Forget meatless! 29 picks for meaty Mondays!

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Wave goodbye to the idea that Mondays are for cutting back. With these 29 meat-packed picks, we’re showing how the start of the week can be something to celebrate. These recipes are a testament to the power of meat to turn even the gloomiest Monday into a day worth getting excited about.

What makes these dishes stand out is their mix of classic comfort and unexpected twists. We’re redefining what it means to enjoy meat with flavors and techniques that elevate the ordinary. This collection is designed for anyone looking to break free from the mundane and dive into a world where meat is much more than just a side dish.

Ditch the notion that you have to wait for the weekend to enjoy the foods you love most. These meaty Monday recipes are here to start your week with a bang, offering up all the flavor and satisfaction you could ask for. It’s a bold move away from tradition and a delicious declaration that every day is worthy of a little indulgence.

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheeseburger Casserole

For those who think salads are the only way to go, the Cheeseburger Casserole will make you rethink your Meatless Mondays. It combines all the beloved elements of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty, oven-baked dish. The result is a comfort food classic that’s both familiar and satisfyingly different, perfect for those evenings when only something indulgent will do.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs offer a lighter twist on a classic favorite, making them a guilt-free option for meat lovers. They’re seasoned to perfection and air-fried to achieve that ideal crispy outside and tender inside. These meatballs are a versatile addition to any meal, from spaghetti toppers to savory appetizer picks, showing that Meaty Mondays can be both delicious and somewhat nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Sausage Parmigiana on a white plate with a red napkin and a glass of wine.
Sausage Parmigiana. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Sausage Parmigiana

This dish is a hearty, Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to satisfy any meat lover’s cravings. Sausage Parmigiana, with juicy sausages smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, is a comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy, Meaty Monday night. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta or a crisp salad, balancing indulgence with simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

This Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a flavorful journey to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean, right in your kitchen. This dish layers chicken with a vibrant mix of olives, tomatoes, and feta, baked to perfection. It’s a one-dish wonder that proves Meaty Mondays can be both easy and exotic, bringing a splash of color and a burst of flavor to the start of your week.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

A white plate with garlic steak bites and mushrooms on it.
Garlic Steak & Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

It is a simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates the humble steak to new heights. Tender slices of steak are sautéed with aromatic garlic and earthy mushrooms. Garlic Steak & Mushrooms create a meal that’s both flavorful and hearty. It’s a go-to for a Meaty Monday when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Transform your Meaty Monday with Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish that brings elegance to the table without the fuss. This version uses the air fryer for a healthier take, wrapping chicken around ham and cheese for a crispy, juicy meal. It’s a testament to how classic dishes can be updated for today’s tastes and schedules, making gourmet flavors more accessible.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

A plate of German pot roast beef with a sauce being poured over it.
Slow Cooker German Pot Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Let the slow cooker work its magic on a German Pot Roast, a dish that fills your home with the comforting aromas of tender, slow-cooked beef and vegetables. This Meaty Monday marvel is the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, providing a warm, hearty meal to end your day. It’s a reminder that some of the best dishes require the least effort, making it a favorite for busy meat lovers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker German Pot Roast

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a quick seafood delight that brings the taste of Italy to your Meaty Monday with minimal effort. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a garlic-rich butter sauce, offering a lighter yet satisfyingly meaty dish. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something a bit less traditional but still packed with flavor, ready in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Cod

Lighten up your Meaty Monday with Mediterranean Cod, a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. This recipe features flaky cod surrounded by a medley of Mediterranean favorites like olives, tomatoes, and capers. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create a meal that’s both hearty and healthy, ideal for a light yet satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Add a burst of freshness to your Meaty Monday with Pork Chops topped with a vibrant tomato and green onion relish. This dish pairs succulent pork chops with a tangy relish, striking the perfect balance between savory and bright flavors. It’s an easy way to elevate a simple meat dish into something special, proving that Meaty Mondays don’t have to be mundane.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Braised Beef Short Ribs with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Slow-cooked to perfection, Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs melt in your mouth with a rich blend of flavors enhanced by a bold garlic infusion. This dish turns Meaty Monday into a gourmet affair, offering a comforting meal that’s as satisfying to prepare as it is to eat. It’s the kind of hearty, soul-warming fare that makes starting the week something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Tacos Dorados

Crispy on the outside and packed with savory fillings, Tacos Dorados are a delightful twist that turns any Meaty Monday into a fiesta. Frying these tacos seals in the flavor and adds that irresistible crunch that makes every bite a treat. They’re a surefire way to make dinner a little more exciting, proving that tacos are never a dull choice.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Salmon Pasta Salad

