Salty salisbury steak that's more like rubber than meat. Bland chicken à la king that's anything but royal. These are all dishes that might come to mind when you think of frozen dinners. For many of us, frozen meals and TV dinners were a staple when we were growing up, but unlike trips to the zoo and family vacations, they don't usually bring back fond memories.
Frozen dinners were a minefield: Either they were too salty, so hot that they'd burn, or still ice-cold despite numerous trips to the microwave. Sadly accompanied by limp vegetables, if any at all, these entrées just couldn't compete with a home-cooked meal. But these days, frozen dinners have come a long way. There are a number of options out there that are not only healthy, but delicious too. When you’re pressed for time, give one of these frozen meals a try and prepare to see the light.
Frozen Dinners Review
The Classic
For decades, Lean Cuisine has been the big name in healthy frozen dinners—and for good reason. Their product line has a huge variety of tasty offerings, but one of their best meals is a tried-and-true classic: Cheese Ravioli. With its rich and creamy ricotta filling and tangy tomato sauce, this dish magically satisfies both pasta and cheese cravings without endangering diners' waistlines. The delicious dinner comes with a miniscule calorie count, at just 250 calories per meal. It just goes to show: Don’t mess with the classics!
The Veggie Bowl
Any vegetarian or vegan in your life is going to be more than familiar with Amy’s. This health-conscious frozen dinner brand is dearly beloved in the veggie community for their tasty frozen burritos and hearty canned soups. But fewer people realize that Amy's also offers an array of frozen bowls. Their Brown Rice, Black-Eyed Peas & Veggies bowl features a supergroup of healthy ingredients and comes with a delicious ginger sauce. Every entry in their line of bowls is drool-worthy, from paella to a cheesy kale pasta bake. Next time you're in the grocery store, don't whiz by the organic section. Instead, try out an Amy's bowl and prepare to be wowed.
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The Meat-Lovers
Devour makes a wide range of delicious—and rich—frozen meals, with an array of cheesy, meaty, carb-heavy dishes. But for diners looking for a healthier dinner option, don't discount Devour too soon. Not all of their options are as sinful as their classic fare. The brand's Smokehouse Meat & Potatoes meal has chicken, sausage, and bacon, but is still rich in veggies. It may clock in at 440 calories, but it’s also very protein-heavy at 23 grams. It's a great option for anyone doing intense workouts and looking for a filling meal.
The Gluten-Free
Just because someone is on a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean that they should have to be confined to eating some form of rice for every meal. Instead, Udi’s Gluten Free Gourmet Chicken Florentine is here to save the day. This frozen dinner features tender grilled chicken, nutrient-rich spinach and juicy fire-roasted tomatoes in a creamy sauce over gluten-free fusilli. Udi’s has been a fan-favorite for gluten-free eaters for years, and their frozen options do not disappoint.
Steamy & Spicy
Anyone trying to eat healthy—frozen dinners or not—knows that steaming is one of the best ways to cook food while keeping it low-cal. If this sounds like you, then you probably also know that using flavorful spices is a great way to season without relying on salt or fat. Healthy Choice’s Café Steamers Mexican-Style Street Corn takes both of these tenets to heart. This tasty frozen dinner provides a hearty and delicious bowl of chicken, beans, corn, and roasted peppers that’s also a nutritious, high-protein, and low-carb. Plus, it only takes a few minutes in the microwave to prepare. Now that's what I call a win, win.
Frozen Dinners Can Be Both Healthy & Delicious
The humble frozen meal has come a long way since the days of overcooked pasta, shrivelled-up meats, and droopy vegetables. There are now a number of amazing options that integrate flavors and ingredients from all over the world. With these healthy, tasty options readily available, it's high time to return to the frozen food section and give the old "TV dinner" another spin in the microwave. No matter your preference—or diet—there’s an array of frozen dinners out there that’ll satisfy your palate and help you stick to your health plan at the same time.
