33 High Protein Meals for When You Need Food With Staying Power

Grab-and-go snacks have their place, but these 33 high-protein meals bring something more satisfying to the dinner table. We all know those late nights when hunger hits hard and quick fixes just don’t cut it. Filling meals make a real difference when life doesn’t slow down. Having hearty options ready for any pace of life is always worth it.

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and herbs in a rich broth, with a spoon inside the bowl. — Irish Stew. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mexican Spaghetti

A plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce, ground meat, chopped green onions, and parsley, served with a black fork. — Mexican Spaghetti. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Craving something hearty that keeps you fueled? When you first try this Mexican Spaghetti, the fulfilling bold flavors win over most anyone right away. It’s easy to whip up and brings a lively twist to dinner routines. No one complains about leftovers since the dish always packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Spaghetti

Protein Brownies

A stack of chocolate brownies with a cracked, crispy top rests on a surface, with more brownies arranged in the background. — Protein Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Soft chocolate squares that are actually protein-rich? This Protein Brownies recipe turns dessert into a smart snack. One bite always gets people curious how so much energy fits in such a treat. Wrapping up a couple for busy afternoons is a practical idea for those needing extra staying power.
Get the Recipe: Protein Brownies

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A golden-brown baked dish with melted cheese and chopped herbs, being served with a spoon from an oval white casserole dish. — Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Weeknights when energy is running low call for this Sloppy Joe Casserole. Layers of hearty goodness make it more than just a comfort classic. Every time this is served, people ask what makes it so filling and crave-worthy. The dish tends to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Egg Roll in a Bowl

A bowl of stir-fried ground meat, shredded cabbage, and carrots, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. — Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turn takeout favorites into home-cooked fuel with this Egg Roll in a Bowl. Quick, super fulfilling, and loaded with protein, it’s ideal for busy evenings. Folks often return for seconds when this appears on the table. Simplicity makes it an easy choice for lasting energy.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll in a Bowl

Coconut Shrimp

A bowl filled with golden-brown, breaded and fried shrimp, garnished with chopped herbs. — Coconut Shrimp. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Dinner turns into a special treat the moment these Coconut Shrimp are part of the meal. Crunchy, flavorful, and reliable for staying full, they become a hit at gatherings. The crowd usually enjoys the long-lasting energy these bring. Comfort and benefits come together in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Salmon Patties

Nobody expects how quickly these Salmon Patties become a regular request. Brimming with protein, lunch turns memorable with these on the plate. Each bite brings a pleasant richness that powers you through busy afternoons. The recipe often becomes something people ask about.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Patties

Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet

Chunks of cooked beef and roasted potatoes served in an open aluminum foil packet, garnished with herbs. — Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cookouts get an upgrade when this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet arrives. Juicy, filling, and stacked with savory protein, this meal answers hungry appetites quickly. Doubling the recipe is smart, as it goes fast. The energy from this meal can really last.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet

Asian Chicken Thighs

A plate of white rice topped with glazed chicken pieces, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. — Asian Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Back-to-back after-school activities are simple to tackle with these Asian Chicken Thighs on the menu. Sweet, savory, and protein-packed, they’re quick to make and loved widely. Long-lasting energy follows any meal featuring these. These bold flavors keep folks asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Asian Chicken Thighs

Sheet Pan Salmon

Baked salmon fillets garnished with lemon slices, served with roasted broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, and garlic cloves on a sheet pan. — Sheet Pan Salmon. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Filling plates with vibrant nutrition happens fast using this Sheet Pan Salmon. Rich and loaded with staying power, it brings color and interest to busy nights. Leftovers for lunch taste even better the next day. Cleanup stays surprisingly easy alongside all that flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon

Vegetable Beef Soup

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of meat, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a brown broth, garnished with chopped parsley. — Vegetable Beef Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chilly weather demands meals with substance, so this Vegetable Beef Soup makes an appearance. Each spoonful comes loaded with wholesome protein and energizing vegetables. Comfort stays high, keeping hunger away well past dinner. People mention it’s perfect for warming up and restoring energy.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Beef Soup

Chinese Steamed Chicken

A bowl of steamed chicken pieces with mushrooms, garnished with chopped green onions, with chopsticks picking up a piece. — Chinese Steamed Chicken. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Need a lighter meal with solid strength? This Chinese Steamed Chicken fits perfectly. Tender and far from bland, it delivers lasting energy whether served for lunch or dinner. Even with a simple approach, fullness and satisfaction stick around.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Chicken

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

A close-up of a pulled pork sandwich on a soft bun, filled with shredded, saucy pork. — Instant Pot Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Game nights take a cozy turn when this Instant Pot Pulled Pork is served. Fork-tender and stacked with protein, it offers much more than just great flavor. Making extras is smart since more sandwiches are always wanted. Dinner feels effortless, and leftovers are appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Black Bean Noodles

A bowl of stir-fried udon noodles with beef, cabbage, and green onion garnish, served with a pair of chopsticks on the side. — Black Bean Noodles. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Thick, chewy texture with plant protein benefits, no one expects too much from noodles until these Black Bean Noodles are served. This dish keeps hunger at bay, delivering a pleasant surprise every time. Quick to prepare and great for busy evenings, it’s a must for tired days. People show interest in what brings so much power to this meal.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Noodles

Chicken and Biscuits

A close-up of a baked chicken pot pie topped with six round biscuits and garnished with chopped parsley. — Chicken and Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chasing homey comfort with staying power? These Chicken and Biscuits are the answer. Flaky and rich, the meal delivers through late-night study sessions or busy afternoons. Larger batches are smart because seconds are always welcome from everyone sharing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Biscuits

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs. — French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Potlucks have a hearty champion in this French Onion Casserole. Rich flavors and strong staying power make it a standout. Golden and loaded with protein, it’s often the first dish to vanish. People seem to quietly compete for those last scoops.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Cabbage Rolls

Classic comfort shows up each time these Cabbage Rolls are made. Protein-rich and full of flavor, this meal wins over fans needing stamina. Extra portions reheat well for quick lunches or snacks. Guests eagerly come back for another serving at every dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Rolls

Blackened Chicken Clubs

A grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayonnaise on toasted bread, served with potato chips on a white plate. — Blackened Chicken Clubs. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Lunch becomes an occasion with these Blackened Chicken Clubs on the menu. Crispy, bold, and filled with protein, they offer much more than a typical sandwich. Energy remains high for hours after eating them. Satisfied reactions come from anyone who tries these.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs

Sheet Pan Nachos

Close-up of nachos topped with melted cheese, black beans, ground meat, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. — Sheet Pan Nachos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Gatherings gain a star player when these Sheet Pan Nachos appear. Hearty layers and plenty of protein keep everyone going, making leftovers unlikely. Quick cleanup is part of the appeal, along with lasting energy. Enthusiastic requests for more often follow the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Nachos

Chicken Tikka Masala

Dinner gets an upgrade with this Chicken Tikka Masala. Big flavor and lasting energy make it reliable when more is needed after a busy day. The color and aroma draw in everyone around the table. Popularity rises with every serving.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast

Shredded roast beef served over mashed potatoes with a pepper and a light drizzle of gravy, garnished with chopped herbs. — Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Long, busy days are made easier with this Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast. Tender pieces offer protein that keeps hunger in check for hours. Set-and-forget convenience makes life simpler while dinner is guaranteed to please. Leftovers consistently come in handy for later meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast

Butter Chicken

A bowl of creamy curry with chicken pieces served over white rice, garnished with cilantro, and accompanied by flatbread. — Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Spices and creamy textures combine for a meal that does more than fill you up, thanks to this Butter Chicken. Hearty protein helps push through evening tasks and brings comfort. The dish is perfect when hunger is strong and flavor is needed. Curious guests often ask about the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Beef and Broccoli

