Explore the full potential of meat with these 17 mains, free from plant-based alternatives. Each dish emphasizes genuine meat flavors, making them a perfect choice for those who prefer a straightforward, protein-packed meal. With options to please a wide range of tastes, these meaty mains promise a fulfilling and enjoyable dining experience.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
This chicken salad combines tender chicken with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts. It’s a protein-packed dish that’s great for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Serve it on a bed of greens or as a hearty sandwich filling. The flavors meld together perfectly for a satisfying, meaty bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg
The creamy cottage cheese provides a good protein base, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch. Cottage cheese toast topped with crispy bacon and a poached egg offers a deliciously savory start to your day. A perfectly poached egg crowns this dish, with its yolk adding richness. It’s a balanced, high-protein meal that keeps you full and energized.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
This Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken features tender tortellini, hearty kale, and succulent chicken. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. The chicken adds protein while the kale provides a nutritious boost. Enjoy it as a warming lunch or a cozy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Tacos Dorados
Crispy, fried tacos filled with seasoned meat. Tacos Dorados are perfect for when you crave a crunchy, flavorful bite. The meat is usually shredded beef or chicken, offering a tasty contrast to the crispy shell. These tacos are often served with fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Chicken fries made in the air fryer are a healthier twist on a favorite snack. These chicken strips are breaded and cooked to crispy perfection without the need for deep frying. They’re a great option for a quick, protein-rich snack or meal. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries
Dutch Oven Carnitas
This dish features pork shoulder that’s seasoned and cooked until it can be easily shredded. Dutch oven carnitas are slow-cooked until tender and flavorful. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served over rice. The slow cooking process ensures the meat is juicy and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas
Brisket Fried Rice
A creative way to use leftover brisket, turning it into a new, satisfying meal. Brisket fried rice combines the rich, smoky flavor of brisket with the comforting texture of fried rice. The brisket adds depth to the dish, making it hearty and filling. This fusion dish is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Steak & Pasta Salad
Hearty, protein-packed dish that combines tender steak with pasta and fresh vegetables. Steak and pasta salad is a complete meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a family dinner. The steak adds a savory element, while the pasta and veggies balance the dish. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature for a convenient, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
This chili recipe replicates the hearty, flavorful chili from Texas Roadhouse. It’s loaded with ground beef, beans, and spices, making it a robust and satisfying dish. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in, this chili is sure to please. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Cuban sandwich casserole transforms the classic Cuban sandwich into a warm, baked dish. It features layers of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. This casserole is an easy way to enjoy all the flavors of a Cuban sandwich with less fuss. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
The bacon keeps the pork tender and flavorful. Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin combines juicy pork with crispy, savory bacon. This dish is simple yet impressive, making it great for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are cooked in the air fryer with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. The air fryer ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This dish is quick to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Baja Fish Tacos
Features crispy, battered fish with fresh toppings like cabbage and a tangy sauce. Baja fish tacos are light yet satisfying, making them perfect for a casual meal. The fish is typically mild and flaky, providing a great base for the toppings. Serve them with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos
Mexican Street Corn Soup
This soup captures the flavors of Mexican street corn in a warm, comforting bowl. It’s made with sweet corn, spices, and often includes a bit of cheese or cream for richness. The result is a savory, slightly spicy soup that’s perfect for any season. Enjoy it as a starter or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Chicken al pastor quesadillas combine seasoned chicken with melted cheese in a crispy tortilla. The al pastor seasoning gives the chicken a unique, flavorful twist. These quesadillas are great for a quick meal or snack. Serve them with salsa and guacamole for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas
Beef Barbacoa
A slow-cooked, shredded beef dish that’s rich in flavor. Beef barbacoa is seasoned with a blend of spices and often cooked until tender. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for nachos, this beef dish is versatile and satisfying. The slow cooking process ensures deep, robust flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa
Al Pastor Carnitas
Al pastor carnitas feature pork cooked with traditional al pastor spices. This dish is slow-cooked until the pork is tender and flavorful. It’s great for tacos, burritos, or simply served with rice and beans. The al pastor seasoning gives it a unique, delicious flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas