33 High Protein Meals for When You Want Dinner That Doesn’t Quit Early

After a long day, any of these 33 high-protein meals bring real staying power to the dinner table. When takeout isn’t an option, having something satisfying and balanced can make all the difference. Everyone deserves a meal that actually keeps hunger at bay. These recipes are perfect for nights when dinner should leave you feeling full and content.

Close-up of a savory beef stew with chunks of beef, bacon, onion, and vegetables in a rich, glossy sauce, served over creamy mashed potatoes. — Beef Bourguignon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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.

One-pan magic makes this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet a dinner hero. As soon as the foil opens, rich aromas fill up the kitchen and everyone comes running. Smiles appear with the first bite because it’s so tender. Cleaning up is quick, so there’s more evening to relax.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet

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.

Craving something sweet that actually works for your dinner goals? These Protein Brownies might surprise you because they have the boost you’re looking for without a protein shake in sight. Grabbing one after dinner can be done without hesitation. They work great for keeping a sweet tooth in check on busy nights.
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.

Mixing beloved flavors with extra protein, this Sloppy Joe Casserole turns a family favorite into a filling dinner. People often grab seconds and ask what gives it that hearty, lingering bite. Serving this on chilly evenings feels extra cozy. One scoop really sticks with you.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

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.

A plate of these Asian Chicken Thighs always means bold flavors and a little extra excitement for dinner. Folks lean in, wanting to know what gives it that slightly mysterious touch. This is a protein powerhouse that works well for any night. Leftovers reheat well for quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Asian Chicken Thighs

Coconut Shrimp

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

Every time these Coconut Shrimp are made, dinner gets a playful, something-special vibe. The coating crunches just right, and the shrimp stay juicy inside. Guests often guess there’s a secret trick behind the protein. These shrimp will turn any meal into a mini celebration, even on a regular evening.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Chipotle Chicken Clubs

A close-up of a sandwich with toasted bread, leafy lettuce, sliced red onions, cheese, bacon, creamy sauce, and mashed avocado. — Chipotle Chicken Clubs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

These bold Chipotle Chicken Clubs bring just the right blend of smoky and crisp with every bite. People want to know how they feel so hearty and filling at the same time. Stacking these high creates a meal that won’t have anyone searching for snacks soon after. They make a quick, protein-packed sandwich solution.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Clubs

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.

When time is tight but protein can’t be skipped, this Sheet Pan Salmon steps in. Bright flavors shine, and dinner gets to the table a little faster. Cleanup isn’t a worry either, which means extra time for what matters. Even seafood skeptics often change their minds after tasting this meal.
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.

Hearty, warm, and packed full of goodness, this Vegetable Beef Soup hits the spot every time. It’s a reliable answer when someone asks what’s for dinner and is actually excited by the answer. Making extra is always wise since it keeps well. Every spoonful fuels you through the rest of your night.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Beef Soup

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.

Nothing quite matches the colorful twist that Mexican Spaghetti brings to dinner. There’s always a little excitement when this lands on the table. Layers of vibrant flavors keep every bite interesting without overpowering. It’s a fun way to break up the usual spaghetti routine while still keeping things filling.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Spaghetti

Salmon Patties

A golden-brown Salmon Patties fresh out of the pan makes getting enough protein feel easy. These patties are perfect for dinners when fuss is not an option. Seconds are common, with plenty of requests about what makes them so good. Serving them as they are or on a bun both work well.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Patties

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.

Simple but full of character, this Chinese Steamed Chicken keeps things light while packing in protein. The kitchen steams up with inviting aromas every time. This dish is great on its own or paired with your favorite sides. Healthy and flavorful eating feels effortless here.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Steamed Chicken

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro. — Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Spicy, cozy, and power-packed, this Turkey Chili is a dinner game-changer during busy weeks. It simmers up heartiness and warmth in every bowl. No one leaves the table hungry or wanting more protein. This meal fits perfectly into a balanced dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

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.

Looking for something unique and full of plant-powered protein as well as awesome flavor? These Black Bean Noodles really deliver both. Noodles keep things interesting while fueling you up. Even classic pasta fans often come back for more.
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.

There’s something comforting about cutting into Chicken and Biscuits after a full day. Each serving brings together protein, warmth, and flaky goodness. Serving these is especially nice when the weather cools outside. Everyone feels satisfied and ready for the next thing after enjoying this meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Biscuits

Hamburger Sliders

Three sesame seed buns filled with melted cheese and ground beef are arranged on a wooden board. — Hamburger Sliders. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Mini but mighty, these Hamburger Sliders offer a protein-rich bite that feels anything but small. Stack them high or keep them simple to please almost anyone. Friends and family love building their own with favorite toppings. Setting out a tray of these is always a safe bet for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Sliders

Irish Stew

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.

Rich in both texture and protein, this Irish Stew comforts from the very first spoonful. Even on ordinary evenings, it brings a little something extra to dinner. The blend of ingredients feels both familiar and hearty. People seem to linger longer with bowls of this on hand.
Get the Recipe: Irish Stew

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Light, fresh, and long-lasting, this Chicken Salad Sandwich keeps hunger far away. Quick to prep and easy to enjoy, it fits right into busy schedules. Perfect for days that never seem to slow down. The protein boost keeps everyone going until the very end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

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.

Crowd-pleasing and vibrant, these Sheet Pan Nachos come together quickly and fill you up without fuss. Piled high with flavor, everyone digs in with both hands. These tend to disappear faster than expected. Customizing each bite makes it an interactive and memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Nachos

Chicken Tikka Masala

Fragrant, full-bodied, and big on protein, this Chicken Tikka Masala serves up dinner with flair. There’s always a buzz when this dish is on the menu. It’s ideal for nights craving something bold without long cooking times. One bowl usually turns into two before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Cabbage Rolls

Bringing together a surprising amount of protein and comfort, these Cabbage Rolls make dinnertime feel special. The tender wraps offer a clean bite, while the filling keeps you fueled. Stopping at just one roll is always tough. This meal is perfect for people in need of comforting, lasting energy.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Rolls

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.

With its rich, creamy base, this Butter Chicken really shines for high-protein dinners. This meal is often the reason people look forward to dinnertime all day. Each serving offers bold flavor but avoids that heavy feeling afterward. Classic and popular, this dish wins fans at just about any table.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Philly Cheesesteak

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

Hearty bites and sizzling flavors come together in a Philly Cheesesteak for a protein-filled meal. This recipe suits times when a regular sandwich just isn’t enough. It’s perfectly filling for the hungriest crowd. Watching these disappear without a crumb left is practically guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak

Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Golden fried chicken pieces with a side of dipping sauce. — Chick-fil-A Nuggets. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crispy outside and juicy inside, these Chick-fil-A Nuggets deliver on protein goals and feel like a treat. It’s common for extras to vanish right off the tray. Making extras lets you enjoy them even on another night as they reheat nicely. These never last long at big dinners or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-A Nuggets

Sloppy Joe

Classic yet loaded with more protein than expected, this Sloppy Joe takes over the dinner table with excitement. Seconds are requested before the first portion is even gone. Tangy sauce stands out, but the hearty bite really keeps you full. Rely on this meal to fill every appetite.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme. — Flaky Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing warmth and comfort, this Flaky Chicken Pot Pie seals all the good stuff under a golden crust. On chilly nights, this dish wins over hearty appetites with ease. Each forkful brings that blend of protein and nostalgia. The pie plate empties before anyone even realizes it.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Chicken Pot Pie

Baked Croissant Breakfast Sandwich

Croissant sandwich with scrambled eggs, sausage patty, melted cheese, and spinach on parchment paper. — Baked Croissant Breakfast Sandwich. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm, rich, and loaded with protein, this Baked Croissant Breakfast Sandwich makes it easy to turn breakfast into a dinner option. Flaky croissant layers give things a special touch. This is perfect for those needing extra fuel after a long day. A second helping is tough to turn down.
Get the Recipe: Baked Croissant Breakfast Sandwich

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.

A perfect balance of sweet and savory makes these Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops true dinner stars. Every forkful offers a unique burst of flavor. Serving these on nights when variety is needed always brings smiles. The protein profile keeps you full long afterward.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Asian Style Pork Chops

Tuna Salad

Cool and rich in protein, this Tuna Salad stands out for lighter meals that still fill you up. It works whether scooped from a bowl or piled onto bread. This meal is great for on-the-go dinners since it travels so well. Fresh flavor shines through every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad

Cheesy Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background. — Cheesy Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Full of flavor and perfectly hearty, this Cheesy Taco Casserole wins over even the hungriest crowd. Multiple flavors mingle for a dinner that draws plenty of excitement. Empty plates are common whenever they appear. This recipe is a dependable way to keep hunger away.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Taco Casserole

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior. — Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This Spinach Artichoke Dip isn’t just for parties; it can pack enough protein to count as a laid-back meal. Hot and creamy, it turns even a weeknight into something more fun. Everyone gathers around when it hits the table. Using hearty dippers turns this from snack to supper easily.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

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 sauce and serious protein make this Spaghetti Bolognese a standout for dinner. Silence typically fills the table as the first bite is enjoyed. This recipe works wonders when a regular pasta dish would feel too light. Each forkful keeps everyone anchored long after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Tangy Buffalo Chicken Salad

A croissant sandwich filled with buffalo chicken and blue cheese, served on a white plate with celery sticks in the background. — Tangy Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When dinner needs a kick, turning to Tangy Buffalo Chicken Salad delivers bold flavor plus great protein. The bright color draws the eye and promises something out of the ordinary. This salad stays cool enough for warmer evenings but is filling any time. Every bite calls for another until the plate’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Beef Bourguignon

Slow-cooked to perfection and loaded with flavor, this Beef Bourguignon makes dinner feel special while packing in protein. The aroma alone brings everyone to the kitchen quickly. No leftovers are left once this stew hits the table. Perfect for meals that call for something hearty that fuels you.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon