20 High-Protein Dinner Recipes That Fill You Up After a Busy Day
Comforting dishes that will fill you up.
If you're establishing a healthy routine inspired by Ree Drummond, getting enough protein is a small shift that can make a big difference. Protein helps you feel satisfied after meals so you stay fuller longer, in addition to supporting muscle and bone health. That's why it's worth prioritizing at dinner, when you want something that sticks with you and helps carry you through the evening.
Need some high-protein dinner ideas to keep in your back pocket? You're in the right place. Many of the healthy recipes included in this roundup feature more than one protein source, so you'll see plenty of chicken, beef, and pork, plus beans, avocado, and nuts that add extra staying power. You'll also find soups and stew recipes made with beef or chicken broth, which adds another layer of flavor while helping boost the protein. There are even a few protein-packed vegetarian options!
Speaking of flavor, don't think just because you're considering nutrients that you're going to sacrifice eating what you love. Any simple and dinner ideas can be doubly satisfying when they're good for your body and good for your soul! There's a lot of comfort food on this list like cozy chili recipes and Ree's impressive beef Burgundy. Make them for dinner tonight and have a protein-packed healthy lunch tomorrow with the leftovers!
Pesto Salmon
This one feels like a dish from a restaurant, but it's secretly just salmon and a very lovable green sauce. Blend basil, parmesan, pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil into pesto, slather it on the fillets, and bake until the salmon flakes easily. Between the salmon and the parm, it’s naturally high in protein and delicious!
Get Ree's Pesto Salmon recipe.
Swiss Steak
If you're craving a cozy dish, this recipe practically tucks you into bed. Season and dredge cube steaks in flour, give them a quick golden sear, then let them slow-bake in a tomato-and–beef broth sauce with onion, celery, and a splash of Worcestershire. It's hearty and protein-forward thanks to the beef—and the long braise makes it unbelievably tender.
Get Ree's Swiss Steak recipe.
Turkey Quinoa Chili
It's everything you love about classic chili with a lighter spin that still tastes bold. You brown ground turkey with onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, and cumin, then simmer it with chicken broth, quinoa, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and two kinds of beans (plus a little chipotle in adobo for smoky oomph).
Get Ree's Turkey Quinoa Chili recipe.
Turkey Meatballs
The most versatile meatballs to suit any meal! Mix ground turkey with grated onion, breadcrumbs, chopped oats, and Worcestershire, then bake them on a sheet tray. Then, you get options: dip them in a glossy soy-ginger sauce or a lemony Greek yogurt sauce with herbs. Either way, you’ve got a protein-packed main that’s super easy to pair with veggies, rice, or a simple salad.
Get Ree's Turkey Meatballs recipe.
Sheet Pan Pork Chops
Ree loves pork chops, and these come together all in one pan. They're brushed with a tangy-sweet mix of whole-grain Dijon, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, and rosemary, while Brussels sprouts crisp up on their own tray. It’s high-protein thanks to the pork, and you’ve got built-in produce.
Get Ree's Sheet Pan Pork Chops recipe.
Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken
It's Caprese flavors, but made into a full dinner—and cooked in one pan! Marinate chicken cutlets (and Roma tomatoes) in a garlicky balsamic-lemon mixture, roast everything, then broil fresh mozzarella on top until it melts to golden, bubbly perfection. It's a friendly protein boost that still feels fresh and bright.
Get Ree's Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken recipe.
Beef Taco Skillet
One-pan skillet dinner to the rescue! Inside, you'll find layers of ground beef and black beans. Then on top, add avocado and a sprinkle of queso fresco to get four protein options in one bite.
Get Ree's Beef Taco Skillet recipe.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Roll in the protein―literally! Slices of ham and Swiss cheese (yes, cheese is a good source, too) are rolled inside chicken breasts for extra protein and flavor.
Get Ree's Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe.
Beef Burgundy
Come for the meltingly tender chuck roast, stay for the bacon, beef broth, and mushrooms that make it extra savory and protein-packed. Worried about the carbs? Just cut back on the mashed potatoes.
Get Ree's Beef Burgundy recipe.
Cashew Chicken
Skip the takeout and make your favorite Asian-inspired meal at home. It's healthier and even more satisfying with tender chicken and cashews for extra crunch and yes, extra protein.
Get Ree's Cashew Chicken recipe.
Lentil Soup
This is probably one of the only recipes listed that doesn't have double the protein. But lentils are so nutritious that you won't miss the meat in this vegetarian dinner.
Get Ree's Lentil Soup recipe.
Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy
Yes, gravy is a bit of splurge but it has mushrooms and chicken broth in it which adds a layer of protein! Layer it over your pan-fried pork loin chops for a decadent dinner.
Get Ree's Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy recipe.
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
If you're carb conscious, then skip the buns and make lettuce wraps instead. Ground turkey, black beans, and creamy avocado will keep you plenty satisfied.
Get the Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe.
Chicken–Snow Pea Stir-Fry
Stir-fry is one of those 30-minute meals with endless meat and vegetable combination options. You might think of snowpeas as veggies, but they're actually also a great source of protein.
Get Ree's Chicken–Snow Pea Stir-Fry recipe.
Steakhouse Kebabs
Sirloin steak and mushrooms are double the savory protein on a stick! And if you want to be technical about it, there's also protein in the homemade blue cheese dressing that you dip it in. 😉
Get Ree's Steakhouse Kebabs recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Chili Butter
Bacon lovers, rejoice! Because any recipe made with bacon automatically adds extra protein to a dish. Scallops cook really quickly and feel so special, don't they? (Especially when wrapped in you-know-what.)
Blackened Salmon with Edamame Succotash
Salmon is rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, so it's super healthy for you. Add to that a fresh veggie side featuring edamame, which is―you guessed it―high in protein, too!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
So much goes into this soup (chicken, black beans, chicken broth) and on top of this soup (avocado, cheese, sour cream). And yet, it only takes ten minutes to prep!
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.
Peanut Chicken with Green Beans
You may think about peanut butter for breakfast, lunch, or dessert, but if you add it to an Asian-inspired sauce with chicken, you can have it for dinner, too.
Get Ree's Peanut Chicken with Green Beans recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
Did you think you'd only get one bacon-wrapped dinner on this list? Ha! You know you want a hearty slice of meatloaf to fill you up with pure comfort.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf recipe.
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