33 High Protein Meals for When You Want Food That Holds You Over

Anyone who’s ever scrambled for something that truly holds them over knows the struggle of everyday hunger. That’s why 33 high-protein dishes fill this roundup, making busy days and active evenings much easier. They’re ideal for simple lunches, energy-boosting dinners, or those times you need a meal that delivers.

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs. — Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

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.

Forkfuls of this Black Bean Noodles leave you feeling completely full and ready to tackle any busy afternoon. A meal like this works for anyone who wants extra energy but not extra effort. I love how each bite has just the right balance of heartiness. Easy, quick, and keeps hunger from coming back too soon.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Noodles

Cheesy Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands. — Cheesy Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Few dinners bring out excitement like this Cheesy Pizza Casserole does. Gooey layers promise plenty of cheesy fun without slowing anyone down. I pull out this recipe for nights when plain old pizza just isn’t enough. It holds you over so well you may even skip your midnight snack.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pizza Casserole

Grilled Cheese Burritos

A burrito cut in half showing layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, cheese, and vegetables, with foil and a small bowl of sauce in the background. — Grilled Cheese Burritos. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Melty centers and crispy edges make this Grilled Cheese Burritos a meal worth repeating. Stuffed wraps give you a bold bite in every mouthful, so no one walks away hungry. I turn to these when I have surprise guests with big appetites. There’s always a rush for seconds once the first burrito disappears.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese Burritos

Rich Massaman Curry

A creamy shrimp curry with peppers, chopped nuts, sliced green onions, red chili slices, and lime wedges. Metal spoon submerged in the dish. — Rich Massaman Curry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stew-like comfort shines in this Rich Massaman Curry dish. Deep flavors help you unwind, while the hearty protein keeps you going hours after mealtime ends. I favor this recipe when life feels a little busy, but you still want something special. Warmth and fullness always stick around well past dinner.
Get the Recipe: Rich Massaman Curry

Spicy Blackened Chicken Clubs

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

Spice meets crunch in these Spicy Blackened Chicken Clubs. Big flavors fill your plate, making ordinary meals seem extra special. I reach for this recipe when protein needs to be front and center. Sandwiches like this never let you down or leave you searching for a snack later.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Blackened Chicken Clubs

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions. — Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crowd-pleasing crunch stands out with this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp. Each bite packs a punch that brings people running back for more. I serve this for gatherings or when I want something that both impresses and satisfies. Shrimp makes sure nobody leaves with an empty stomach.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Savory 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. — Savory French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Comfort bubbles up with this Savory French Onion Casserole in every spoonful. Rich layers keep you coming back even after you feel full. I save this for chilly nights when all you want is warmth and a meal that goes the distance. Onion casserole has a way of making everyone relax a little longer at the table.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Flavorful Greek Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken skewers topped with a creamy white sauce and chopped herbs, served on a plate with sliced vegetables. — Flavorful Greek Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Grill marks and bright flavor sum up these Flavorful Greek Chicken Kabobs. Skewers make protein fun and easy, whether at home or outside. I find grown-ups and kids both reach for these before anything else. They’re an effortless fix for weeknights or parties when nobody wants to feel weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Greek Chicken Kabobs

Juicy Grilled Pork Chops

A grilled pork chop garnished with chopped parsley is served on a plate. — Juicy Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Thick-cut pork keeps this Juicy Grilled Pork Chops meal feeling bold and extra filling. Outdoor grilling brings out a flavor you just can’t beat. Whenever I’m short on time but want comfort, this always does the trick. There’s never a scrap left when dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Grilled Pork Chops

Fresh Salmon Caesar Salad

Close-up of a Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, shredded chicken, grated cheese, and a creamy dressing. — Fresh Salmon Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Plates of this Fresh Salmon Caesar Salad bring a punch of protein without feeling heavy. Crisp greens and hearty fish balance each other perfectly, making salads more exciting. I like mixing this up when I want lunch to keep me fueled until evening. Everyone finishes their greens with meals like this.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Salmon Caesar Salad

Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian-inspired warmth covers every bite of this Chicken Tikka Masala. Saucy, rich, and bold, this dish is guaranteed to keep you feeling full longer than your usual dinner. I turn to it for nights when takeout sounds tempting but home cooking wins. You’ll be surprised how filling just one plate turns out to be.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Tender Roast Beef

