15 high-protein dinners that aren’t just chicken breasts

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High protein is all the rage, but if you’re reaching for another chicken breast, we need to talk. There’s a whole world of protein-packed meals out there that don’t involve choking down another bland, rubbery cut of poultry. This list has everything you need to shake things up at dinner without sacrificing the protein punch. From beef and lamb to salmon and shrimp, these recipes will bring some much-needed variety to your plate.

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beef Kafta

Beef Kafta on a plate with veggies.
Beef Kafta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beef kafta is a go-to for anyone looking to break out of the chicken rut. These Middle Eastern-inspired kabobs are loaded with flavor, pair perfectly with rice, and keep dinner exciting.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Think burger night, but in a bowl. All the best toppings, a homemade special sauce, and plenty of protein make this dish a quick and fun spin on a classic without the bun.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cheesy casserole brings big flavor with tomatoes, peppers, and black beans. A simple dish that takes 40 minutes, keeping everyone happy and full with a hearty protein boost.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Lamb Korma

Lamb Korma. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb korma is here to shake up your dinner game with spices and a creamy cashew-based sauce. The marinated lamb practically melts in your mouth, and it’s perfect with a side of rice.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Korma

Flank Steak Pinwheels

Flank Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Flank steak pinwheels bring pesto, Parmesan, prosciutto, and spinach into the mix. Great for a special dinner or just to make a regular weeknight feel fancy without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak Pinwheels

Bison Stuffed Peppers

Bison Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bison stuffed peppers come packed with lean protein, rice, and veggies, then topped with a bit of cheese. A hearty, healthier swap from ground beef and just as easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Bison Stuffed Peppers

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With just five ingredients and 25 minutes, this pesto salmon hits the mark for a quick, high-protein dinner that’s also perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Cod Piccata

Cod piccata on a plate with asparagus and rice.
Cod Piccata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This seafood piccata brings a fresh spin with tender cod, capers, and lemon. Dredged and pan-fried, it’s a bright, flavorful dish that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This skillet meal combines ground beef, cabbage, and a few aromatic spices, making for an easy 30-minute dinner that brings variety to the weeknight rotation.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Mexican ground beef skillet recipe with melted cheese.
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco-seasoned ground beef and veggies come together in one pan for a no-fuss, 30-minute dinner that’s anything but bland.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A fast stir fry with ground beef and fresh veggies tossed in a garlic-ginger sauce. Quick, tasty, and ready to give your weeknight dinners a much-needed boost of protein.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Healthier Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joe sandwiches on an English muffin.
Healthier Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These sloppy joes use lean ground beef and a lower-sugar sauce to bring a lighter touch to the classic comfort food without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta bring a fresh Greek vibe to dinner. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great pick for something lighter that’s still packed with protein.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Plate of salmon with bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bacon-wrapped salmon is here when you’re craving something that feels like restaurant quality. A quick and tasty protein-packed dinner that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Marinated in a garlic-ginger sauce, these salmon bites get crispy in the air fryer. Perfect for weeknights when you want something that’s quick, high-protein, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

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