12 High-Protein Dinners You Can Make in a Muffin Tin

Most of us use our muffin tins to make, well, muffins or cupcakes. But that's so limiting. With a little ingenuity, muffin tins can transform into multifunctional kitchen tools to create as many meals as your imagination desires.

Don't believe us? These tasty muffin tin recipes make for perfectly portioned dinners packed with 10 grams of protein or more.

• ‌33 grams of protein‌

These tiny tacos come with the cutest homemade mini tortilla cups. Made by pressing classic corn tortillas into a muffin tin and baking them, these bite-sized cups turn crispy and golden brown in the oven.

While you'll have to plan ahead to make these tasty taco bites, the convenience of the slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it. Trust us: These mouth-puckering pork carnitas — topped with guacamole, onion and cilantro — will be worth the wait.

• ‌Protein: N/A‌

Mouthwatering meatloaf just like your mama used to make! These cheesy meatloaf mini versions come loaded with vitamin-rich veggies like onions, peppers, carrots and zucchini. Not only do these additions make this meaty dish more nutritious, but they also take your loaf's moistness to the next level.

• ‌14 grams of protein‌

If you're looking to simplify your breakfasts, these ham spinach egg cups are your solution. Made with only four ingredients — ham, eggs, spinach and cheddar cheese — this breakfast-for-dinner dish comes together on your table in 20 minutes and requires minimal cleanup. Pair these cheesy egg minis with a grainy slice of whole-wheat toast for a complete meal.

• ‌15 grams of protein‌

With a gooey center and crispy edges, these mac and cheese minis are little mouthfuls of comfort food heaven. By using high-quality hard cheese, you don't even need eggs to bind the bites together.

Pro tip: Sprinkle a layer of cheese on the bottom of the muffin tins before adding the macaroni mixture. Not only will this make each portion pop out of the pan smoothly, but it also adds even more cheesy goodness to each salivating serving.

• ‌20 grams of protein‌

These finger-food-size frittatas might be mini, but they're big on tastiness thanks to classic flavorful ingredients like olive oil and fresh basil. Crumbly goat cheese becomes bubbly in the oven offering even more palate-pleasing flavor. These savory egg bites are so delicious, you won't even notice all the nutrient-dense veggies in the recipe like raw sweet potato and baby kale.

• ‌12 grams of protein‌

Love your loaf with a little less meat? This vegetarian version of the classic meat-centric meal will even have carnivores craving more. With a moist, melt-in-your-mouth interior and lightly crisped edges, these hearty mini loaves owe their meaty texture to a trio of walnuts, lentils and mushrooms.

But the best part is undoubtedly the homemade barbecue sauce that serves up savory notes of umami due to its combination of sweet, salty and spicy flavors from maple syrup, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce to tabasco and smoked paprika.

• ‌12 grams of protein for 3 bites‌

These plant-based bites boast everything you love about pizza: shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning and tasty toppings like olives. Plus, they sneak in a little extra protein and fiber with the addition of quinoa. Bake until golden brown, then pop them in your mouth plain or dip them in a zesty marinara sauce.

• ‌11 grams of protein‌

These crispy wonton taco cups are a genius way to repurpose last night's leftover chicken. Flavored with taco seasoning, fresh salsa and shredded cheddar, this simple weeknight meal is ready in under 30.

For another quick, convenient option, you can also purchase pre-made rotisserie chicken too. Serve with rice and beans for a dynamite dinner with even more protein.

• ‌10 grams of protein‌

These chicken pot pie mini muffins are a terrifically tasty twist on the traditional dish. With tender chicken, veggies, cheddar cheese and a flaky biscuit base, they're guaranteed to be a huge hit around the dinner table.

No chicken in the fridge or freezer? No worries. You can pack these pies with any meat you have on hand like leftover ham, turkey or pot roast.

• ‌14 grams of protein for 2 bites‌

These single-serving tortilla bowls are brimming with refried beans, shredded chicken, chunky salsa and a blend of cheeses. Red cabbage provides a pop of color and crunch for even more layered texture. Finish with a squeeze of lime for a little extra zest.

• ‌12 grams of protein for 3 bites‌

Spicy chili plus bubbly mac and cheese in a bite-sized format —what's not to love? Ground beef, macaroni, cheddar cheese and warm spices like chili powder, ground cumin and smoked paprika pair together for a perfectly filling p.m. meal with a hint of heat to keep you warm on cold winter nights.

Not a fan of red meat? Simply sub in ground chicken or turkey.

• ‌14 grams of protein for 2 bites‌

Though they're just as tasty, these customizable pizza bites are way better for you than store-bought varieties. Indeed, these homemade mini pizzas provide 14 grams of muscle-building protein for two bites compared to Bagel Bites Pizza Snacks, which offer zip in the protein department (literally zero grams for four bites).

The secret to these petite pizzas' protein punch is in the dough, which is made with protein-rich Greek yogurt.