vegetarian by checking the cheddar and using a veggie-friendly hard cheese to replace grana padano.

Get the recipe: Macaroni cheese with veg

For more inspiration, see our easy family pasta recipes.

6. Fish pie

Fish pie with pea & dill mash in a baking dish

Contains half the fat of regular fish pie

This healthier take on fish pie has a light filling made with leeks, cherry tomatoes, cod and prawns – the creamy element comes from half-fat crème fraîche. On top sits a pillowy layer of mashed potato that's spiked with lemon, mixed with peas and flavoured with fresh herbs. Make this easy dish ahead of time then pop it in the fridge, or freezer, to save for a busy weeknight.

Get the recipe: Fish pie with pea & dill mash

Check out our healthy pie recipes for more ideas.

7. Chicken tacos

Tacos filled with grilled chicken, avocado, peppers and guacamole on a wooden board

Contains half the fat of regular chicken tacos

We've kept all the same elements of this popular Mexican dish, but reduced to half the fat of standard tacos. Kids will love piling on the chicken, salsa and guacamole to build their own delicious dinner. And trying to get the crunchy taco shell into your mouth without it collapsing is half the fun. If you're worried about spice, leave out the chilli flakes. Want more recipes like this?

Get the recipe: Lighter chicken tacos recipe

See our veggie black bean tacos.

8. Pasta bake

Healthy chicken pasta bake topped with mozzarella and fresh basil in a baking dish

Contains half the fat of regular chicken pasta bake

Everyone needs a good chicken pasta bake recipe up their sleeve – make this healthier version yours. Still just as comforting, but now with wholemeal penne, chicken breast and hidden vegetables, all in a rich tomato sauce. Dollops of creamy ricotta and grated mature cheddar replace the bechamel sauce, so you'll still get that hit of melted cheese.

Get the recipe: Healthy chicken pasta bake

Next up, discover more healthy ways with chicken.

9. Lasagne

Veggie lasagne in a baking dish with a scoop taken out

Less than half the calories and fat of classic lasagne

Take this opportunity to sneak a few more vegetables into your family's dinner. Roast aubergines, peppers and tomatoes until lightly charred, then layer with ready-cooked lasagne sheets and passata. Top with half-fat crème fraîche, sprinkle with parmesan and bake until bubbling and golden. Even the meat-lovers will be satisfied with this super simple dish.

Get the recipe: Veggie lasagne

Looking for veggie ideas? Try our freezable vegetarian recipes.

10. Burgers

turkey-and-coriander-burgers-ef0b7a3

Contains one quarter of the saturated fat of classic beef burgers

Replace regular burgers with these healthier patties, made with lean turkey mince, breadcrumbs and coriander. Instead of cheese, top your burger with a dollop of zesty guacamole and a scattering of sweet peppadew peppers – the results are fresh, filling and surprisingly low in calories.

Get the recipe: Turkey & coriander burgers with guacamole

We have lots more healthy burger recipes for you to try.

More healthy family recipes

Quick and healthy family meals
Cheap and healthy family meal plan
The best healthy family soup recipes
Our ultimate healthy family recipe collection
Visit our family & kids section
Top 10 quick after-school suppers

What healthy family favourites are part of your regular repertoire? We'd love to hear your suggestions...


Advertisement

All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement