American foods are known for their comfort and variety. Their burgers and fries, their apple pie, and their mashed potatoes; There are plenty of traditional dishes that are considered to be American staples. But in this article, we’ll be talking about the Best American Dinner Foods and Their Health Benefits. These dishes are not only delicious, but they’re also representative of the diverse culture and history of the United States.
If you’re the type of person who always wonders what to eat in the evening, read on because I’ve compiled a list of the best American Dinner Foods. I didn’t just make this list; I did a lot of research, so keep reading to learn more about this food.
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1. Macaroni And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese are often served as the main food for dinner in America. It may be considered a comfort food, but it’s also a nutrient-rich meal that’s popular with both children and adults. There are many variations of macaroni and cheese, including homemade and boxed versions. Many Americans like the Homemade Version more than the Boxed Version, mostly because homemade dishes are tastier than those made outside.
It’s usually made with elbow macaroni noodles, milk, cheese, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Sometimes, other ingredients like breadcrumbs or bacon are added to the dish.
Nutritional Information for Macaroni and Cheese:
- Calories: Approximately 330-350 calories.
- Carbohydrates: Around 45-50 grams.
- Protein: About 12-15 grams.
- Fat: Typically 10-15 grams.
- Sodium: Around 600-800 milligrams.
- Calcium: Approximately 200-300 milligrams.
- Vitamin D: In small amounts, often fortified in the cheese used.
- B Vitamins: Some B vitamins, particularly B2 (riboflavin) and B12, are present in the cheese and milk used in the recipe.
2. Meatloaf
This is when meatloaf comes in! Meatloaf is a dish that’s made with ground beef, eggs, and seasonings like onion and garlic, and it’s formed into a loaf shape before being baked. It’s often served with sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, and it’s another classic American comfort food. Meatloaf is an easy dish to make, and it’s a staple of many home-cooked meals. It’s also a versatile dish, as it can be flavoured with different herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information for a typical serving of Meatloaf (approximately 4 oz):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories.
- Protein: Around 15-20 grams.
- Total Fat: Typically 10-15 grams.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 60-80 milligrams.
- Sodium: Around 400-600 milligrams.
3. Barbecue (BBQ)
Another American dinner dish is barbecue. Barbecue, or “BBQ,” is a style of cooking that involves slow-cooking meat over indirect heat, and it’s often associated with the southern United States. There are many different regional styles of barbecue, like Texas style, Kansas City-style, and Memphis-style. If you’ve never tried any of the barbecue styles, you can try them and find which you prefer out of the three.
Barbecue is often served as a main dish with sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. The meat can be anything from beef brisket to chicken to pulled pork.
Nutritional Information Benefits of BBQ
- Protein
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Healthy Fats (when using lean cuts of meat)
- Antioxidants (from certain marinades and spices)
- Satiety and Flavor
- Social and Cultural Aspects
Potential downsides of BBQ:
- Sodium and Sugar (in some commercial barbecue sauces)
- Carcinogens (from high-temperature grilling)
- Calories (in calorie-dense dishes)
4. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A barbecue classic that’s worth mentioning is the pulled pork sandwich. This dish is made with tender, slow-cooked pulled pork that’s often served on a bun with barbecue sauce. It can be served with various toppings like coleslaw, pickles, and onions.
Pulled pork sandwiches are often served at roadside BBQ joints and family gatherings. They’re a casual, delicious dish that’s popular across the United States. Although it is not your regular American dinner dish, many Americans still eat this sandwich at dinner, so it’s technically a dinner dish.
Nutritional Information for a Pulled Pork Sandwich (approximately 1 sandwich)
- Calories: Approximately 350-500 calories
- Protein: Around 20-30 grams
- Total Fat: Typically 10-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-60 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 5-10 grams
- Sodium: Around 600-1000 milligrams
- Calcium: In small amounts
- Iron: Present in small amounts
- Vitamin C: In small amounts
5. Grits
Another favorite Southern dinner dish is grits. Grits are made from ground corn and boiled in water or milk. They have a creamy texture and can be served savory or sweet. They’re often served for breakfast with cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. However, The dish can also be served as a side dish with shrimp, sausage, or other savory ingredients.
There are even different varieties of grits, like white, yellow, and stone ground. Grits are a staple of Southern cuisine and have been a part of American culture for centuries.
Nutritional Information for Grits (approximately 1 cup, cooked):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories, depending on preparation and added ingredients.
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40 grams, providing a good source of energy.
- Protein: Approximately 4-6 grams.
- Total Fat: Typically 1-2 grams, with minimal saturated fat.
- Fiber: Around 1-2 grams, depending on the type of grits used.
- Sodium: Approximately 200-300 milligrams, but this can vary depending on added salt.
- Calcium: In small amounts, contributing to bone health.
- Iron: Present in small amounts, supporting oxygen transport in the blood.
- Vitamin B6: A small amount, aiding in various metabolic processes.
6. Chicken And Waffles
One more popular American dinner dish is chicken and waffles. Chicken and waffles is a dish that originated in the South, and it is just fried chicken with light and fluffy waffles. It’s a combination of sweet and savory flavors, and it’s often served with a drizzle of maple syrup or hot sauce.
There are many variations of chicken and waffles, with different styles of chicken and various waffle toppings. It’s a decadent dish that’s enjoyed by many Americans.
Nutritional Information for Chicken and Waffles (approximately 1 serving):
- Calories: Approximately 600-800 calories, depending on the portion size and preparation.
- Carbohydrates: Around 60-80 grams, primarily from the waffles and any added syrups.
- Protein: Approximately 20-30 grams, coming mainly from the chicken.
- Total Fat: Typically 30-40 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100-150 milligrams, mostly from the chicken.
- Sodium: Around 800-1000 milligrams, varying based on seasonings and any added salt.
- Calcium: In small amounts, mainly from the waffles and any dairy products used.
- Iron: Present in small amounts, primarily from the chicken.
- Vitamin A: In small amounts, potentially from the waffle batter and toppings.
7. Meatloaf Casserole
Meatloaf casserole is a classic American dinner dish that’s popular across the country. This casserole is made by combining meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cheese, and it’s baked until the top is golden brown. It’s a lovely dish that’s perfect for a cold night, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers.
Meatloaf casserole can be customized with different ingredients, like adding vegetables or using different types of cheese. It’s perfect for the whole family.
Nutritional Information for Meatloaf Casserole (approximately 1 serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Around 20-30 grams, depending on any added fillers or ingredients.
- Protein: Approximately 15-25 grams, primarily from the ground meat used.
- Total Fat: Typically 15-25 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 50-100 milligrams, mainly from the meat and any added cheeses.
- Sodium: Around 600-800 milligrams, depending on the seasonings and sauces used.
- Calcium: In small amounts, potentially from any cheese used in the casserole.
- Iron: Present in small amounts, mainly from the ground meat used.
- Vitamin A: In small amounts, potentially from added vegetables.
Please note that the nutritional content of Meatloaf Casserole can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. The values provided below are general estimates:
8. New England Clam Chowder
New England clam chowder is another American dinner food that’s popular in the northeastern United States. This creamy soup is made with clams, potatoes, and onions, and it’s usually served with oyster crackers on top. New England clam chowder is made with milk or cream, giving it a rich and velvety texture.
There are several types of clam chowder, like Manhattan clam chowder, which uses a tomato-based broth. Clam chowder is a popular dish that’s perfect for a cozy night.
9. Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Pot Pie is another classic American dinner dish, but it’s popular across the country. pot pie is a savory pie that’s made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. The pie is made with a buttery pie crust, and it can be topped with herbs or a lattice crust.
Chicken pot pie is a dish that’s perfect for a winter night. There are many types of chicken pot pie, like turkey pot pie or vegetarian pot pie. It’s a dish that’s both filling and comforting.
Pie has a long history in the United States. The dish is believed to have originated in the 1800s when housewives would make pies with leftover chicken and vegetables.
Over time, chicken pot pie became a popular comfort food that’s often served in diners and restaurants. Today, chicken pot pie is a classic American dish that can be found in most grocery stores and restaurants. And it’s not just limited to dinner; it can also be served for lunch or even breakfast!
Nutritional Information for Chicken Pot Pie (approximately 1 serving):
- Calories: Approximately 400-600 calories per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40 grams, mainly from the pie crust and any added vegetables.
- Protein: Approximately 15-25 grams, primarily from the chicken.
- Total Fat: Typically 20-30 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 50-100 milligrams, mainly from the chicken and any added dairy.
- Sodium: Around 600-800 milligrams, depending on the seasonings and sauces used.
- Fiber: Approximately 2-4 grams, depending on the amount of vegetables used and the type of pie crust.
- Calcium: In small amounts, potentially from any added dairy products.
- Iron: Present in small amounts, mainly from the chicken and vegetables.
- Vitamin A: In small amounts, potentially from added vegetables.
10. Chilli
If you’re looking for another filling dinner dish, you’re looking for chili. Chili is a spicy stew that’s made with ground beef, beans, and different types of spices. There are many different variations of chili, from vegetarian chili to white chicken chili.
Chili is often served with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips. It’s a popular dish for game days and potlucks.
Did you know that there are two main types of chili? Texas-style chili is a traditional type of chili that doesn’t include beans. It’s made with beef, tomatoes, spices, and peppers, and it has a thick, stew-like consistency.
Cincinnati chili, on the other hand, is a sweeter style of chili that includes beans and chocolate, giving it a unique flavor. Both styles of chili are popular throughout the United States, and they both have devoted fans. You can try both of them to find your favorite type of chili.
Nutritional Information for Chili (approximately 1 serving)
- Calories: Approximately 250-350 calories per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Around 20-30 grams, primarily from beans and any added vegetables.
- Protein: Approximately 15-25 grams, coming from beans, ground meat (if used), and any meat alternatives.
- Total Fat: Typically 10-20 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Cholesterol: Varies based on ingredients; may be low in vegetarian chili or higher if meat is used.
- Sodium: Around 600-1000 milligrams, depending on the seasonings and added salt.
- Fiber: Approximately 5-8 grams, mainly from beans and vegetables.
- Calcium: In small amounts, potentially from any added dairy products or fortified ingredients.
- Iron: Present in small amounts, mainly from beans and any meat or meat alternatives used.
- Vitamin A: In small amounts, potentially from added vegetables and tomatoes.
11. Spaghetti And Meatball
Now, we are going to talk about the most popular and easiest dinner dish across the U.S. Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that combines spaghetti noodles with ground beef meatballs. The dish is served with tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. In the United States, spaghetti and meatballs are often considered comfort food, and they’re often served as a weeknight dinner. It’s also a popular dish at Italian-American restaurants.
There are a few different ways to make spaghetti and meatballs. One popular method is to brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the tomato sauce. This helps to give the meatballs a nice crust and lock in the flavor.
Another method is to bake the meatballs in the oven before adding them to the sauce. Baking the meatballs helps keep them moist and tender. No matter how you make it, spaghetti and meatballs are delicious and comforting dishes.
Nutritional Information for Spaghetti and Meatballs (approximately 1 serving):
- Calories: Approximately 500-700 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients.
- Carbohydrates: Around 50-70 grams, primarily from the spaghetti and any added sauces.
- Protein: Approximately 20-30 grams, coming from the meatballs and any meat alternatives.
- Total Fat: Typically 15-25 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 50-100 milligrams, mainly from the meatballs.
- Sodium: Around 600-800 milligrams, depending on the seasonings and added salt.
- Fiber: Approximately 2-4 grams, depending on the type of pasta used.
- Calcium: In small amounts, potentially from any added cheese or dairy products.
- Iron: Present in small amounts, mainly from meatballs and pasta.
- Vitamin A: In small amounts, potentially from added tomato sauce and any vegetables used.
12. Chicken Cordon Bleu
One more American dinner dish, and not the last, is Chicken Cordon Bleu. Chicken cordon bleu is a dish made with chicken breasts that are stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese. The stuffed chicken breasts are then breaded and pan-fried or baked. It’s a dish that’s served with a sauce, like mustard cream sauce or mushroom sauce.
Chicken cordon bleu is a fancy and elegant dish that’s perfect for special occasions. It’s also a bit time-consuming to make, but it’s well worth the effort.
Nutritional Information for Chicken Cordon Bleu (approximately 1 serving):
- Calories: Approximately 400-600 calories per serving, depending on the size and preparation.
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-20 grams, depending on any added coatings or sauces.
- Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams, mainly from the chicken and any added ham and cheese.
- Total Fat: Typically 20-30 grams, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100-150 milligrams, primarily from the chicken and added cheese and ham.
- Sodium: Around 600-800 milligrams, depending on any added seasonings and processed ingredients.
- Calcium: In small amounts, mainly from the cheese used.
- Iron: Present in small amounts, primarily from the chicken.
- Vitamin A: In small amounts, potentially from any added vegetables or sauce.
Conclusion
There are many classic American dinner dishes that are both delicious and satisfying. Maybe If you’re in the mood for a pasta dish that would comfort you, go for spaghetti and meatballs, or if you are looking for a more elegant meal like chicken cordon bleu, go for it; there’s something for everyone! So the next time you’re looking for delicious American dinner dishes, consider one of these classic American dinner dishes. They’re sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Bon appetit!