I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (2024)

  • Healthy Eating
  • Budget Cooking Guide
  • Thrifty

By

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (1)

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, is nutrition editor for EatingWell. She is a registered dietitian with a master's in food, nutrition and sustainability. In addition toEatingWell, her work has appeared inFood & Wine,Real Simple,Parents,Better Homes and GardensandMyRecipes.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines

Published on November 12, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (2)

Reviewed by DietitianMaria Laura Haddad-Garcia

Maria Laura is EatingWell's senior nutrition & news editor. As part of the nutrition team, she edits and assigns nutrition-related content and provides nutrition reviews for articles. Maria Laura is a trained dietitian, almond butter lover and food enthusiast with over seven years of experience in nutrition counseling.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines

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I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (3)

As the weather cools down and the first flurries of snow fall in Vermont (I know, this early), a warm and cozy meal is all I want after a long day. But beyond just being comforting, I want something that keeps me feeling full and fueled for the night. In fact, many of us might feel more hungry during the colder weather months, which can be for various reasons, from how our hormones adapt to the cold to a slight increase in overall energy expenditure due to cold temps. That’s where these recipes come in. Each with at least 15 grams of protein per serving, these dishes can help you meet your needs of filling and satisfying protein. Beyond keeping you feeling full, this macronutrient has been shown to support muscle growth and recovery, healthy bone density, effective digestion, healthy skin and more. They’re veggie-packed while weaving in comforting ingredients like cream, cheese and noodles to help you feel your best inside and out. Meals like our Mini-Meatloaves with Green Beans & Potatoes bring me back to nights at my parents house growing up. And our Slow-Cooker Chicken with Rosemary & Mushrooms over Linguine has so much flavor and only requires 20 minutes of active time. These mains are proof that you can enjoy something satisfying and delicious while aligning with your nutrition goals. For more beginner- and budget-friendly recipes, check out Thrifty.

01of 12

25-Minute Chicken & Veggie Enchiladas

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (4)

These chicken enchiladas are great for using up any veggies you have lingering in your fridge. Our chicken enchilada recipe calls for zucchini, squash and onion, but you could easily swap in spinach or potatoes.

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02of 12

Mini Meatloaves with Green Beans & Potatoes

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (5)

This healthy meatloaf recipe and side dishes are all made in the oven on two sheet pans so that everything's ready for the dinner table at the same time. The potatoes go into the oven first to start roasting while the mini meatloaves and green beans are prepped and added to the oven partway through.

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03of 12

Spinach-Tomato Macaroni & Cheese

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (6)

An old-school classic gets a boost of nutrition and flavor from garlicky spinach and tomatoes in this healthy mac and cheese recipe.

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04of 12

Slow-Cooker Chicken with Rosemary & Mushrooms over Linguine

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (7)

The classic pairing of shallots and mushrooms gives this easy slow-cooker chicken recipe a timeless quality that's sure to please everyone at your table. Swirling the stock and flour together at the beginning is a pro tip for creating a thick sauce that moistens the final dish and helps all the ingredients come together.

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05of 12

Slow-Cooker Balsamic Short Ribs

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (8)

Now here's a beef short ribs recipe you can serve to company—even on a holiday.

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06of 12

Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (9)

You can make these three-ingredient tomato-simmered eggs with things you probably already have on hand in your freezer and pantry. To make these baked eggs more like eggs in purgatory, look for a spicy tomato sauce and don't forget some whole-wheat bread for dipping.

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07of 12

Slow-Cooker Carne Picada Tacos with Avocado Salsa

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (10)

Loosely translated as "minced meat," the traditional texture of carne picada ranges from finely chopped to ground. Here we start with brisket, which becomes nice and tender in the slow cooker, then shred and chop the meat before serving. The seasoning is flavorful but not too spicy. Blistered jalapeños added at the end will satisfy the heat-lovers in the family. Pile the brisket into warmed corn tortillas, with lettuce, the jalapeños, cheese and avocado salsa for a healthy dinner that'll wake up your taco night routine.

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08of 12

Easy Vegetarian Chili

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (11)

Canned beans and tomatoes make this quick vegetarian chili recipe ready to go in just 30 minutes. Serve over rice or couscous, or with tortilla chips for added crunch, and add extra toppings as you see fit--sliced scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado and sliced jalapeños are all tasty choices.

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09of 12

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (12)

If you can't find cutlets for this easy chicken Parmesan recipe at your supermarket, place a boneless, skinless breast flat on a cutting board, hold it steady with your palm and, using a sharp knife, slice the breast horizontally into two thin pieces.

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10of 12

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (13)

This creamy chicken noodle soup recipe has a delicious potpie feel to it. We call for rotisserie chicken to streamline your prep time—look for a nice big one with lots of breast meat on it. Pair this comforting soup with a green salad.

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11of 12

Skillet Chicken Potpie

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (14)

A store-bought pie crust, frozen veggies and precooked chicken simplify the prep for this easy potpie. This healthy dinner recipe is comfort food at its best.

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12of 12

One-Skillet Salmon with Fennel & Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (15)

Sun-dried tomato pesto and lemon do double duty to season both the salmon and the couscous in this healthy one-pan dinner recipe. Serve the salmon with extra lemon wedges and a dollop of plain yogurt, if desired.

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or credentials to demonstrate expertise. However, I can provide you with information and insights on the topic of healthy eating and budget cooking based on the text you provided.

This article is titled "Healthy Eating Budget Cooking Guide" and was written by Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, who is a registered dietitian with a master's degree in food, nutrition, and sustainability. Jessica Ball is the nutrition editor for EatingWell, a publication that focuses on healthy eating and recipes. The article was published on November 12, 2023, and was reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia, who is EatingWell's senior nutrition and news editor and has over seven years of experience in nutrition counseling.

The article discusses the importance of healthy and satisfying meals during colder weather months when hunger levels may increase. It highlights the need for meals with adequate protein content, as protein supports muscle growth, recovery, healthy bone density, digestion, and skin health. The recipes mentioned in the article are designed to provide at least 15 grams of protein per serving and include comforting ingredients like cream, cheese, and noodles while incorporating vegetables for added nutrition.

The article features a variety of recipes such as chicken enchiladas, mini meatloaves with green beans and potatoes, spinach-tomato macaroni and cheese, slow-cooker chicken with rosemary and mushrooms over linguine, slow-cooker balsamic short ribs, baked eggs in tomato sauce with kale, slow-cooker carne picada tacos with avocado salsa, easy vegetarian chili, skillet chicken parmesan, creamy chicken noodle soup with rotisserie chicken, skillet chicken potpie, and one-skillet salmon with fennel and sun-dried tomato couscous.

These recipes are described as beginner- and budget-friendly, making them accessible for individuals who are looking to eat healthily while keeping their expenses in check.

Overall, the article provides practical tips and recipes for individuals looking to maintain a healthy eating pattern on a budget during colder weather months.

Let me know if there's anything specific you would like to know or discuss further!

I'm a Dietitian & These Are My Favorite High-Protein Comforting Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What makes a high-protein meal? ›

“A high-protein meal is one that is rich in protein, typically providing at least 30 grams of protein per serving,” says Winnifred. Our advisory board dietitians recommend that you target 30 grams of protein at each meal.

What are high-protein filling foods? ›

You can reach 100g of protein per day by choosing protein-rich food options with each meal. This can include Greek yogurt, chicken breast, and a salmon fillet. Plant-based sources to help reach your goal can include peanuts, beans, and tofu.

What does high-protein low calorie meals do? ›

For most healthy people, a high-protein diet generally doesn't hurt when followed for a short time. Such diets may help with weight loss by making you feel fuller.

