Meet the Protein Bowl, Your New Meal-Prep Staple — Here Are 14 Recipes to Try

Updated on 7/14/2019 at 8:55 AM

There's something about a heaping bowl that makes any meal seem more filling, but with these protein-rich recipes, that isn't just an illusion. To feel satisfied and squash cravings, you need to eat a healthy balance of nutrients, including healthy fats and complex carbs, and of course, protein — it's digested slowly, which keeps your blood sugar steady and your belly full. Plus, protein is essential for building muscle, yet another step in maintaining a healthy weight.

The protein bowls in this roundup pair plant- and animal-based proteins with lots of vegetables and, more often than not, whole grains. You'll love how perfectly they fit into your meal prep and even more so, how great they taste. Let's dig in!

Beef and Broccoli Bowl

This is sure to become a family favorite. Beef sirloin, broccoli, sesame, green onions, and fresh cilantro fuse together for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Get the recipe: beef and broccoli bowl

Vegan Buddha Bowl

This plant-based bowl — made with quinoa, chickpeas, vegetables, and a delicious tahini drizzle — packs 19 grams of protein per serving.

Get the recipe: vegan Buddha bowl

Chicken Gyro Bowl

It's all the flavors of the traditional Greek sandwich, piled on top of a bed of quinoa. To save time, you can cook the grains in an Instant Pot.

Get the recipe: chicken gyro bowl

Loco Moco Breakfast Bowl

This beef and egg bowl is inspired by Hawaiian cuisine, but the recipe calls for cauliflower rice instead of a more traditional grain.

Get the recipe: loco moco breakfast bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Imagine just the stuffing from an egg roll (ground meat, broccoli coleslaw, a tasty Asian sauce), and this is what you get. You can store individual portions in the fridge for up to four days and enjoy your bowl hot or cold.

Get the recipe: egg roll in a bowl

Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowl

Cook the chicken in a pressure cooker, then add your choice of toppings, like cheese, guacamole, corn, and salsa. One thing you won't want to skip: the spicy mayo dressing.

Get the recipe: shredded chicken burrito bowl

Vietnamese Beef and Crispy Rice Bowl

It might look like a lot of work, but this filling, one-skillet dinner cooks in under 30 minutes. (And it makes delicious leftovers.)

Get the recipe: Vietnamese beef and crispy rice bowl

Blackened Salmon Bowl With Potatoes and Avocado Goddess Sauce

You'll cook the salmon and potatoes on a single sheet pan. To make the recipe even easier, buy the rice precooked.

Get the recipe: blackened salmon bowl with potatoes and avocado goddess sauce

Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl

With avocado, mango, red bell peppers, and more, this protein bowl delivers a rainbow of flavors. It's perfect for meal prep, too.

Get the recipe: Cuban chicken and black bean rice bowl

Satay Beef Bowl

Craving Thai food? Swap takeout for this beef marinated in a creamy peanut sauce and served with green beans and cauliflower rice.

Get the recipe: satay beef bowl

Healthy Mexican Breakfast Bowl

This high-protein breakfast will wake you right up, and it takes just five minutes to make — ideal for busy mornings.

Get the recipe: healthy Mexican breakfast bowl

No-Mayo Chicken Salad Bowl

Finally, a chicken salad recipe made without fat-laden mayonnaise. Instead, the dressing is made with yogurt (read: more protein).

Get the recipe: no-mayo chicken salad bowl

Teriyaki Tofu Bowl

You'll want to use extra-firm tofu in this recipe, and either make your own teriyaki sauce (so good!) or pick some up on your next grocery run (faster!).

Get the recipe: teriyaki tofu bowl

Meatball Burrito Bowl

Meatballs are served with a refreshing pico de gallo, cauliflower rice, cheese, and creamy sour cream. The recipe calls for beef, but you could try swapping in another protein.

Get the recipe: meatball burrito bowl