Home-cooked versions of popular takeout come alive in this Beef and Broccoli. Plenty of protein mixes with energizing vegetables to bring a satisfying meal to the table. Days with packed schedules benefit from this recipe. Energy sticks around well after dinner is done.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli

Melty Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Tuna burger with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a bun, served on a white plate. — Melty Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s comfort in the crunch and warmth of this Melty Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich. Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, it stands out compared to ordinary sandwiches. Fast preparation makes it great for quick lunches. There’s fun in making and sharing these.
Get the Recipe: Melty Air Fryer Tuna Sandwich

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken

Sheet pan filled with baked chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, olives, and crumbled feta cheese, garnished with herbs. — Sheet Pan Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Colorful, filling, and bursting with protein, this Sheet Pan Greek Chicken turns any dinner into something memorable. Meals featuring this dish feel special without any extra fuss. Flavors are bright, and leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day. Guests wonder how it manages to balance heartiness and lightness.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Greek Chicken

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side. — Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rich tomato and meaty goodness meet up in this Spaghetti Bolognese, a meal with real staying power. Filling and well-rounded, it brings comfort to even the busiest evenings. Seconds are a regular expectation when it’s on the table. The dish has become a reliable favorite for busy times.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Garden Veggie Pizza

Someone taking a slice of veggie pizza. — Garden Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Toppings packed with protein help this Garden Veggie Pizza go far beyond basic pizza night. Balanced for both energy and taste, it fuels everyone for hours. Cutting leftovers into squares works perfectly for easy future meals. No protest ever comes from offering another slice.
Get the Recipe: Garden Veggie Pizza

Chicken Tenders

Crunchy, golden, and always loaded with protein, these Chicken Tenders win crowds every time. They’re quick to make and reliable for keeping hunger at bay. Finger foods like these vanish rapidly at any gathering. Everyone seems to love them equally.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Some picking up a slice of cheese quesadilla. — Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple, comforting, and stacked with protein, this Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla energizes snack time. Fast preparation and quick cooking keep things easy when extra fuel is needed. Guests appreciate how quickly these are ready to share. The dish delivers lasting refueling with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Chicken Noodle Soup

Steaming bowls of this Chicken Noodle Soup perk up any evening with a solid punch of protein. The classic flavor works wonders for keeping everyone powered up. Comfort comes standard in every serving. Leftovers can be enjoyed just as much as fresh bowls.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Golden Zucchini Fritters

A stack of zucchini fritters topped with sour cream, thinly sliced shallots, and a sprig of dill. — Golden Zucchini Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Protein meets crisp texture in these Golden Zucchini Fritters for an energizing bite. Quick servings that keep hunger away fit perfectly at gatherings or busy days. Hot out of the pan, they’re often gone faster than expected. Nourishment and taste combine in every fritter.
Get the Recipe: Golden Zucchini Fritters

Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale. — Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet and savory flavors, plus major protein, make these Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops a top pick for staying full. These chops come in handy for meals that demand extra energy. Juicy and full of flavor, they stand out on busy schedules. Guests are pleasantly surprised by their richness.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops

Marry Me Tortellini

A bowl of creamy tortellini pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a basil garnish. — Marry Me Tortellini. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Twists of pasta and protein make this Marry Me Tortellini an unforgettable main dish. Comfort and long-lasting energy come together with each bite. Impressive yet simple, it delivers dinner for busy nights and special occasions alike. Extra servings are welcomed by hungry eaters.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

Irish Stew

Nothing hangs around longer than the fullness from this Irish Stew. Rich ingredients join solid protein for a content feeling well past mealtime. Big batches help guests enjoy stamina and satisfaction when events run long. Comments about heartiness are frequent after servings.
Get the Recipe: Irish Stew