Looking for delicious ways to power up your meals with protein? These 30 high-protein meal ideas are here to make eating healthy both satisfying and simple.
This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.
From quick weeknight dinners to meal prep favorites, these recipes are packed with flavor and the nutrients you need to feel your best. Let’s dive in and find some new go-to dishes that’ll keep you full and fueled!
Crockpot Turkey Chili
Image Credit: tastyoven
Crockpot Turkey Chili is a simple, 2-step recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Packed with lean ground turkey and beans, it’s a hearty, wholesome meal full of protein.
Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or family dinners, this “dump and go” chili is a crowd-pleaser. Let the slow cooker work its magic and enjoy a warm, flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy!
Taco Charcuterie Board
Image Credit: yuminthekitchen
The Taco Charcuterie Board is a fun, creative spin on taco night, offering a highly protein-packed dinner that’s perfect for parties or family meals.
With all the taco essentials, it lets guests customize their own tacos with a variety of proteins and toppings. This vibrant, interactive dinner is great for family bonding or as a party appetizer, making it a hit for any gathering!
RELATED: 25 Best High Protein Snack Ideas
BBQ Stuffed Turkey Baked Potatoes
Image Credit: yuminthekitchen
Turkey Stuffed Baked Potatoes are the perfect way to use leftover turkey, turning it into a deliciously hearty, protein-packed meal. Simply mix shredded turkey with barbecue sauce and top off your buttery, cheesy baked potatoes.
This quick, satisfying recipe is a great way to balance the carb-heavy potatoes with lean protein. It’s easy to customize—just double or triple the recipe as needed for more servings!
Grilled Lemon Salmon
Image Credit: tastesoflizzyt
Grilled Lemon Salmon, paired with rice and topped with fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic, makes for a healthy, high-protein dinner. The succulent salmon adds a burst of flavor to the rice, while the citrusy and garlicky notes elevate the entire dish.
This simple yet satisfying meal is perfect for a light, nutritious dinner packed with lean protein and healthy fats!
RELATED: HEALTHY VEGETARIAN CASSEROLE RECIPES
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Image Credit: tastesoflizzyt
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate comfort meal for chilly evenings. Tender beef tips slow-cooked in a savory gravy made with beef broth, onions, garlic, and herbs soak up rich flavors, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any cozy dinner. You’ll fall in love with this easy crockpot recipe!
Cilantro Lime Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
Image Credit: thissillygirlskitchen
Grilled Flank Steak with Cilantro Lime Marinade is a deliciously flavorful, high-protein dinner perfect for summer grilling or any occasion. The zesty marinade of lime juice, cilantro, soy sauce, and simple ingredients infuses the steak with savory, tangy flavor.
This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a juicy, tender steak every time, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or impressing guests at your next cookout.
Loaded Shredded BBQ Beef Nachos Recipe
Image Credit: thissillygirlskitchen
Beef Nachos are a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for game day or dinner! These nachos are loaded with tender, slow-cooked chuck roast, BBQ sauce, cheese sauce, and all your favorite toppings.
A flavorful and filling dish, these beef nachos turn simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal. Plus, it’s a great way to make the most of leftover beef for an easy, delicious dinner!
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Image Credit: cheneetoday
A healthier twist on classic alfredo, this high-protein cottage cheese sauce offers a creamy texture with less fat than traditional heavy cream. Made with small-curd cottage cheese.
It’s perfect for pasta or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Rich in protein, this sauce makes for a filling and delicious meal, offering a lighter yet satisfying alternative to the original.
RELATED: Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for Families {healthy and fast!}
Healthy Maple Glazed Salmon
Image Credit: knifeandpaddle
Healthy Maple Glazed Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and nutrient-packed dish that’s sure to impress. With just a few ingredients, you can easily create a delicious meal by baking, broiling, grilling, or pan-searing the salmon.
This dish is not only rich in protein but also offers a sweet and savory maple glaze that will be a hit with your family and friends.
The Best Easy Chili
Image Credit: knifeandpaddle
Packed with rich flavors and protein, this easy chili is the ultimate comfort food. Ground beef provides a hearty base, complemented by beans and colorful peppers for texture.
A blend of spices like chili powder, paprika, and cayenne brings depth and warmth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast (Bone In!)
Image Credit:onmykidsplate
Slow cooker turkey breast that is juicy, flavorful, and rich in protein, making it a perfect dinner option. No brining or hassle—just tender turkey cooked to perfection.
It is ideal for smaller gatherings and frees up oven space for sides and desserts. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, honey roasted carrots, or baked mac and cheese for a satisfying meal.
Beef Stew
Image Credit: delicioustable
Traditional beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cold winter nights. Made with succulent beef, tender potatoes, and carrots, it’s rich in protein and full of flavor.
The red wine sauce, enhanced with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, adds depth to this hearty dish. Whether cooked in a Dutch oven or slow cooker, it’s a warming meal that pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a glass of wine.
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Image Credit: delicioustable
These oven-baked turkey meatballs are packed with flavor, tenderness, and moisture in every bite. With just a handful of ingredients, they make a light and healthy homemade dinner.
Serve them over pasta with spaghetti sauce, in soup, or layered in a cheesy meatball sub sandwich. Making meatballs from scratch is worth the effort and perfect for quick, delicious meals, and they freeze wonderfully for busy days.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs
Image Credit: xoxobella
Marinated chicken thighs are paired with a zesty, creamy lemon sauce made from fresh lemon juice, zest, chicken broth, white wine, and more, highly proteinous and packed with flavor!
Served over mashed potatoes, this dish combines simplicity with an exquisite, restaurant-quality flavor profile. It’s the perfect choice for a cozy yet impressive dinner that’s easy to prepare.
Szechuan Beef
Image Credit: xoxobella
Szechuan beef, topped over a bed of fluffy rice, features tender slices of beef and vibrant vegetables in a savory, sweet, and fiery sauce. Quick to prepare with a simple stir fry technique.
This dish offers a restaurant-quality meal right at home. High in protein and full of bold flavors, it’s a perfect addition to your dinner rotation for a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Taco Casserole
Image Credit: corriecooks
Taco casserole layers of tortillas, seasoned meat, cheese, and veggies baked to perfection. This customizable recipe is easy to make, and leftovers are just as delicious! Highly protein-packed and satisfying.
In less than 30 minutes, you can have this delicious taco casserole on the table ready to feed any hungry diners.
Green Shakshuka
Image Credit: corriecooks
Green shakshuka is a flavorful, highly proteinous dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal of the day. With a base of nutrient-rich greens, eggs, and herbs, it’s both wholesome and customizable to suit your tastes.
Whether you prefer different greens, spices, or herbs, this dish encourages creativity. It’s a nourishing, delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy, whether for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Image Credit: thedefaultcook
Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a delicious, family-friendly meal filled with juicy tomatoes, shredded chicken, feta, and savory seasonings. Simple to prepare, the recipe offers both oven and slow cooker options for hands-off cooking.
With a filling that includes lean protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice for any day of the week. This meal is high in protein, offering both flavor and health benefits in every bite.
Crock Pot Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Image Credit: thedefaultcook
Crock Pot Ham, Green Beans, and Potato Soup is a simple, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy families. With minimal prep, just chop and toss the ingredients into your crockpot, and let it slow cook into a rich, savory broth.
This hearty soup is packed with protein-rich ham, tender green beans, and hearty potatoes. It’s nutritious, customizable, and a great way to use up leftover ham, making it both practical and delicious.
Chicken Lo Mein
Image Credit: busyfamilyrecipes
Chicken Lo Mein is a quick and delicious meal made with tender chicken, veggies, and lo mein noodles, all tossed in a homemade sauce. Ready in 30 minutes or less, it’s perfect for busy nights and requires just one pan for easy cleanup.
