10 Protein Dinners So Tasty You’ll Forget You’re Trying to Lose Weight

What if I told you that protein-packed meals can actually be so delicious, you'll be making them on repeat? These recipes prove it! The truth is, incorporating simple, flavorful, and filling meals can change how you feel about your food and your progress. We're talking juicy, well-seasoned proteins that will have your whole family asking for seconds. These dishes will make you forget you're even trying to lose weight!

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Baking tray with cooked steak, bell peppers, and veggies with a steel bowl of fresh tomatoes in the middle and flour tortillas folded to the side — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

No mess and no fuss! These sheet pan steak fajitas make the perfect weeknight dinner recipe. Made with fresh veggies, lean beef, and homemade fajita seasoning, this easy, healthy dinner comes together in under 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli

White bowl with teriyaki chicken pieces and broccoli with chopsticks beside it. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

A 15 minute dinner perfect for busy weeknights. This chicken teriyaki broccoli skillet combines bite-sized, tender chicken cooked in a homemade, gluten-free teriyaki sauce. A dinner recipe perfect for busy moms. To learn more: Teriyaki Chicken Skillet

Easy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

White bowl with beef and broccoli and rice with someone holding chopsticks over it. — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Tender and juicy beef and broccoli all whipped up in the slow cooker. This gluten-free dinner recipe makes busy weeknights easier! Prepped in just minutes and sweetened with just a hint of smoky maple syrup, this slow cooker dinner will become a staple in your house in no time!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Baked Maple Cranberry Chicken

Baked chicken thighs in a white baking pan with cranberries and rosemary. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Marinated until juicy and baked in just one pan, these maple cranberry chicken thighs are the perfect holiday dinner. With a sweet and savory flavor, these chicken thighs are tender and indulgent and beautifully dressed up making them great for any dinner table. To learn more: Maple Cranberry Chicken

Gluten-Free Thai Crispy Chicken

Grey bowl with crispy chicken bites, orange peppers, and rice with lime in the bowl on a wooden cutting board. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear.

Made in just 25 minutes with a crisp texture and peanut butter-based sauce, this gluten-free Thai crispy chicken recipe is perfect for quick, comfort food. With easy pantry staples as the base and breaded with gluten-free breadcrumbs, it’s a chicken recipe that comes together quickly and tastes like pure comfort.

Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Thai Crispy Chicken

Salisbury Mushroom Steak

White plate with salisbury steak on it and a mushroom on top of them. — Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Deliciously seasoned ground beef patties cooked in the slow cooker and then smothered in a savory mushroom gravy. This gluten-free Salisbury steak recipe makes for a tasty Sunday night dinner. To learn more: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Honey and lemon baked chicken thighs with parsley on top in a baking dish. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

Have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes with these ultra-juicy, honey-baked chicken thighs. Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free this busy weeknight dinner comes together with just a handful of ingredients and makes for a burst of sweetness in every bite.

Get the recipe: Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Beef and 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

Dry Rub Slow Cooker Drumsticks

White plate with dry rub chicken drumsticks on it and green onions on and around the plate and text on top of the image. — Image Credit: Fit as a Mama Bear

A delicious and simple meal that requires minimal effort on your part. These slow cooker chicken legs are made with just a few ingredients and come out with juicy, tender chicken that falls off the bone. Seasoned in a simple dry rub, these chicken drumsticks are the perfect easy weeknight dinner! To learn more: Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks

Baked 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