9 Fall High Protein Dinner Ideas for Lazy People

When the temperature drops and the leaves start turning, my craving for comfort food hits an all-time high. But here is the problem: I also tend to lose all motivation to cook complicated meals right around the same time. I want the cozy vibes of a slow-cooked autumn stew, but I often only have the energy to order takeout.

Over the years, I realized that “lazy” cooking doesn’t have to mean unhealthy eating. In fact, fall is actually the easiest season to load up on protein without spending hours in the kitchen. With the right ingredients—think hearty squashes, rotisserie chickens, and sheet pans—you can make nutrient-dense meals that practically cook themselves.

Below are my go-to high-protein dinner recipes for when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. These use seasonal produce to keep things festive, but they prioritize speed and ease above all else.

1. Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Sweet Potato

This is the ultimate “I don’t want to do dishes” meal. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with savory chicken sausage, and roasting everything together caramelizes the edges beautifully.

Ingredients

• 4 pre-cooked chicken sausages (apple or maple flavor works best for fall), sliced into coins
• 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed (buy pre-cut to save time)
• 1 red onion, chopped into large chunks
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Toss the sweet potatoes, onion, and broccoli with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper directly on the pan.
4. Roast for 20 minutes.
5. Remove the pan, toss the vegetables, and add the sliced chicken sausage.
6. Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until the sausage is browned and potatoes are tender.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	16g

2. 15-Minute Pumpkin Turkey Skillet

This dish tastes like pasta sauce without the pasta. It is creamy, savory, and utilizes canned pumpkin puree for a massive nutrient boost without any chopping.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 bag (5 oz) fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
• Optional: Parmesan cheese for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
3. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add the spinach in handfuls, stirring until it wilts down into the sauce.
6. Serve hot, optionally topped with parmesan.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	14g

3. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

This is a “dump and go” recipe. It uses white beans and chicken breast to pack a double punch of protein. It is perfect for chilly nights when you want dinner ready the moment you walk in the door.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Pour the beans, green chilies, onion, broth, and spices over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and stir it back into the soup.
5. If you want it creamier, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	6g

4. Maple Glazed Salmon and Brussels Sprouts

Salmon is one of the fastest proteins to cook. The maple glaze gives it an autumnal flair that makes it feel fancy, even though it takes less than 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on one side of a baking sheet and Brussels sprouts on the other.
3. Drizzle the sprouts with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.
4. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup and soy sauce. Brush this glaze over the salmon.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and sprouts are crispy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	410
Protein	36g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	21g

5. Rotisserie Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

The ultimate lazy hack is buying a rotisserie chicken. This soup uses pre-cooked chicken and quick-cooking wild rice blends to create a hearty meal in one pot.

Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie chicken, meat shredded and skin removed
• 1 box (32 oz) chicken bone broth (higher protein than regular broth)
• 1 cup mirepoix (buy the pre-chopped onion, carrot, celery mix from the store)
• 1 cup quick-cooking wild rice blend
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the mirepoix and sauté for 3 minutes.
2. Add the bone broth and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
3. Stir in the wild rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer according to rice package directions (usually 10–15 minutes for quick blends).
4. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and heat through for 2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	10g

6. One-Pan Apple Cider Pork Chops

Apples and pork are a classic fall pairing. This recipe sears the chops quickly and uses the apple juices to keep the meat tender.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• 1/2 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season pork chops generously with sage, salt, and pepper.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F). Remove pork from the pan.
4. Add the sliced apples to the same pan and sauté for 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the apple cider to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Let it bubble for 1 minute.
6. Return pork to the pan, spoon the apples and sauce over the top, and serve.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	16g
Fat	14g

7. Ground Beef and Butternut Squash Hash

This is a high-protein, lower-carb option that works for dinner or breakfast. Using ground beef ensures it cooks fast without the need for marinating or careful slicing.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 3 cups butternut squash, cubed into small 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper
• Garnish: Fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and butternut squash cubes.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes. The beef should be browned and the squash fork-tender. (Covering the pan helps the squash steam-cook faster).
3. Stir in paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook uncovered for another 2 minutes to crisp up the beef edges.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	360
Protein	26g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	18g

8. Lazy Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed squash looks impressive but is incredibly simple. The squash acts as an edible bowl, reducing cleanup.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 apple, diced small
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes.
3. While squash roasts, brown the ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the diced apple, walnuts, and poultry seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes.
5. Remove squash from the oven, flip them over, and fill the centers with the chicken mixture.
6. Return to the oven for 5 minutes to heat everything together.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	390
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	20g

9. Lentil and Sausage Stew

Lentils are an excellent plant-based protein source that pairs well with sausage for a rustic fall meal.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 oz) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup dry brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 bay leaf

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the sausage slices over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
2. Add the lentils, broth, tomatoes (with juice), carrots, and bay leaf.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	19g

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best high-protein vegetables for fall?

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and spinach are excellent choices available in autumn that contribute to your daily protein intake. While squashes like pumpkin and butternut are lower in protein, they provide essential fiber and vitamins that pair well with lean meats.

Can I meal prep these recipes?

Yes, most of these recipes are excellent for meal prep. The Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili and the Lentil Stew actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld. The sheet pan meals can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

How can I add more protein without meat?

To boost protein in fall dishes without adding more meat, try stirring in Greek yogurt to soups for creaminess, sprinkling pumpkin seeds (pepitas) over roasted veggies, or using bone broth instead of water or standard stock.

Conclusion

Staying on track with your protein goals during the fall doesn’t require hours of chopping or complicated techniques. By utilizing seasonal shortcuts like pre-cut squash, canned pumpkin, and sheet pan methods, you can enjoy warm, comforting meals that support your health. These 9 recipes prove that you can be “lazy” in the kitchen while still nourishing your body with high-quality, high-protein food.