15 Hearty Recipes for Meat Lovers

Calling all meat lovers! The South Beach Diet may be for you. Meat tends to be one of the main food groups on a low carb diet. Fill your weight loss menu with our meaty recipes that are hearty, healthy and delicious.

Meat is an exceptional source of protein and can help you reach your weight loss goals. According to Healthline, protein helps to maintain and build muscle, suppress appetite, decrease cravings and increase your metabolism. Your body is comprised of more than 10,000 different proteins says Harvard Health. It is essential to replenish your dietary supply daily to maintain proper health.

We told you all of that to say this: these recipes are a celebration of protein and flavor. So go ahead, meat lovers; have your steak and eat it too.

Here are 15 hearty recipes for meat lovers:

1. Philly Cheesesteak Boats >

Calories per serving: 220

You don’t have to be from Philadelphia to appreciate a great cheesesteak. And luckily for you, you don’t have to feel guilty about it after eating this one. Meat and cheese are still the star of the show, while the zucchini-boat bottom holds it all in place and adds a satisfying crunch.

2. Warm Beef Salad >

Calories per serving: 420

Some may say that “hearty” and “salad” don’t usually go hand in hand. However, one ingredient can make anything hearty; steak. We add grilled steak to this recipe in order to make it as satisfying as possible for you meat lovers. We paired it with feta and tangy red onion for robust flavor.

3. 3-Step Mustard-Crusted Pork >

Calories per serving: 250

Everyone serves chicken. Lots of people serve steak. But pork—especially pork tenderloin like this—deserves the spotlight at your next get-together. The mustard-based seasoning is basic but flavorful and virtually any veggie can pair along side this hearty dish.

4. Classic Steak au Poivre >

Calories per serving: 204

Steak au Poivre has been a favorite for decades. While some recipes can get pretty fancy (think flambé!), this recipe is designed for the beginner cook. It’s another great, company’s-coming option and looks pretty with the red, yellow and green pepper strips.

5. Broiled Steak and Sautéed Pepper Salad >

Calories per serving: 170

This salad is for the person who doesn’t like salad. There isn’t one piece of lettuce on this plate. Not one tomato. Nor cucumber. We could go on but here’s the point; this “salad” may be made with vegetables. However, they’re cooked, mild and flavorful. Pork gets the spotlight and the cheese on top is just an added bonus.

6. Beef with Mushrooms and Asparagus >

Calories per serving: 370

What potatoes? Thanks to onions, asparagus and hearty mushrooms, this London broil is perfectly complemented. To really infuse the garlic and rosemary flavor, season the steak and let it rest for 30 minutes. If you’re in a rush, rest assured that this one cleans up easy because the whole meal cooks up in one skillet.

7. “Fried” Coconut Chicken >

Calories per serving: 360

Craving your favorite takeout? How about Indonesian food? Similar to Thai cuisine, this dish incorporates flavorful (hearty!) coconut milk and crushed macadamia nuts—two Healthy Fats on top of a filling Lean Protein. Most restaurants would fry the chicken before seasoning it but this recipe skips that step. You won’t miss it.

8. 3-Step Bunless Cheeseburger >

Calories per serving: 440

Is there anything more comforting or satisfying than a burger? Yes. A cheeseburger. This recipe has Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard, all wrapped up in a lettuce bun. Get your protein and fiber in this delicious, hearty meal.

9. Vietnamese Pork Rolls >

Calories per serving: 220

Lettuce Wraps sound healthy. After all, lettuce is in the title. Many people order these at restaurants thinking they’ve made a smart decision. However, many lettuce wraps at popular chain restaurants contain high amounts of calories and carbs. Control the ingredients in your wrap by making your own. This recipe contains lean pork, garlic, fresh ginger and lime juice so that you can stay on plan.

10. Grilled Garlic Pork Chops >

Calories per serving: 70

Pork chops are tricky to prepare. Cook them too long and you have a hockey puck. When done right, you get a moist, flavorful meat that’s deliciously satisfying. To ensure juiciness, we marinated our pork, which helps with both flavor and moisture. Set a timer when your chops hit the grill so that you don’t exceed 12 minutes.

11. Cauliflower “Rice” and Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers >

Calories per serving: 273

Thanks to the beef and gooey cheese in this recipe, you’ll feel like you’re eating something right off a Mexican restaurant menu. But this recipe is actually loaded with veggies and you’ll fulfill two servings of veggies you need for the day. See? You’ve got this diet thing!

12. Chimichurri Grilled Lamb Chops >

Calories per serving: 360

If you’re looking for a hearty dish, lamb is your meat.  It’s also satisfying, flavorful and a complete, 100% approved protein for your keto-friendly plan. Lamb is also very high in zinc, iron and vitamin B12 says Healthline. If you haven’t tried lamb, you’re missing out on essential nutrition and some amazing flavor.

13. Bacon Ranch Pizza >

Calories per serving: 325

Even if we had used cauliflower or whole wheat crust, this pizza—with ranch, bacon and cheese—would be a fast favorite. But, we came up with something pretty clever: a meat crust made with chicken, egg, cheese and spices. This pizza is as amazing and satisfying as it sounds. Your whole family will beg for it!

14. Lightened Up Chicken Fingers >

Calories per serving: 258

There’s a reason you’ll find chicken fingers on virtually every restaurant and fast food menu across the country; they’re good. Our recipe isn’t fried for a host of unhealthy reasons. However, these tenders are coated in bold spices and crisped from high heat and a bit of cooking spray. Double the dipping sauce and save half to marinate pork, fish or chicken later in the week.

15. California Wrap >

Calories per serving: 140

This is what meat lovers eat when a snack-attack strikes. Go ahead and meal prep a few of these in advance so that you can grab one when hunger strikes. Oh, and don’t forget that the rest of your family will also grab one at snack time, so you should probably double your efforts.