What meat is highest in protein? ›

Complete List of High Protein Foods
  • Chicken breast (skinless, cooked): 32 g.
  • Turkey breast (skinless, roasted): 30 g.
  • Beef roast (roasted): 28 g.
  • Pork roast (roasted): 27 g.
  • Ground beef (fat content not specified, cooked): 26 g.
  • Salmon (baked or broiled): 25 g.
  • Halibut (cooked, dry heat): 23 g.
  • Tilapia (cooked, dry heat): 26 g.
May 19, 2023

What's the best protein to eat to lose weight? ›

Choose protein sources that are nutrient-rich and lower in saturated fat and calories, such as:
  • Lean meats.
  • Seafood.
  • Beans.
  • Soy.
  • Low-fat dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Nuts and seeds.

Is peanut butter full of protein? ›

It's a good protein source

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion of peanut butter contains ( 4 ): Carbohydrates: 22 grams of carbs (14% of calories), 5 of which are fiber. Protein: 22.5 grams of protein (14% of calories), which is quite a lot compared with most other plant foods.

What foods to avoid if protein is high? ›

A person should generally also avoid the following foods as part of the high-protein diet:
  • products that contain refined sugar, such as candy, baked goods, and sodas.
  • highly processed foods.
  • foods that manufacturers market as “diet” products, as they often contain excessive amounts of artificial sweetener.
Apr 9, 2019

What vegetable has the most protein? ›

Among the highest protein vegetables are chickpeas, corn, spinach, artichoke hearts, and edamame. To get all of the amino acids your body needs, aim to eat a variety of foods, such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables throughout the day. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What 3 foods contain the highest amount of protein? ›

High protein foods
  • One salmon fillet (178 g) contains 39.3 g of protein .
  • Chicken breast is a lean source of protein. ...
  • Beef offers high amounts of protein per serving. ...
  • There is a range of different types of beef to choose from. ...
  • One can (107 g) of tuna contains around 20.3 g of protein .
Nov 30, 2023

What food gives you the most protein and energy? ›

Try to include at least one food high in protein with every meal. These are: all meats including lamb, beef, fish and chicken • eggs • nuts, seeds and nut spreads (such as peanut butter) • legumes, such as lentils and baked beans • milk and dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, custard, cheese and milk powder.

Are potatoes high in protein? ›

{Play}Yes, potatoes have some surprisingly high quality protein. A medium potato has 3 grams of protein, more than most vegetables and about the same amount as 1/3 cup of milk. The quality of the potato protein, including how easy it is to digest and the amino acids it contains, is considered to be high.

What happens if you eat only protein for a month? ›

Protein adds a metabolic burden on your body, especially on the kidneys. A high protein intake for a long time can cause digestive, kidney, and bone disorders. People with a very active lifestyle can tolerate higher amounts of protein than those with a sedentary lifestyle.

How to get 150g of protein a day? ›

An Easy Way To Get 150+ Grams Of Protein
  1. 3 Eggs - 18 grams.
  2. 50 g of Egg Whites - 5 grams.
  3. 1 cup of Fairlife 2% Milk - 13 grams.
  4. 4 oz Ground Turkey - 20 grams.
  5. 1 ½ cups of Cottage Cheese - 16 grams.
  6. 2 Scoops of Protein Supplement - 31 grams.
  7. 3 Tbsps of Peanut Butter - 10 grams.
  8. 1 Packet of Safe Catch Tuna - 23 grams.

How to get 40g of protein per meal? ›

High Protein Meals With 40g Of Protein22 Jan
  1. Grilled Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables. Ingredients: • 170g grilled chicken breast. • 185g cooked quinoa. ...
  2. Turkey and Black Bean Burrito Bowls. Ingredients: • ...
  3. Salmon and Quinoa Salad. Ingredients: • 170g baked or grilled salmon fillet.

How to get 100g of protein a day? ›

100 grams of protein for omnivores
  1. Greek yogurt (15 grams of protein)
  2. Beef sausage (14 grams)
  3. 1 ounce of mixed nuts (5 grams)
  4. Two eggs (12 grams)
  5. Snack cheese (5 grams)
  6. Four slices (2 ounces) of deli ham (10 grams)
  7. Two slices of rye bread (10 grams)
  8. ½ cup of rolled oats (5 grams)
Apr 6, 2024

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