Sliced roast beef served on a bed of mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh rosemary. — Tender Roast Beef. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bites of this Tender Roast Beef melt in your mouth and stick with you until the next meal. Traditional flavors never go out of style and keep everyone coming back to the table. I serve this on special occasions or whenever I want something extra cozy. Plates empty fast once the roast is sliced.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roast Beef

Cowboy Nachos

A tray of nachos topped with ground meat, melted cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro, fried onions, barbecue sauce, and two dollops of sour cream. — Cowboy Nachos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stack up a plate of these Cowboy Nachos for a dinner that’s both playful and filling. Layers build up into something satisfying that makes everyone cheer for more. I love how much protein these sneak in under all that crunch. Dinner becomes a party every single time.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Nachos

Charred Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken skewers with red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and onions are served on a white plate, garnished with chopped herbs. — Charred Grilled Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Plates fill up quickly with these Charred Grilled Chicken Kabobs. Seared edges and juicy centers hit all the right notes without fussing over carbs. I make these for summer dinners that have to fill everyone up. Skewers disappear faster than you expect—always a good sign.
Get the Recipe: Charred Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Roasted Leg of Lamb

Two roasted lamb shanks on a plate with rosemary and caramelized onions, with stacked plates in the background. — Roasted Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Juicy slices from this Roasted Leg of Lamb make every dinner feel special and filling. Savory goodness guarantees you won’t feel hunger creeping up soon after. I keep this recipe on hand for events or weekends where dinner should feel like an occasion. The platter clears before anyone is done talking about it.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Leg of Lamb

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.

Hints of sweet and smoky make these Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops unforgettable. Pork brings the kind of protein that helps you power through the longest days. I turn to these chops when the routine needs a bit of excitement. Every bite packs a punch while still feeling wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops

White Chicken Enchiladas

Two tortilla-wrapped enchiladas filled with shredded chicken, topped with creamy white sauce, chopped cilantro, and a jalapeño slice, served on a white plate. — White Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Blankets of creamy sauce coat these White Chicken Enchiladas so every forkful is pure comfort. The generous filling helps you feel full right up to the next meal. I batch-cook this recipe for relaxing weekends or any dinner where leftovers are wanted. Friends always ask if there’s enough for seconds.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Enchiladas

Savory Grilled Steak Pinwheels

Close-up of sliced stuffed beef roulade with visible layers of meat, cheese, and spinach on a wooden board. A glass of beer is blurred in the background. — Savory Grilled Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Twisted slices in these Savory Grilled Steak Pinwheels bring out the best in both flavor and fun. Steak in this form means a little goes a long way toward making hunger disappear. I like grilling these for parties because everyone finds them easy to grab. The plate usually empties before all the sides do.
Get the Recipe: Savory Grilled Steak Pinwheels

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.

Plates of this Golden Zucchini Fritters make a weekday breakfast or snack feel special and filling. Built-in protein keeps you moving no matter what’s on your calendar. I whip these up for quick, hot snacks that calm cravings. Gone in minutes, they stand out as a fresh, protein-rich change from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Golden Zucchini Fritters

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of rotini pasta soup with chunks of chicken, carrots, and herbs, with a spoon resting inside. — Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Steamy bowls filled with this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup bring protein and comfort together. Broth and tender bites help fuel long afternoons and evenings. I grab this recipe for quick lunches that hold me over until dinner. Soup feels extra cozy on cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Smoky Grilled Tri Tip

Sliced medium-rare steak arranged on a wooden board, topped with a green herb sauce. — Smoky Grilled Tri Tip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Smoked edges and juicy centers shine in this Smoky Grilled Tri Tip. Each piece offers enough protein to power you through whatever comes next. I enjoy grilling this cut when a crowd expects hearty flavors. Friends often hint they want the recipe before the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Tri Tip

Loaded Philly Cheesesteak

A sandwich roll filled with grilled steak strips, melted cheese, green bell peppers, and onions on parchment paper. — Loaded Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pick up a big helping of these Loaded Philly Cheesesteak for dinner and you won’t need a snack later. Melty cheese, tender beef, and hearty bread deliver serious stick-to-your-ribs energy. This is what I go for when hunger hits hard. Cheesesteaks turn dinner into a real event.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Philly Cheesesteak