Brighten up your Meaty Monday with a Salmon Pasta Salad, where flaky salmon meets the lightness of pasta dressed in a creamy sauce. This dish offers a refreshing take on a meaty meal, combining the heartiness of salmon with the cool, crisp textures of salad. It’s a perfect choice for those warmer days when you crave something hearty yet light.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Dive into the smoky world of Pork Belly Burnt Ends, where the rich flavors of barbecue meet the irresistible caramelization of well-cooked pork. These little bites of heaven are a highlight for any Meaty Monday barbecue, showcasing the art of slow cooking to perfection. They’re not just delicious; they’re a conversation starter, perfect for gatherings or a special treat to kick off your week.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Two bowls of leftover roast beef stew on a table.
Leftover Roast Beef Stew. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Transform last night’s roast into a comforting Leftover Roast Beef Stew, a savvy and delicious way to repurpose your meal for Meaty Monday. This stew brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth for a second act that might just outshine the original. It’s a testament to the magic of leftovers, turning them into a meal that’s both easy and warming.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Spice up your Meaty Monday with Chicken Tinga Tostadas, layering spicy, shredded chicken atop crisp tostadas for a meal that packs a punch. This dish is a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, making each bite a delicious adventure. It’s an easy, flavorful way to bring some excitement to your week, proving that great flavors don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Homemade corned beef on a white plate.
Homemade Corned Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Homemade Corned Beef

Taking the time to make Homemade Corned Beef is a rewarding endeavor that brings a classic flavor to your Meaty Monday table. This traditional dish, with its tender slices and rich seasoning, is a labor of love that pays off in every savory bite. Perfect for sandwiches or a hearty meal, it’s a way to bring a touch of tradition to your modern kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corned Beef

Pesto Orzo Salad

While not the star of Meaty Monday, Pesto Orzo Salad is the perfect supporting act, bringing a burst of fresh, herby flavor to complement any meaty main. This dish blends the nutty taste of orzo with vibrant pesto, making it a refreshing side that’s hard to resist. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, proving that sides can shine just as brightly as the main course.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

A steak on a cutting board with butter on it.
Steaks on the Blackstone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Steaks on the Blackstone

There’s something about cooking Steaks on the Blackstone that makes Meaty Monday feel like a special occasion. The high heat sears the steak to perfection, creating a juicy interior with a beautifully charred exterior. It’s a foolproof method for steakhouse-quality results at home, ensuring your week starts on a deliciously high note.
Get the Recipe: Steaks on the Blackstone

Italian Chicken

Italian Chicken brings the flavors of Italy to your Meaty Monday, combining herbs, tomatoes, and olives in a dish that’s bursting with flavor. This easy-to-make meal transforms chicken into a Mediterranean delight, perfect for those nights when you want something both comforting and light. It’s a flavorful escape that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Birria Tacos on a plate with consomme.
Birria Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Birria Tacos

The rich, complex flavors of Birria Tacos make every Meaty Monday a culinary adventure, featuring tender meat simmered in a spicy broth, then stuffed into crispy, cheese-lined tortillas. This dish is a feast for the senses, combining savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes in every bite. It’s an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine that’s absolutely worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos

Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers

Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a lighter take on Meaty Monday, filled with a mix of tender seafood and spices for a flavorful alternative to traditional meats. These colorful peppers are a feast for the eyes and the palate, proving that “meaty” can also mean seafood. It’s a dish that brings elegance and freshness to the table, perfect for those looking to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Bell Peppers

Air fried chicken fries with dipping sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Air Fryer Chicken Fries are a fun and easy way to kick off Meaty Monday, offering a crispy, tender snack that’s perfect for dipping. This dish proves that the air fryer is a game-changer for quick, delicious meals, making chicken fries a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a playful take on chicken that’s sure to bring some joy to your mealtime routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries

IP Corned Beef & Cabbage

IP Corned Beef & Cabbage simplifies a classic dish for Meaty Monday, using the Instant Pot to tenderize the beef and meld the flavors beautifully. This one-pot meal is a fuss-free way to enjoy a traditional favorite, making it an ideal choice for a hearty, comforting dinner. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest meals are the most satisfying.
Get the Recipe: IP Corned Beef & Cabbage

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brisket Fried Rice

Give leftover brisket new life with Brisket Fried Rice, a creative twist for Meaty Monday that combines the smoky flavors of brisket with the comfort of fried rice. This dish is not just a clever use of leftovers; it’s a delicious meal in its own right, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. It’s a testament to the versatility of brisket, proving it’s more than just barbecue fare.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Cheez-Its Tostada

Cheez-Its Tostada adds a crunchy, cheesy twist to Meaty Monday, topping a crispy tostada shell with a zesty meat mixture and a sprinkle of Cheez-Its for extra flavor and fun. This unconventional dish is a hit for anyone looking for a quick, tasty meal that breaks from the norm. It’s a playful way to enjoy the familiar flavors of a tostada with a unique, crunchy twist.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Two large bowls of tortellini with meatballs on a counter.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Enjoy the rich flavors of Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs, where tender pasta meets juicy meatballs in a dish that’s sure to satisfy your Meaty Monday cravings. Cooking on the Blackstone griddle adds a unique touch to the dish, enhancing the flavors and making it a memorable meal. It’s a hearty, comforting option that combines two favorites into one delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Steak & Pasta Salad

Steak & Pasta Salad is a hearty, fulfilling dish that brings the best of both worlds to your Meaty Monday, combining tender steak with pasta in a flavorful salad. This meal is a great way to enjoy steak in a lighter, more refreshing way, proving that salads can be just as satisfying as traditional meaty dishes. It’s a versatile option that’s perfect for dinner or a substantial lunch.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wholesome, hearty choice for Meaty Monday, Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes offers a nutritious blend of chewy wheat berries, flaky tuna, and fresh tomatoes. This salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and hearty. It’s a perfect pick for those looking for a meaty yet light option to start the week right.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

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