29 High Protein Recipes That Do All The Work So You Don’t Have To

These meals carry the weight so you can skip the crash halfway through your day. With 29 options that know what they’re doing, you’ll be fed, full, and maybe even a little proud. You didn’t sign up for a complicated dinner, just one that works. Turns out, that’s completely possible.

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Asian Style Pork Chops

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

If you’re into flavors that make your meal memorable, we’ve got just the thing. These tender chops get a big hit of taste from a marinade that’s both sweet and tangy. Asian Style Pork Chops are perfect for those nights when you want something that packs a punch but doesn’t take forever to make.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Three Cheese Manicotti

A plate of stuffed cannelloni topped with tomato sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil.
Three Cheese Manicotti. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who doesn’t love cheese, right? Imagine biting into perfectly cooked manicotti filled to the brim with a trio of cheeses. Three Cheese Manicotti is the go-to dish for anyone looking to satisfy their cheese cravings without any hassle. It’s comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a hit for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Manicotti

Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Close-up of grilled chicken wings with a crispy texture, next to a red bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those days when only crispy wings will hit the spot, it helps to give them a twist. These wings come with a Louisiana seasoning that’s slightly spicy and full of flavor. Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings might just become your new go-to for game day or any time you want a flavorful kick.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub Wings

Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked, seasoned pork chop topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a dark plate.
Pork Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes, simplicity is key. That’s where these come in, offering a classic dish that’s all about showcasing the meat’s natural flavors. Pork Chops are your answer to a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. They’re juicy, they’re tender, and they’re waiting to be the star of your dinner table tonight.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Zucchini Fritters

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

Veggie lovers, unite! Here’s a way to turn zucchini into something crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible. Zucchini Fritters are the perfect solution for a light, yet fulfilling meal or side dish. They’re a clever way to sneak more greens into your diet while still keeping mealtime fun and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters

Salmon Caesar Salad

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

Mixing up your salad game has never been easier. Take the classic Caesar salad and top it off with perfectly grilled salmon for an omega-3 boost. Salmon Caesar Salad is not just nutritious; it’s a fresh take on a salad that brings together the best of both worlds: greens and protein. Ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad

Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate.
Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who said high-protein meals can’t include a little sweetness? This is a dessert that’ll make you feel all cozy inside, with its rich, custardy base and a golden top. Homemade Bread Pudding proves that you can indeed have your cake (or pudding) and eat it too, without any dining regrets. It’s the kind of treat that ends any meal on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

A baked potato topped with shredded barbecue chicken, sour cream, and chopped herbs on a white plate.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Imagine the heartiness of baked potatoes mixed with the smoky flavor of BBQ chicken. That’s what you get with this meal, a perfect blend of comfort and taste. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes are like a hug in a dish, offering a fulfilling meal that satisfies both your hunger and your palate.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ready for a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? These cheese balls pack a punch with the spicy kick of jalapeño and the irresistible crunch of bacon. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls are your ticket to becoming the host with the most, or just treating yourself to a snack that’s out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Say goodbye to boring lunches with a dish that’s colorful, nutritious, and bursting with flavors. These bowls are a deconstructed version of your favorite burrito, but with shrimp as the star. Shrimp Burrito Bowls offer a fresh perspective on meal prep, proving that healthy can indeed be exciting.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, grated cheese, and dressing.
Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Back to the basics with a salad that’s stood the test of time. Crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and those crunchy croutons make it a classic for a reason. Caesar Salad is about enjoying the simpler things in life, proving that you don’t need to overcomplicate things to have a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Firecracker Meatballs

A plate of meatballs topped with sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions on a bed of white rice.
Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re in the mood for something that brings a bit of heat, these meatballs have got you covered. They come with just the right amount of spice to wake up your palate. Firecracker Meatballs are dynamite for when you want a meal with a bit of an edge but nothing too overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Meatballs

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling.
Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Who doesn’t love a good casserole? This one takes the comfort food classic and adds a sweet twist with cornbread. Easy Cornbread Casserole is all about minimal effort for maximum flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy days. It’s a hearty dish designed to satisfy and comfort, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Lamb Chops

Grilled lamb chops garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Lamb Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For something a bit fancy without the fuss, lamb chops are where it’s at. They grill up in no time and bring a touch of elegance to your meal. Lamb Chops are about treating yourself to something special without needing to spend hours in the kitchen. They’re proof that some of the best dishes are also the simplest to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops

Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips.
Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Gather around, chip lovers; this one’s for you. A creamy, cheesy dip with just the right kick makes any snack time an instant hit. Rotel Dip is the ultimate companion to your favorite chips, proving that sometimes, the best things in life come in a bowl with a side of crunch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to vanish quickly at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

