Some meals claim to be comforting, but if they don’t have enough protein, they’re not going to keep you full. These recipes get it right. They’re packed with meat, beans, and cheese, bringing real substance to the table. From thick, saucy bolognese to slow-cooked short rib chili, every dish is built to stick to your ribs and keep you satisfied for hours.
Bomb Meatloaf
This meatloaf is packed with flavor, stays juicy, and gets coated in a thick, sweet, and tangy glaze that takes it over the top. It’s easy to throw together, bakes up perfectly every time, and makes a great comfort food dinner that actually fills you up. Leftovers? Even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs don’t mess around. Ground turkey, Italian seasoning, and gooey melted cheddar come together in a rich marinara sauce for a dinner that feels like a treat but still packs in the protein. They’re easy to make on the stovetop and perfect for tossing over pasta or stuffing into a sub roll.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Instant Pot Bolognese
Classic bolognese usually takes hours, but the Instant Pot gets it done in a fraction of the time without losing any of that rich, meaty flavor. Ground beef, tomatoes, and red wine cook down into a thick sauce that clings to pasta. Top it with parmesan, and you’ve got a hearty meal that sticks with you.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese
Venison Meatballs
These venison meatballs are baked until tender, then tossed with your favorite sauce for a protein-packed meal that doesn’t taste gamey. Serve them over pasta, pile them into a sandwich, or just eat them straight off the pan. Either way, they’re a great way to use ground venison.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatballs
Healthier Sloppy Joes
These Sloppy Joes keep all the messy, saucy goodness of the original but swap in lean ground beef and a better-for-you sauce. They come together fast, making them a great choice for a quick, protein-packed dinner. Pile them high on a bun, grab some napkins, and dig in.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes
Lamb Bolognese
This lamb bolognese simmers low and slow with garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs for a sauce that’s rich and packed with protein. It clings to pasta in the best way and makes for a great comfort meal when you need something hearty. It’s a step up from regular meat sauce without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Classic Chicken Marsala gets an upgrade with melty mozzarella, savory tomato butter, and fresh basil stuffed right inside the chicken. It’s pan-seared until golden, then finished in a rich marsala wine sauce. If you’re looking for a high-protein dinner that feels a little extra, this one’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Turkey Chili Pie
This chili pie combines hearty turkey chili with a thick, cornbread topping all baked together in one skillet. The chili is packed with beans, spices, and just the right amount of heat, while the cornbread bakes up golden and fluffy on top. It’s a full meal in one dish that sticks with you.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie
Chicken Sorrentino
This Italian classic loads up breaded chicken with prosciutto, eggplant, and plenty of melted cheese, then bakes it all in a thick tomato sauce. Every bite is packed with layers of flavor, and it’s a great way to switch up the usual chicken dinner while still keeping it hearty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
This chili leans a little unexpected, but it works. Shredded chicken, white beans, and plenty of cheddar melt together into a thick, creamy chili, while apple adds just a hint of sweetness. It’s a great high-protein meal when you want something cozy but a little different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Short Rib Chili
Short ribs break down into tender, fall-apart bites in this bold, meaty chili. A hit of porter beer adds depth, while spices bring the heat. It’s thick, loaded with protein, and great for making ahead since the leftovers only get better.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili
Salsa Chicken
Chicken breasts get baked in salsa, corn, and cheddar cheese until tender and juicy. It’s a simple, protein-packed meal that’s great for weeknights and comes together in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice, wrap it in a tortilla, or just eat it straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
This cheesy ground beef casserole is packed with tomatoes, peppers, and black beans for a high-protein meal that’s anything but boring. It bakes up in just 40 minutes, making it a great option when you need something easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
This Alfredo sauce keeps all the creamy richness of the classic but swaps in cottage cheese for an extra protein boost. It coats pasta perfectly and still has that velvety texture without being heavy. It’s a great way to sneak in extra protein without changing what you love about Alfredo.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These portobello mushrooms get loaded with a creamy cheese mixture, spinach, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes for a high-protein meatless meal. The mushrooms stay hearty and meaty, making them a great option when you want something comforting but a little lighter.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
