These 17 High-Protein Dinners Don’t Rely on Meat

High-protein dinners don’t have to revolve around meat—and they don’t have to be boring, either. These recipes are all about big flavor, simple ingredients, and meals you’ll actually want to make again. Whether you’re cutting back on meat or just looking for new ideas, these are great for anyone who wants something filling without overcomplicating dinner. They're hearty, packed with protein, and straight-up good.

A close up image of a serving of vegetarian enchiladas on a plate. — Vegetarian Enchiladas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Eggplant Casserole

This eggplant casserole layers vegetables, herbs, and cheese before baking to a golden finish. It’s a straightforward, high-protein dish that doesn’t take much effort to assemble.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma uses tomato sauce, eggplant, and basil, and comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s a high-protein meal that works well on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Vegan Turkey Roast

Made with chickpeas and seitan, this vegan roast works well for holidays or everyday dinners. It’s a high-protein choice that’s budget-friendly and simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Vegetarian Enchiladas

These enchiladas are topped with queso and red sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. They’re a solid high-protein option that comes together with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchiladas

Paccheri al Forno

Paccheri al Forno uses only a few ingredients and bakes in under an hour. It’s a high-protein vegetarian option that doesn’t require much hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno

Naan Pizza

Naan pizzas—whether Margherita, Veggie, or Mediterranean—can be made quickly with cheese or plant-based protein toppings. They’re a flexible option for a high-protein meal.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti squash lasagna bakes in 45 minutes with layers of cheese and herbs. It’s a high-protein vegetarian dish that’s easy to prepare using basic ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each. — Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker mac and cheese cooks with almost no effort and turns out creamy and rich. It works well as a high-protein meal for gatherings or busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate. — Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegetables, ricotta, and pasta are layered into this vegetable lasagna. It’s a straightforward way to get a high-protein meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Vegan Ham

Made from vital wheat gluten, this vegan ham is simple to prepare and can be served for both weeknight dinners and special meals. It’s high in protein and works as a reliable meat alternative.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is ready in about 30 minutes and gets topped with cheese before baking. It’s a dependable way to get a high-protein side or main dish done quickly.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

This enchilada casserole stacks vegetables, cheese, and sauce into one dish that bakes easily. It’s a practical high-protein option for nights when you want everything in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Vegan Drumsticks

These vegan drumsticks come out crispy and can be made without a long prep time. They’re a solid high-protein choice for anyone avoiding meat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Drumsticks

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan. — Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked gouda mac and cheese is ready in 45 minutes and has a creamy texture that works well for sharing. It’s a practical high-protein meal, especially when you want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice with tofu is made on one pan and uses common ingredients. It’s high in protein and helps cut down on dishes after cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

An image of lemon butter pasta in a bowl. — Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon butter pasta takes under 30 minutes and pairs well with a protein-rich addition. It’s a simple vegetarian dish that doesn’t take much time to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)

Stuffed shells filled with ricotta and baked in marinara and mozzarella come together with ease. They’re a dependable high-protein dish that works well for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)