10 High-Protein Winter Dinners
When the weather cools down, your body naturally craves hearty, comforting meals — but that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your health goals. High-protein winter dinners keep you full longer, support muscle recovery, and help balance blood sugar, all while warming you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for easy weeknight options or slow-cooked favorites, here are ten high-protein meals that hit the spot all winter long.
1. Beef and Lentil Stew
Protein per serving: ~40g
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef and brown on all sides.
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5 minutes.
- Stir in lentils, broth, and herbs.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 45–50 minutes, until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
2. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet
Protein per serving: ~38g
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet, sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add mushrooms and garlic to the same pan; cook 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in broth and Greek yogurt, whisk until creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet, simmer 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
3. Turkey Chili with Black Beans
Protein per serving: ~42g
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook turkey over medium heat until browned.
- Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until softened.
- Stir in beans, tomatoes, and spices.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook 25–30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with avocado or shredded cheese.
4. Baked Salmon with Roasted Root Vegetables
Protein per serving: ~35g
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each)
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 1 parsnip, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dill
- Salt, pepper, and lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a sheet pan for 20 minutes.
- Push veggies aside, place salmon in the center, drizzle with oil and sprinkle dill.
- Roast 12–15 minutes more, until salmon flakes easily.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Turkey
Protein per serving: ~37g
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet, cook turkey until browned. Stir in tomatoes, quinoa, spinach, and spices.
- Stuff peppers with mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Top with cheese if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake 30–35 minutes.
6. Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup
Protein per serving: ~39g
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- ¾ cup pearl barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
- Stir well and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Adjust seasoning before serving.
7. Baked Cod with Garlic Spinach and White Beans
Protein per serving: ~36g
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (5 oz each)
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 4 cups spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season cod with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil, add spinach and beans; cook 3 minutes.
- Spread mixture in a baking dish, top with cod, and bake 12–15 minutes.
- Serve warm with extra lemon.
8. Chicken and Chickpea Curry
Protein per serving: ~40g
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pan; sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, chickpeas, and coconut milk.
- Simmer 15–20 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve with rice or cauliflower rice.
9. Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Protein per serving: ~38g
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper
For mash:
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Steam cauliflower until tender, then blend with butter and yogurt until creamy.
- In a skillet, cook beef and onions until browned. Add tomato paste, broth, and veggies; simmer 10 minutes.
- Transfer filling to a baking dish and top with cauliflower mash.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden.
10. Lentil and Chicken Sausage Casserole
Protein per serving: ~35g
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, cooked
- 3 chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium broth
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, sauté onions in olive oil, add sausage slices and cook 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in lentils, tomatoes, broth, and seasoning.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake 20 minutes until bubbly.
Final Thoughts
Each of these recipes offers a comforting balance of protein, fiber, and flavor — perfect for chilly winter nights. Pair them with a side salad or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a nutrient-packed meal that keeps you full and energized.