You can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, and carrots, and switch up the protein with beef or shrimp for variety.
Chicken Pad Thai With Shrimp
Image Credit: whatagirleats
Chicken Pad Thai is a simple yet flavorful dish combining stir-fried rice noodles, tender chicken, shrimp, and a tangy sauce. Topped with peanuts, bean sprouts, cilantro, and fresh lime juice, it’s a vibrant and protein-packed meal.
Simplified for home cooks, this recipe uses accessible ingredients while delivering authentic flavor, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners. A satisfying dish with no compromise on taste or nutrition!
Creamy Pork Tenderloin Pasta with Mushrooms
Image Credit:lynnswayoflife
Pork Tenderloin Pasta is a quick, flavorful dinner ready in under 30 minutes! Tender pork and sautéed mushrooms are combined with pasta in a creamy, seasoned sauce made with sour cream.
This one-pot meal is perfect for busy nights, offering both convenience and rich flavor. Packed with protein and easy to prepare, it’s sure to become a family favorite for weeknight dinners!
Vegetarian Ravioli with White Beans and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Image Credit: agratefulmeal
Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy depth to creamy white beans, perfectly balanced in a simple tomato reduction with vegetable stock. Topped with parmesan, fresh basil, and optional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
This dish is an elegant, protein-packed meal. Ideal for weeknights or special occasions, pair it with wine for a complete Italian-inspired dinner experience!
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Image Credit: happinessishomemade
Mediterranean Lentil Salad is a nutritious and protein-packed dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Featuring tender lentils, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this dish is as healthy as it is flavorful.
Lentils are a quick and easy way to boost protein, with 12 grams per 1/2 cup, along with iron, folate, and fiber. A wholesome meal your family will love!
Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup
Image Credit: asouthernsoul
Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup is a comforting, protein-rich dinner perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Packed with tender turkey, hearty noodles, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
This no-stress recipe turns holiday leftovers into a warm, filling meal. Ideal for cozy nights, it’s an easy way to enjoy a delicious dinner while reducing food waste!
Slow Cooker Ham & White Bean Soup
Image Credit: asouthernsoul
Slow Cooker Ham and White Bean Soup is a hearty, protein-packed meal combining tender white beans, savory ham, and fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.
This comforting soup is easy to prepare, as the slow cooker does all the work, making it a no-stress, satisfying dinner perfect for any day of the week!
Southwestern Pot Roast (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)
Image Credit: kalynskitchen
Southwestern Pot Roast, whether made in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, is a low-carb, high-protein dinner bursting with bold Mexican flavors. With just five ingredients, this recipe delivers tender beef with only 1 net carb and 46 grams of protein per serving.
Serve it as a classic pot roast with sauce, or shred the meat for tacos, taco salads, or cauliflower rice bowls, perfect for a satisfying, nutritious dinner!
Trader Joe’s Beef and Broccoli (Air Fryer)
Image Credit: summeryule
Trader Joe’s Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate frozen dinner for a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s paired with a sweet and spicy sauce that hits all the right notes.
Serve it over rice topped with Trader Joe’s signature beef and broccoli sauce for an effortless, flavorful dinner that tastes just like takeout!
Lamb Mince Stew
Image Credit: cinnamonandkale
Lamb Mince Stew is an easy, one-pot recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein. Loaded with sweet potatoes, carrots, and canned beans, it’s a budget-friendly meal full of nutritious veggies.
Ready in just 40 minutes on the hob, this rich stew is perfect for dinner and even better as leftovers. It’s also great for meal prep and freezes beautifully!
Pan Seared Lamb Chops
Image Credit: chocolatemoosey
Easy Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with a homemade pan sauce are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a tender, flavorful dinner. Using lamb loin chops, which are more tender than shoulder chops.
This dish is rich in protein and perfect for a cozy dinner with the family or a romantic dinner for two. The savory pan sauce elevates the lamb, making it a memorable meal.