31 High-Protein Meal Prep Recipes for Easy Dinners
If you’re juggling a busy week, chasing fitness goals, or just want to make sure every meal packs enough protein to keep you energized, you’re in the right place! As someone who loves a big batch of protein meal prep recipes, I know how game-changing it is to have healthy meals ready to go in the fridge.
Whether you’re a Batch Prep Pro who lives for a Sunday meal prepping session, a 30-Minute Maestro who needs easy meals in less time, or a Leftover Lover who can’t resist a next-day grilled pork sandwich, there’s something here for you.
My favorite meal prep ideas start with simple, high-protein dishes—think five-spice oven broiled beef skewers, super easy fried chicken, or a Thai-style flank steak salad loaded with fresh veggies and a tangy lime dressing.
For plant-based protein, try Moroccan slow cooker chickpea stew, hot and spicy vegetarian Indian curry, or a ginger hoisin tofu stir fry.
If you’re craving something sweet, prep some Greek yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit, chia seeds, and a little bit of maple syrup for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Easy Ways to Add Extra Protein to Your Weekly Meal Prep
Looking for different ways to boost your protein intake? Try tossing hard-boiled eggs into an airtight container for grab-and-go snacks, or layer cottage cheese with crunchy veggies and sunflower seeds for a delicious meal that’s ready in minutes.
When you have a bit of extra time on the weekends, grill a large pork loin, or make a big pot of gumbo for a protein-packed meal that you can have ready in the fridge all week.
Don’t forget to add healthy fats like olive oil or nut butter, or sprinkle in some plant-based options like tofu, edamame, or even a handful of nuts into your week.
Meal prepping is the easy way to enjoy high protein recipes and keep your healthy lifestyle on track—even on your busiest days. Let’s dive into my favorite high-protein meal prep ideas that’ll help you crush your week, your cravings, and your goals—one delicious meal at a time!
31 Protein Meal Prep Recipes
1. Pistachio-Apricot Grilled Pork Loin
This is a favorite family recipe stuffed with roasted pistachios and sweet dried apricots. Extra juicy, this recipe is perfect for grilling when you have time, then slice and reheat for later meals. Serve with a spoonful of Italian salsa verde—even good cold!
2. Vegan Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew
There’s nothing more comforting than the aroma of a hearty stew simmering away in your kitchen. This slow cooker Moroccan chickpea stew is the answer to your dinner dilemmas—packed with bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, literally a hug in a bowl.
3. Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo
Made from fork-tender chicken thighs and peppery smoked sausage, this chicken and smoked sausage gumbo recipe is the soul-warming dish that is packed with protein and is perfect any time you need something rich and comforting.
4. French-Style Crock Pot Chicken Fricassee
There’s something timeless about a classic French dish, and this Crock Pot Chicken Fricassee recipe brings all the elegance of French cooking to your table with a fraction of the effort. Make a big batch then rewarm all week—tastes even better the next day!
5. Everything Bagel Spice Ground Turkey Casserole
This low carb casseroles with ground turkey recipe is the kind of meal that makes you feel good about what you’re eating, while still delivering all the golden bubbly cheese, savory turkey, vegetables and of course a special twist—crunchy everything bagel spice topping. It’s one of our all time favorite recipes to make with ground turkey.
6. Pan Seared Fish with Asparagus
Here’s a simple pan sear fish recipe that can be made using your favorite white fish with crisp asparagus and topped with a fragrant yet simple, orange-balsamic dressing. The fish should be cooked right before serving but for meal prep, you can make the dressing and blanch the asparagus up to 3 days in advance.
7. Braised Chicken Puttanesca Meatballs
There’s something timeless about a classic French dish, and this Crock Pot Chicken Fricassee recipe brings all the elegance of French cooking to your table with a fraction of the effort but loads of healthy protein.
8. Hot & Spicy Vegetarian Indian Curry
If you’re craving something warm and spicy with hearty vegetables, tender chickpeas, and a creamy coconut sauce, this vegetarian Indian curry recipe is the perfect dish to try!
9. 5 Spice Oven-Broiled Beef Skewers
These beef skewers are the perfect chill, low-key dinner. There a couple ways you could meal prep these. Either make them all the way through and rewarm (or they’re even good cold in a salad). Or marinate and skewer the beef and broil when you’re ready to eat—they only take 8 minutes under the broiler.
10. Grilled Thai-Style Flank Steak Salad
Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? This Thai steak recipe bursts with vibrant flavors and a satisfying mix of textures and packed with protein.
11. Super Easy Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a beloved dish, but many people struggle with making it at home. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to know when fried chicken is done, plus the secrets to perfectly crispy, yet tender fried chicken every time with my super easy recipe.
12. One-Pot Red Wine Braised Beef
Classic comfort food done the rich, savory way with this Braised Beef Recipe! Tender chunks of beef – infused with aromatics like garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of red wine – simmer low and slow until they reach melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The flavors improve the longer it sits so make ahead and reheat for up to 5 days.
13. Ginger Hoisin Tofu Stir Fry
Tofu is such a great source of plant-based protein and you are going to love this tofu stir-fry. With a crispy outer layer and a soft interior, this creamy stir-fried tofu topped with crispy snow peas and tossed in an easy ginger hoisin sauce is an incredibly simple yet delicious change on your dinner plate!
14. Spanish Pork Meatballs In Saffron Tomato Broth
Easy Spanish Pork Meatballs. Quick, easy, colorful, and delicious! After they sizzle in the oven, serve them bathed in a light and flavorful fresh tomato sauce flecked with golden saffron and enjoy as a summer dinner with rice.
15. Roasted Pork Shoulder with Root Vegetables & Mustard Sauce
Savory and satisfying, this roasted pork shoulder with root veggies and mustard sauce makes a wonderful family dinner and is such a fabulous meal prep recipe. Rewarm the slices of juicy pork with a little broth so they don’t dry out.
16. Braised Chicken Thighs with Sausage
One of my all-time favorite chicken recipes; simple ingredients cooked low and slow that come out perfect every time, plus heaps of protein in every bite. Serve the braised chicken and sausage with pasta, over polenta, or on its own for a delicious low-carb dinner.
17. Italian Porchetta-Style Pork Roast
This is an ultra-juicy recipe for porchetta roast stuffed with a generous layer of herbs, garlic, and lemon. The recipe is an easier porchetta-style pork shoulder with all the flavor of a more traditional roast but half the work.
18. Pan-Fried Cod with Ratatouille & Lemon Butter Sauce
Make this French summertime classic, Cod with Ratatouille. For meal prep, you can make the ratatouille up to 5 days in advance (the flavor improves!) and the lemon butter sauce can also be made ahead of time, then just pan-fry the cod right before serving.
19. Beef Stir-Fry with Mushrooms
My family devours this beef stir fry recipe with tender beef, mushrooms, ginger, sesame seeds, and orange zest. Quick and easy and an amazing amount of protein, check out the video!
20. Seriously Delicious Falafel Salad
Crispy, crunchy, tangy, this Falafel Salad has it all! Crackling, lightly-fried falafel sit atop refreshing lettuce, cucumbers, punchy red onions, and arugula then drizzled with a creamy lemon-tahini dressing. Vegan and gluten-free!
21. German Goulash Soup Recipe
The ultimate make-ahead meal, this one-pot Authentic German Goulash Soup Recipe is the perfect bowl to warm up to on cold days. Braised beef, potatoes, carrots, dried marjoram, and sweet paprika all come together to make this mildly spicy, rich soup so delicious. Top each bowl with a dollop of crème fraîche and chopped parsley!
22. Tofu and Asparagus Stir Fry
Another plant-based high-protein option: fresh, vibrant, and flavorful this asparagus stir-fry is the ideal dinner when you crave something healthy but are short on time. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
23. Satay Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce
Nicely charred satay chicken skewers can easily be made anytime of year by cooking them under the broiler. The super flavorful curry peanut sauce also does double duty as a marinade. Serve as an appetizer or with lettuce cups.
24. Dill and Mustard Seed Salmon
This simple mixture of five pantry ingredients will turn any piece of salmon into a work of art. Best part? It takes a total of 10 minutes! I like to make extra salmon to have for lunches during the week.
25. Kate’s Best Chicken Cacciatore
This Chicken Cacciatore Dutch Oven Recipe is a classic Italian dish that just always sounds good. Lucky for you I’m sharing my best recipe for this delicious, protein-packed meal so you can make it at home too!
26. Beef Barley Vegetable Soup
With prep time at 10 minutes, this easy Beef Barley Vegetable Soup is the simple bowl of comfort you’re craving with tender hunks of beef, plump barley, and lots of nourishing vegetables.
27. Ground Pork Burgers with Bacon
When you’re in the mood for something meaty and satisfying, nothing but this ground pork burger recipe will do. I always make a double (or even triple) batch of these to have for quick meals during the week.
28. Thyme & Lemon Broiled Cod
Shockingly good, this Broiled Cod recipe is truly the best! Coated in a lemon sauce then broiled, it comes out moist, flakey, and super flavorful. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Check out the video! BTW: Flaky white fish like cod is a great source of lean protein.
29. Vinegar & Spice Baby Back Ribs
Fall off the bone tender, these Vinegar and Spice Baked Baby Back Ribs are super easy to make and can be enjoyed year round. These definitely deserve a place at your table, they are seriously the BEST ribs!
30. Quick and Easy Skirt Steak
The best foolproof skirt steak recipe ever! So quick and easy with only four ingredients and ready in 10 minutes. Use this flavorful steak for making several meals throughout the week like steak tacos or just a nice pan-fried steak dinner with a salad or my favorite—baked potato!
31. Easy Short Rib Pho
This flavorful, soul-satisfying, and most importantly, easy Pho Bo recipe is a perfect bowl of comfort. It freezes well, is super customizable, and leftovers keep for days! There’s only 15 minutes of hands-on cooking time!
