High Protein Dinners

These High Protein Dinners are the ones I reach for when I want a meal that actually keeps me full, no small portions, no protein powder required, just real food that happens to pack a serious punch. Whether you're tracking macros or just want dinner to feel like it did its job, this list has you covered.

high protein dinners roundup collage

I've split this into two groups: complete meals that are already high in protein exactly as written, and protein-forward mains you can build a plate around with whatever sides you're craving. Every recipe here delivers at least 24 grams of protein per serving, so no matter which one you pick, dinner is doing its job.

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High-Protein Complete Meals

These are ready to go exactly as written, no extra sides required to hit a serious protein number, every recipe here comes in at 26 grams of protein or more per serving.

Big Mac Quesadilla

This Big Mac Quesadilla packs 51g of protein into a cheesy, griddled tortilla loaded with all the flavors of the classic burger.

Big Mac Quesadillas Stacked on a Cutting Board
Big Mac Quesadilla
Our Big Mac Quesadilla is loaded with savory beef, pickles, melty cheese and signature sauce in a crispy golden tortilla.
Check out this recipe
Big Mac Quesadillas Stacked Close Up

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

These Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas deliver 46g of protein per serving, wrapped up in melty cheese and a rich enchilada sauce.

Enchiladas Close up being scooped out of dish
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
These Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food; warm, saucy, and loaded with melty cheese. Made with tender shredded chicken, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and wrapped in corn tortillas, these enchiladas come together quickly and are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a Cinco de Mayo party!
Check out this recipe
Enchiladas baked and being scooped out of dish

Meatball Parmigiana

This Meatball Parmigiana brings 40g of protein to the table, tender meatballs baked in marinara and topped with melted mozzarella.

Meatball Parmigiana in a Skillet with cheese melted overtop

Want it handheld instead? My Meatball Parmigiana Sub has the same 24g of protein in sandwich form, perfect for a quicker weeknight version.

Meatball Parmigiana
My Meatball Parmigiana is a classic Italian American comfort dish featuring tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish delivers bold flavors with a hearty, cheesy finish.
Check out this recipe
Meatball Parmigiana Baked in a Skillet with melted cheese and fresh parsley

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken Casserole has 34g of protein per serving, a creamy, cheesy bake that's an easy weeknight go-to.

Cheesy Chicken Casserole in a casserole dish with a spoonful being taken out
Cheesy Chicken Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken Casserole is creamy and comforting, with tender chicken, broccoli, pasta, and a rich homemade cheese sauce.
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Chicken Casserole in a casserole dish

Homemade Taco Hamburger Helper

This Homemade Hamburger Helper delivers 32g of protein in one skillet, all the nostalgic flavor with none of the boxed stuff.

Homemade Hamburger Helper in a skillet with a serving spoon
Homemade Hamburger Helper
My Homemade Hamburger Helper is creamy, cheesy and loaded with bold taco seasoning, and tender pasta shells make it a cozy, satisfying dinner.
Check out this recipe
Homemade Hamburger Helper in a skillet up close on a spoon

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta packs 29g of protein with a creamy, spicy sauce that coats every noodle.

Buffalo Chicken Casserole in a bowl with green onions
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy and full of that bold heat, blending tender pasta, diced chicken and smooth sauce in every bite.
Check out this recipe
Buffalo Chicken Casserole from above in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onions

Tomato Basil Chicken

This Tomato Basil Chicken has 29g of protein per serving, tender chicken in a rich tomato basil sauce.

Tomato Basil Chicken in a pan after cooking close up
Tomato Basil Chicken
Tomato Basil Chicken is a cozy, one-skillet meal with juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, basil and cream-fresh, hearty and comforting.
Check out this recipe
Tomato Basil Chicken in a pan after cooking

Southwest Chicken Casserole

This Southwest Chicken Casserole brings 27g of protein per serving, loaded with bold Southwest flavor in every bite.

Southwest Chicken Casserole in a Baking Dish on a Serving Spoon
Southwest Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Southwest Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken, bold spices, and creamy melted cheese. Made in just one pan, this casserole is simple to make for a busy weeknight with its minimal prep and big flavor.
Check out this recipe
Southwest Chicken Casserole in a Baking Dish on a Serving Spoon

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew delivers 26g of protein, slow-cooked until the beef is fall-apart tender.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew in a ladle over the Crock Pot
Beef Stew Crockpot
My Beef Stew Crockpot recipe is rich, hearty and full of tender beef, soft potatoes and sweet carrots simmered in a flavorful broth.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Stew in a bowl close up

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

This Philly Cheesesteak Casserole has 26g of protein per serving, all the flavor of the classic sandwich in casserole form.

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole close up on a plate with a fork
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
My Philly Cheesesteak Casserole has all the melty, savory flavor of the classic sandwich - tender steak, sautéed veggies and creamy provolone.
Check out this recipe
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole on a plate with a fork

High-Protein Centerpieces

These are protein-forward mains built to anchor a plate, pair with whatever sides you're in the mood for, every recipe here comes in at 24 grams of protein or more per serving.

Honey Ham

This Honey Ham delivers a massive 60g of protein per serving, glazed sweet and sticky and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Honey Ham on a platter partially sliced
Honey Ham
My Honey Ham is tender, juicy and coated in a rich honey-brown sugar glaze. A touch of Dijon and orange juice adds the perfect balanced tang.
Check out this recipe
Honey Ham on a platter partially sliced

Oven Brisket

This Oven Brisket packs 53g of protein, slow-roasted until fork-tender with a deep, rich flavor.

Brisket sliced from above with a basting brush and sauce
Brisket in the Oven
Brisket in the Oven cooks low and slow for tender, juicy slices with a rich crust and deep flavor from a simple rub and patient cooking.
Check out this recipe
Brisket sliced from above with a basting brush and sauce

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs

These Chicken Ricotta Meatballs bring 41g of protein per serving, light and tender with a creamy ricotta center.

Chicken Ricotta Meatballs Cut in Half on a Plate of Spaghetti
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
My Chicken Ricotta Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor! Made with ground chicken, creamy ricotta cheese, parmesan, and fresh herbs, they have a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets them apart from traditional meatballs. Baked to perfection in just 15 minutes, these meatballs make for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
Check out this recipe
Chicken Ricotta Meatballs on a Plate of Spaghetti

Costco Chicken Meatballs

These Costco Chicken Meatballs deliver 37g of protein per serving, a baked copycat with savory parmesan and basil.

Costco Chicken Meatballs on a Platter with Marinara Close Up
Costco Chicken Meatballs
These Costco Chicken Meatballs are a protein-packed, baked option with savory parmesan, fresh basil and garlic flavor.
Check out this recipe
Costco Chicken Meatballs on a Fork being Dipped in to Marinara

Cooked Perfect Meatballs

These Cooked Perfect Meatballs pack 36g of protein per serving, juicy and versatile enough to serve over pasta, in a sub, or on their own.

Cooked Perfect Meatballs in a Bowl Cut in Half
Cooked Perfect Meatballs
Make mealtime effortless with Cooked Perfect Meatballs. Juicy, flavorful, and ready to serve with your favorite sides.
Check out this recipe
Cooked Perfect Meatballs in a Bowl with Pasta Sauce

Carnivore Meatballs

These Carnivore Meatballs pack 31g of protein per serving, simple ingredients baked into a juicy, protein-packed bite.

Carnivore Meatballs on a Plate Stacked on Top
Carnivore Meatballs
Our Carnivore Meatballs use simple ingredients for big flavor, delivering juicy, protein-packed bites that fit easily into any meal.
Check out this recipe
Carnivore Meatballs with Garnish on Top

Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin

This Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin has 25g of protein per serving, seared to a perfect crust with a tender, juicy center.

Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin profile shot of a slice to see the medium rare cook
Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin
This Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin is cooked low and slow, then seared in garlic butter with herbs for a tender center and golden crust.
Check out this recipe
Reverse Sear Beef Tenderloin sliced on a platter with mashed potatoes in the back

Slow Cooker Brisket

This Slow Cooker Brisket delivers 24g of protein per serving, hands-off and fall-apart tender by dinnertime.

Slow Cooker Brisket shredded in the Crockpot with tongs grabbing some

Got leftover brisket? My Brisket Sliders have 22g of protein and are a fun, easy way to turn extra brisket into a whole new meal.

Slow Cooker Brisket
This Slow Cooker Brisket is juicy, tender and full of smoky BBQ flavor, making it perfect for holidays, weekends or easy meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Brisket shredded on top of mashed potatoes

That's a full lineup of high-protein dinners, whether you want a complete meal or a centerpiece to build your plate around. Keep in mind that protein and calorie counts can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so treat these numbers as a solid guide rather than an exact science.

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