A plate of crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders next to a dipping bowl filled with creamy sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re craving that fried chicken taste without the guilt, these chicken tenders are your best friend. Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and all without a drop of oil from frying. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for quick, healthier meals that don’t sacrifice flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Breakfast Bagel Sliders

A sesame seed bagel sits on top of a serving of scrambled eggs with melted cheese on a white plate.
Breakfast Bagel Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be the same old, same old. Imagine a bagel turned into a mouth-watering slider, packed with all your morning favorites. Breakfast Bagel Sliders are the perfect way to start the day with a bang, combining convenience with flavor in a way that wakes you up better than coffee.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Bagel Sliders

Chicken Shawarma

Close-up of a wrap filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, red onion, and sauce in a folded flatbread.
Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who needs takeout when you can bring the flavors of the Middle East into your kitchen? This dish offers tender, spiced chicken that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. Chicken Shawarma is all about big flavors with minimal fuss, allowing you to tackle exotic cuisine without intimidation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Let’s turn the classic burger experience into something spoonable and oh-so comforting. Imagine all the burger flavors you love, baked together into a hearty casserole. Hamburger Casserole is the answer to your cravings for something warm, cheesy, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Easy Air Fryer Lasagna

A close-up of a lasagna slice being lifted from a baking dish, showing layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and garnished with herbs.
Easy Air Fryer Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Lasagna in an air fryer? Yes, it’s possible, and it’s surprisingly simple. This dish takes all the flavors you love from traditional lasagna and turns it into a weeknight-friendly option. Easy Air Fryer Lasagna is for anyone who thought homemade lasagna was too much work. It’s compact, it’s quick, and it’s a game-changer for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Lasagna

Mexican Casserole

A plated serving of cheesy casserole with ground meat, topped with sliced green onions and parsley, accompanied by a fork.
Mexican Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Immerse in a dish that brings all the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your table with minimal effort. This casserole is a hearty, one-dish wonder that combines spice, cheese, and all things nice. Mexican Casserole is your shortcut to a festive, flavorful meal that’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Casserole

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta night just got a little more interesting. Throw some salami into the mix, and you’ve got a dish that brings Italian flavors to life in a new way. Italian Pasta with Salami is about adding a twist to the familiar, making your pasta dish stand out with the added richness of cured meat. It’s simple, it’s tasty, and it’s sure to be a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fuse together the juicy, comforting essence of American burgers with the bold, zingy flavors of Korea. These burgers offer a mouth-watering mix of sweet and spicy that’ll make you rethink your burger game. Korean Burgers are perfect for anyone looking to shake up their BBQ routine.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Veggie Pizza

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

Who says pizza can’t be both fulfilling and full of veggies? This dish is a vibrant, colorful celebration of all things vegetable, spread over a crispy crust. Veggie Pizza proves that you can have your pizza and eat your veggies too, in a combo that’s both healthy and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Pork Tenderloin

Close-up of roasted pork tenderloin on a white plate, topped with a drizzle of dark sauce. The meat is seasoned with visible spices and has a textured, caramelized surface.
Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a dinner that feels fancy without all the work, pork tenderloin is your go-to. It’s tender, it’s juicy, and it cooks up quicker than you’d think. Pork Tenderloin is the trick up your sleeve for when you need a dinner that impresses but doesn’t stress. Pair it with your favorite sides, and watch it become a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Close-up of a shrimp curry dish with rice, topped with black sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Escape on a culinary trip to Thailand with a curry that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This dish combines shrimp with the exotic tastes of coconut milk and spices for an unforgettable meal. Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is your ticket to a fast, flavorful dinner that feels like a getaway. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings the Thai experience home.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Rack of Lamb

Rack of lamb with a breadcrumb crust is garnished with rosemary on a wooden board. Sliced pieces reveal a pink, cooked interior.
Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you’re looking to step it up for a special occasion, this dish doesn’t just deliver; it wows. A beautifully roasted rack of lamb is as delicious as it is impressive. Rack of Lamb is your answer to the question, “How do I make this meal special?” It’s sophisticated yet straightforward, making any dinner feel like an event.
Get the Recipe: Rack of Lamb

Neapolitan Pizza

A quick and easy pizza recipe on a white plate.
Neapolitan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Channel the heart of Italy with a classic pizza that focuses on simplicity and quality. Thin crust, fresh toppings, and a quick bake yield a pizza that’s a cut above your typical takeout. Neapolitan Pizza is about going back to basics but still ending up with something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turn a classic dish into a no-fuss casserole that’s all about comfort. With layers of chicken, cheese, and ham, this bake is a deconstructed take on the traditional favorite. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is your solution to weeknight worries, offering up classic flavors in an approachable format.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casseroleget

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *