What’s the best high-protein, lower-calorie order at Texas Roadhouse?

The hardest part of eating high-protein at Texas Roadhouse isn’t the steak. It’s everything that shows up around it.

There’s the bread basket, the temptation to go big on sides, and the classic “might as well” add-ons. If you want a comfort-food order that still keeps calories under control, you need something that’s protein-forward by default.

That’s why the best high-protein, lower-calorie order here is the Steak Mac & Cheese.

Best high-protein order

Order: Steak Mac & Cheese

Per the chain’s published nutrition info, Steak Mac & Cheese comes in at 530 calories, 70g protein, 24g carbs, and 17g fat.

That’s the sweet spot for most people: you get steakhouse flavor, you get the creamy side, and you’re not accidentally ordering a 1,200-calorie “meal plus bread plus apps” situation.

How to order it (and the portion hack that matters)

Ask for Steak Mac & Cheese.

Then do this at the table:

1. Cut the steak into bite-size pieces.
2. Mix it into about half the mac & cheese.
3. Box the rest immediately.

This is less about willpower and more about logistics. Once the plate’s in front of you, “I’ll stop when I’m full” is a messy plan. Making the second half leftovers on purpose is cleaner.

What to say to your server

Keep it simple.

• “I’ll do the Steak Mac & Cheese.”
• “Can I get a box with it?”

If you want to keep things tighter, don’t add extra sides “just because.” This order already covers the steak-and-side craving.

Texas Roadhouse high-protein picks (with macros)

If Steak Mac & Cheese isn’t your thing, there are other solid protein-heavy options that don’t automatically blow up calories.

Here are a few LeanBites-style picks using the chain’s published nutrition info.

If you want the most protein for the fewest calories, Grilled BBQ Chicken (300 calories, 46g protein) is hard to beat. But for a comfort-food vibe, Steak Mac & Cheese is the move.

Easy swaps that keep the same vibe

You don’t need to order like a robot. You just need a couple clean trade-offs.

Instead of Chicken Caesar Salad (1100 calories, 60g protein), get Smothered Chicken (430 calories, 55g protein) (saves 670 calories, protein is almost the same).

Instead of All-American Cheeseburger (1240 calories, 80g protein), get Steak Mac & Cheese (530 calories, 70g protein) (saves 710 calories, drops 10g protein).

Instead of New York Strip (12 oz) (640 calories, 72g protein), get Dallas Filet (8 oz) (430 calories, 61g protein) (saves 210 calories, drops 11g protein).

Instead of USDA Choice Sirloin (16 oz) (670 calories, 96g protein), get USDA Choice Sirloin (11 oz) (450 calories, 65g protein) (saves 220 calories, drops 31g protein).

What to do about sides (if you’re not doing the mac)

If you order a straight steak or chicken entrée instead, sides are where calories creep.

A few lower-calorie sides from the chain’s published nutrition info:

• Green Beans: 100 calories (6g protein, 13g carbs, 4g fat)
• Applesauce: 110 calories (0g protein, 28g carbs, 0g fat)
• Sauteed Mushrooms: 120 calories (3g protein, 5g carbs, 11g fat)

If you want something more filling (but higher calorie), these jump up fast:

• Seasoned Corn: 190 calories (5g protein, 29g carbs, 9g fat)
• Fresh Vegetables: 190 calories (3g protein, 13g carbs, 15g fat)

The practical play: if your main is already creamy or heavy, pick a lighter side. If your main is lean (sirloin, chicken), pick the side you actually want and don’t stack two of them.

Drinks that don’t quietly add calories

You can erase a “lower-calorie” order with one drink. If you want something easy:

• Diet Coke: 0 calories
• Iced Tea (Unsweet): 0 calories
• Coffee (Regular): 5 calories

If you’re doing the Steak Mac & Cheese, keeping the drink at 0 to 5 calories is the simplest way to keep the whole meal predictable.

One more Texas Roadhouse reality check

Texas Roadhouse is built for big appetites. Portions are generous, and the table setup is basically an invitation to snack.

So the best “macro-friendly” move isn’t finding a magical secret item. It’s ordering something that’s already high protein, then controlling the extras.

Get the Steak Mac & Cheese, mix the steak into half the mac, box the rest, and don’t let the bread basket turn your dinner into a multi-course event.