Hearty Lamb Stew

Close-up of beef stew with tomatoes and herbs served over mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley. A fork and spoon rest on the plate. — Hearty Lamb Stew. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cold evenings call for this Hearty Lamb Stew that keeps everyone feeling satisfied until next morning. Flavors build together in each bite, promising more than just warmth. I like having a big pot on the stove for second helpings. Leftovers always have someone looking forward to lunch.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Lamb Stew

Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

A roasted turkey stuffed with vegetables is served on a platter, surrounded by various side dishes including rolls, salad, and stuffing. — Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Carved slices of this Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing fill your plate far beyond the holiday season. Every serving gives a burst of meaty goodness plus a hint of comfort. I enjoy making turkey dinners for regular meals, not just special occasions. Nobody leaves the table feeling hungry with this on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

Seasoned Chicken Taco

Three soft tacos filled with seasoned ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, red onion, shredded cheese, and topped with sour cream and green sauce sit on a plate. — Seasoned Chicken Taco. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soft shells wrapped around fresh filling make these Seasoned Chicken Taco an easy go-to on busy nights. Each taco packs in enough protein to keep you full long after dinner. I use this recipe when I need something everyone will agree on. Taco night becomes a fast family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Seasoned Chicken Taco

Creamy Marry Me Tortellini

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

Rich, creamy sauce hugs every piece of this Creamy Marry Me Tortellini, keeping hunger away for hours. Tender bites create plenty of comfort and stay with you until your next meal. I find this dish makes any regular night feel a bit more exciting. Tortellini bowls empty before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Marry Me Tortellini

Ham Steaks

A cooked pork chop with brown sauce is served on a white plate alongside steamed asparagus spears. — Ham Steaks. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hearty and bold, slices of this Ham Steaks deliver old-school comfort with extra protein. Pink, juicy pieces remind you that simple meals work best. I cook ham steaks when I want a meal that takes no effort but pays off big time. Nothing goes untouched when these slices make the rounds.
Get the Recipe: Ham Steaks

Fluffy Greek Yoghurt

A glass dish with creamy yogurt, pineapple chunks, chopped walnuts, and a sprig of mint on top. — Fluffy Greek Yoghurt. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thick, creamy spoonfuls of this Fluffy Greek Yoghurt offer a simple fix when hunger sneaks up on you. Protein-rich and cool, it fits into breakfast or snack time with ease. I often keep a jar ready for cravings that show up between meals. Tangy yoghurt holds me over much longer than regular snacks.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Greek Yoghurt

Tangy Hot and Sour Soup

Bowl of hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tofu, and sliced green onions, with a spoon on the side. — Tangy Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick heat and rich aroma greet you first in this Tangy Hot and Sour Soup. Slurping up this bowl fills you up and brings plenty of flavor. I go for this soup when I want something bright that still keeps me full. Soup nights always feel more interesting when this is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Hot and Sour Soup

Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells

A skillet filled with baked stuffed pasta shells, topped with melted cheese, black pepper, and fresh basil leaves. — Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy filling poured into these Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells brings a crowd straight to the dinner table. Pillowy shells and serious protein keep everyone fed and happy. I whip these up for friends who want comfort food with staying power. Leftovers double as a quick lunch when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells

Fresh Spinach Pizza

Rectangular slices of pizza topped with spinach, artichoke hearts, melted cheese, and a golden crust on parchment paper. — Fresh Spinach Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Leafy greens mix with melting cheese to make this Fresh Spinach Pizza a healthier choice that’s still packed with protein. Brighter flavors mean you don’t miss the basics at all. I reach for pizza recipes like this when cravings hit but lighter eating sounds better. Anyone who tries a slice always wants one more.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Spinach Pizza

Buttery Lobster Roll

A close-up of a sandwich roll filled with chunks of seasoned lobster meat, garnished with chopped chives. — Buttery Lobster Roll. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy, shellfish-packed goodness describes this Buttery Lobster Roll in a single bite. Rich protein makes it the kind of lunch that keeps you happy until dinner. I go for lobster rolls on those days when only something special will hit the spot. New England flavors sure know how to bring comfort and hold you over.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Lobster Roll

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Comfort rises to the top with this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole. A bubbling bake like this means extra protein is built right into every serving. I bake this casserole for friends who prefer hearty meals that last. No one leaves hungry, and there’s usually a little left for lunch tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Casserole