10 High-Protein Meals to Kick Off Your New Year Strong

We all want to start January with plenty of energy, but nobody has time for complicated recipes that the kids won't even touch. These meals are fast to prepare, flavor-packed, and designed to keep you and your family energized from school drop-offs to bedtime stories. Forget about tiny portions or boring salads that leave you searching the pantry an hour later. Here is how we're fueling our busiest days this month!

Slow Cooker Steak Bites

Tender bites of beef simmered all day in a honey garlic sauce these slow cooker steak bites are an effortless recipe. Made with only four ingredients you can use these steak bites for easy meal prep, a tasty appetizer, or just a high-protein snack.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Steak Bites

Dairy-Free Chimichurri Shrimp

A plate of chimichurri shrimp with a set of forks on a kitchen towel at the side. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Pan-seared until juicy and with a punch of heat, this dairy-free chimichurri shrimp makes for a tasty appetizer, protein-packed snack, or quick busy night dinner. Made with mostly spices and seasonings, this shrimp recipe brings new and delicious flavors to the table. To learn more: Dairy-Free Chimichurri Shrimp

Dairy-Free Beef Veggie Casserole

Beef and zucchini casserole topped with zucchinis in a baking dish. — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Weeknight dinners just got better with this veggie-packed, high-protein, beef and zucchini casserole. Lean ground beef coated in a rich and creamy tomato sauce spread of zucchini and sweet potato noodles. You can make this dairy-free casserole in advance as well making busy weeknights that much easier. To learn more: Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Stovetop Venison Chili Bowls

Spoonful of chili pulled out of a white bowl of chili. — Photo Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

A protein-loaded, comfort meal perfect for Sunday night dinner. This venison chili (also known as deer chili!) is full of classic flavor. Naturally gluten-free and easy to make, cozy up with a big bowl and warm up from head to toe.

Get the recipe: Stovetop Venison Chili Recipe

Meal Prep Spicy Chicken Bites

Spicy chicken bites in a cast iron skillet with green onions on top and a wooden spoon in the pan and a bowl of sauce in the middle. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

The best meal prep recipe you didn’t know you needed. If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying snack, appetizer, or dinner base, spicy chicken bites will surely hit the spot! To learn more: Spicy Chicken Bites

Whole30 Spicy Turkey Meatballs

Multiple turkey meatballs on parchment paper with a jalapeno, steel tin of sauce, toothpicks, and green onions around them. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Packed with protein and a fiery kick these whole 30 turkey meatballs make a great weeknight dinner! Baked in the oven to juicy perfection these meatballs make a great 30-minute dinner recipe and can even be prepped in advance!

Get the recipe: Spicy Turkey Meatballs

Keto-Friendly Tuna Salad Stuffed Peppers

Red and yellow peppers sliced and stuffed with tuna salad on a wooden cutting board. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Your go-to tuna just got a makeover. These tuna salad stuffed peppers make for the perfect quick and easy lunch recipe or a protein-packed snack. Paleo and whole30-approved, this tuna salad recipe is a budget-friendly meal you’ll make over and over. To learn more: Tuna Salad Stuffed Peppers

Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Cooked chicken skillet, with cheese, pepper, avocado and cilantro on it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Juicy pieces of chicken coated in a homemade seasoning before being sauteed sticky in your favorite barbeque sauce. This chicken taco skillet hits the dinner table in just 30 minutes and makes for a delicious, simple weeknight meal.

Get the recipe: Easy Chicken Taco Skillet

Korean-Style Ground Beef and Broccoli

a skillet of cooked korean ground beet and broccoli — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

A savory dinner that comes together in 25 minutes, this Korean ground beef and broccoli recipe is great for busy weeknights. A budget-friendly twist on the traditional recipe, this ground beef version has the same comforting flavor but with a great price cut.

Get the recipe: Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli

Air Fryer Juicy Steak Bites

Close up of air fryer steak bites with parsley on them with soy sauce and more parsley around it. — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Cooked in just 10 minutes these air fryer steak bites come out tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned! With a blend of cumin and garlic, these steak cubes work just as well as a game-day appetizer as they do as part of a busy weeknight dinner.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites