20 Easy Dinners That All Pack A Ton Of Protein

    High in protein, high in flavor.

    Melissa Jameson
    by Melissa Jameson

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Brooke Greenberg / BuzzFeed

    Easy protein-packed dinners always come in handy.

    You can never have too many in your kitchen roster, especially on busy weeknights. So here are several high-protein recipes to fuel your next nightly meal — including vegetarian, vegan, and keto options.

    1. Baked Low-Carb Turkey Casserole

    eatwell101.com

    The only real prep here is just rolling out the turkey meatballs — and that takes less than 10 minutes. Then just layer into a casserole dish and bake!

    Recipe: Low Carb Turkey Meatball Casserole

    2. Black Bean Tacos With Avocado Crema

    cookingclassy.com

    You'll get a double dose of vegetarian-friendly protein here — both in the black beans and in the Greek yogurt-based crema.

    Recipe: Black Bean Tacos With Avocado Crema

    3. Keto Baked Fajita Chicken Casserole

    eatwell101.com

    This uses chicken breasts, but you could also swap in thighs. Then just pile everything into tortillas, over greens or zoodles, or enjoy solo.

    Recipe: Keto Baked Fajita Chicken Casserole

    4. Turkey-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    fitfoodiefinds.com

    This recipe uses extra lean ground turkey so you don't have to drain the meat after its cooked.

    Recipe: Turkey-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    5. High-Protein Pesto Pasta

    rd-licious.com

    Starting with high-protein pasta noodles — like ones made from chickpeas, lentils, or pea flour — bulks this up. To add even more protein, swap the mushrooms for your meat of choice.

    Recipe: High-Protein Pesto Pasta

    chelseasmessyapron.com

    Between the quinoa, black beans, and kidney beans, this is loaded with protein. (You could also easily make this vegetarian or vegan by substituting the chicken broth for veggie broth.)

    Recipe: One-Pot Quinoa Chili With Butternut Squash

    eazypeazymealz.com

    If you're just starting out in the kitchen, cooking fish can be tricky. Oven-baked foil packs are the perfect starter method; they'll ensure perfectly juicy fillets every time. (Plus, easy cleanup!)

    Recipe: Oven-Baked Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs

    8. Crispy Glazed Tofu Bowls

    gimmesomeoven.com

    The tofu is seared and baked until it's extra crispy — then tossed with a salty-sweet-spicy sauce of garlic, soy sauce, jalapeños, and maple syrup. (For even more protein, top the bowls with edamame!)

    Recipe: Crispy Glazed Tofu Bowls

    9. Avocado, Couscous, & Grapefruit Salad

    wellplated.com

    Grapefruit peaks during late fall and winter — and this version is great for meal prep. Just add the avocado right before serving so it doesn't brown.

    Recipe: Avocado, Couscous, & Grapefruit Salad

    10. Easiest Slow Cooker Korean BBQ-Style Tacos

    Joe Lingeman / Via thekitchn.com

    Flank steak + your favorite hot sauce + your favorite barbecue sauce. Couldn't be easier!

    Recipe: Easiest Slow Cooker Korean BBQ-Style Tacos

    11. Instant Pot Lentil Soup With Sausage and Kale

    platingsandpairings.com

    Looking for leftovers? This protein-packed soup makes enough for six people and freezes really well.

    Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup With Sausage and Kale

    12. Garlic Butter Stovetop Steak Bites

    Joe Lingeman / Via thekitchn.com

    These bites are super versatile, and since you're cubing them upfront, they cook through in just a few minutes.

    Recipe: Garlic Butter Stovetop Steak Bites

    gimmedelicious.com

    Another one that preps and cooks quickly — and can be served with anything from noodles to cauliflower rice.

    Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

    14. Tuna Broccoli Casserole

    savorytooth.com

    Low carb, keto-friendly, easy to assemble — and only six ingredients needed.

    Recipe: Tuna Broccoli Casserole

    15. Vegan Tuscan White Bean Skillet

    nourish-and-fete.com

    Prep is super minimal and everything cooks in one pan — so cleanup is a breeze.

    Recipe: Vegan Tuscan White Bean Skillet

    16. Hearty Sweet Potato Hash

    fitfoodiefinds.com

    The base starts with grated sweet potatoes — which are then loaded up with chicken sausage, kale, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang.

    Recipe: Hearty Sweet Potato Hash

    17. Paleo Ground Turkey & Egg Skillet

    lexiscleankitchen.com

    TBH, eggs don't get enough credit at dinnertime. Let's change that.

    Recipe: Paleo Ground Turkey & Egg Skillet

    18. Keto Baked Chicken & Vegetables

    juliasalbum.com

    Ten minutes of prep, 30 minutes in the oven, and this is ready to go.

    Recipe: Keto Baked Chicken & Vegetables

    budgetbytes.com

    Chickpeas are a solid (and cheap!) source of protein. To make this vegan, swap the cream for coconut milk.

    Recipe: Vegetarian Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala

    20. Harvest Skillet With Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, & Brussels Sprouts

    wellplated.com

    All of your favorite fall flavors in one protein-packed skillet.

    Recipe: Fall Harvest Skillet With Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, & Brussels Sprouts