If you are looking for some high-protein dinner ideas that will fill you up and nourish your body, you have come to the right place. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build and repair muscles, support immune system, and regulate hormones. It also helps you feel satisfied and prevent cravings. The recommended daily intake of protein for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, but this may vary depending on your age, activity level, and health goals. Here are some of the high-protein dinner ideas that you can try:
• Cheesy ground beef and cauliflower casserole. This casserole is a low-carb and high-protein version of a shepherd’s pie. It is made with ground beef cooked with onion, garlic, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper; and topped with a layer of cheese and a layer of cauliflower mash made with steamed cauliflower, butter, cream cheese, salt, and pepper. It is baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. It is high in protein, iron, and calcium. Iron helps transport oxygen to your cells and calcium helps strengthen your bones. One serving of this casserole provides 28 grams of protein and 351 calories.
• One-pot lentil and vegetable soup with Parmesan. This soup is a hearty and nutritious meal that can be made in one pot. It is made with lentils rinsed and drained; carrots, celery, onion, and garlic chopped; vegetable broth; salt and pepper; spinach washed and chopped; and Parmesan cheese grated. It is simmered on the stove until the lentils are tender and the soup is thickened. It is garnished with more Parmesan cheese if desired. It is high in protein, fiber, and vitamin A. Fiber helps digestion and vitamin A helps vision. One serving of this soup provides 18 grams of protein and 264 calories.
• Spiced lamb meatball and Swiss chard stew. This stew is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be served with bread or rice. It is made with lamb meatballs seasoned with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, egg, bread crumbs, and mint; and a tomato-based stew with Swiss chard stems and leaves chopped; onion and garlic chopped; vegetable oil; chicken broth; lemon juice; salt and pepper. The meatballs are browned in a skillet and then added to the stew along with the Swiss chard leaves. The stew is cooked until the meatballs are done and the Swiss chard is wilted. It is high in protein, iron, and vitamin C. Iron helps blood production and vitamin C helps immunity. One serving of this stew provides 31 grams of protein and 376 calories.
• Roasted spiced salmon with spinach. This dish is a simple and elegant way to enjoy salmon, which is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is made with salmon fillets rubbed with a spice mixture of paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper; and roasted in the oven until flaky. It is served with sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It is high in protein, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Vitamin D helps bone health and vitamin K helps blood clotting. One serving of this dish provides 34 grams of protein and 266 calories.
• Southwestern beef chili with corn. This chili is a spicy and hearty meal that can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. It is made with lean ground beef cooked with onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper; diced tomatoes; tomato sauce; black beans rinsed and drained; corn kernels; cilantro chopped; water or beef broth. It is cooked on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours in a slow cooker or simmered on the stove for about an hour until thickened. It is high in protein, fiber, and vitamin C. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels and vitamin C helps wound healing. One serving of this chili provides 27 grams of protein and 307 calories.