51 Delicious Keto Meals For Your Low-Carb Diet
You won’t even miss the carbs with these tasty keto meals. Fat is flavor and there’s plenty of that in these healthy, flavorful dishes. Any one of these low-carb delights are perfect for weight loss or a post-workout light dinner idea. If you’re new to the keto diet, this list of keto meals will have you inspired and your mouth watering in no time. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much you can enjoy without the carbs.
Even if your family prefers carb-centric dishes, these meals are crowd-pleasers. Plus, a lot of these dishes are perfect for meal prep, which is a self-care idea or practice for many people who are mindful of their health.
From your favorite dishes like chicken parm to cheesy chicken casserole, explore the low-carb version of your favorite dishes with these keto meals. If you’re using keto as a means to weight loss, you’ll want to explore other wellness activities too, and possibly add some high protein meals in the mix.
Jump to Section
- What Basic Foods are Keto Friendly?
- What are the Basic Rules for a Keto Diet?
- Keto Recipes for Beginners
- Easy & Lazy Keto Meals
- Keto Recipes For Weight Loss
- Cheap Keto Dinner Ideas
What Basic Foods are Keto Friendly?
So what do you eat on a keto diet? Keto is all about low-carb and high-fat foods while keeping protein moderate. If you want to get comfortable cooking with these ingredients and more, online cooking classes offer lots of options for all cuisines and dietary preferences to learn from the pros.
Dairy items like butter, some cheeses and some yogurts can be keto-friendly. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt can be included in keto meals, but be sure to limit your consumption as they do contain carbs. Heavy cream and half and half are perfect, and extra delicious in your morning coffee. Plant-based milk can be keto-friendly as well, just read the label to be sure.
What types of basic foods are keto-friendly? Pretty much all types of animal protein whether that’s chicken, beef, salmon and eggs are keto-friendly, but keep in mind that the goal is to keep protein moderate, with fat as the predominant macro-nutrient in your diet. Certain types of fish are better than others — for example, salmon or sardines are great, since they have a high amount of omega-3 fats, while shrimp or oysters are lower in fat and contain more protein and a few grams of carbs. Nuts and seeds are a great addition to your keto meals or as a snack, since they are almost entirely made up of fats.
You can and should still eat fruits and vegetables on the keto diet, just stick with varieties that are lowest in carbs. Leafy greens, peppers and of course lots of avocados, are safe. Berries or watermelon are good fruit choices for keto meals.
What are the Basic Rules for a Keto Diet?
Eating keto meals is about a lot more than just cutting down on carbs. The goal is to have fat as the main source of calories, with moderate amounts of protein and between 20 and 50 grams of carbohydrates per day, depending on other factors. The goal of eating keto meals is for your body to go into ketosis, where it transforms fat into energy needed to power your brain.
If you eat too much protein, you can pull yourself out of ketosis and your body can start breaking down the protein into energy, which doesn’t have the same benefits as ketosis. Generally speaking, you want about 5% of your total calories consumed to come from carbs, 70% to come from fat and around 25% to come from protein.
So what are the 9 rules of keto? They are as follows:
- Cut out the carbs
- Focus on high-quality protein
- Go heavy on fats
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
- Stick to simple beverages
- Avoid starchy vegetables
- Avoid starchy fruits
- Keep food consumption within an 8-hour window
- Most foods have a keto-friendly alternative, as you'll learn soon...
Keto Recipes for Beginners
1. Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps
No hoagie, no problem! These easy, cheesy keto meals come together in just a few minutes. While they’re not completely authentic, they are delicious. Skirt steak, peppers and onions and a melted layer of provolone are transported to your mouth via your favorite leafy greens.
2. Cheeseburger Bombs
Ever heard of a Juicy Lucy? A Midwest classic, it’s a burger patty stuffed with cheese that gets melty and oozes out with every bite. These cheeseburger bombs are flavor-packed keto meals that are perfect for summer whether you’re keto or not. Season your ground meat of choice, and put some shredded cheese or cubed cheese in the middle before forming a meatball around it. Enjoy over lettuce or with a keto-friendly bun.
3. Glazed Pork Chops
You can please the whole family with these easy and balanced keto meals: glazed pork chops. Whisk up a savory spice blend with flavors of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder and anything else you like. Sear your pork chops in some oil and when they’re almost done, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top and flip. As they finish cooking, the glaze starts to caramelize and coat everything. Serve with steamed broccoli or your veggie of choice.
4. Keto Cappuccino Slices
Just because you’re sticking to keto meals doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a sweet treat. Made with cream cheese, gelatine, and whipped cream (with a few more spices and some stevia), these fat-forward creamy coffee bars are oh-so-easy and mouthwatering.
5. Sheet Pan Chicken With Cheesy Cauliflower
These easy keto meals come together in no time at all for a delicious family lunch or dinner. Skin-on chicken thighs, seasoned with your favorite blend of spices get slightly crispy in the oven. Paired with a side of riced cauliflower, stirred together with sour cream, cheese and bacon, it’s reminiscent of a baked potato.
6. Swedish Meatballs
What are some keto dinner ideas? How about Swedish meatballs, like the beloved ones from Ikea? This is a beginner-friendly keto meal idea that anyone can whip together. Skip the mashed potatoes and opt for mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice to soak up that delicious and creamy beef gravy sauce.
7. Bacon Cheeseburger Bowls
The next time you’re craving cheeseburgers but want them as keto meals instead, try this recipe. Cook up ground beef either into burger patties or leave it as minced meat and melt some sliced cheese on the top. Serve it over iceberg lettuce with some diced onion, tomato and pickles. You can even get a little fancy and add bacon and avocado.
8. Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus
This keto meal idea is a crowd-pleasing dish for everyone, even those who don’t eat keto. Sautéed jumbo shrimp with plenty of butter, fresh garlic and lemon juice cook up in just a few minutes. Roasted or blanched asparagus, topped with the leftover lemon and garlic juices from the pan make this meal complete.
9. Mac and Cheese
You might think there’s no way you can enjoy your favorite mac and cheese when you go keto, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. They won’t taste exactly the same, but these keto meals or sides are still plenty delicious. Made with chunks of cauliflower baked in plenty of melty cheese, you could also try using keto-friendly noodles. Optional but extra-delicious, sprinkle the top with some pork panko for a little crunch.
10. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Sriracha Mayo
Often a beloved appetizer, these keto meals are satisfying snacks or light dinners. Bacon-wrapped shrimp, grilled to perfection, are made even better when dipped in spicy mayo. You can whisk together your own or go with store-bought, just check the label to make sure it’s sugar-free.
11. Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
Dice your favorite cut of steak into one-inch cubes and season as desired. They cook up quickly in your air fryer and get even better when dipped in an easy, three-ingredient melted garlic butter or spicy mayo. A great keto meal to prep for the week ahead and enjoy reheated.
12. Feta, Spinach and Tomato Stuffed Salmon
Utilize Mediterranean flavors for these mouthwatering keto meals. Lay down your favorite salmon filets on a baking sheet and cut into the side of the filet, without going all the way through, to create a pocket. Mix up crumbled feta, chopped spinach and tomatoes wtih spices before stuffing the salmon and baking it in the oven.
13. Crab and Avocado Cakes
Even though regular crab cakes could be keto-compliant if they’re low on bread crumbs, these visually stunning and refreshing keto meals are special enough for a dinner party but simple enough for any given weeknight. After setting a bed of sliced avocado, create a light crab salad with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper and a pinch of white pepper. Neatly layer the crab mix on top of the avocado and enjoy. If you have a circular mold, you can make it restaurant-level fancy by layering in the mold first.
14. Breakfast Casserole
Combine your favorite ingredients for these easy, make-ahead keto meals to start the day. Chorizo, radishes, celeriac and turnips combine with red onion, spinach, plenty of spices and melted cheese and a hint of heavy cream for this low-carb egg bake. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and enjoy.
Easy & Lazy Keto Meals
15. Cauliflower Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classically delicious and widely loved meal or side, and with a simple swap, it can become an easy keto meal to enjoy all week long. Cauliflower rice is easy to find at your local supermarket either fresh or frozen. Add eggs, onions, coconut aminos or soy sauce and a few other spices for that restaurant flavor you crave. You can even add bacon and a drizzle of spicy mayo that amps up the flavor and still keeps this keto-friendly.
16. Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Chicken Roll
No need to prep sides and your entré separately with these easy, cheesy keto meals. Sort of like a budget-friendly, less fancy Wellington, the filling consists of sliced broccoli, onion and plenty of cheddar cheese. Wrapped in deli ham and encased in halved chicken breasts before baking. The end result is a juicy, stuffed chicken dish oozing with melted cheese and lots of flavor.
17. Spicy Edamame Dip
While queso is also keto-friendly, you still want to sneak some veggies in where you can, and this spicy edamame dip is perfect. Freshly steamed edamame with roasted garlic, a hint of lime juice and a healthy amount of spice from cayenne pepper and a few other spices come together in the food processor for shockingly simple keto meals or appetizers. Keto chips or crackers make the best vehicle for this flavor-packed dip.
18. Crispy Chicken Fingers
While breading may be forbidden, this low-carb workaround might be even better than a regular chicken finger. Use pork panko to achieve that crispy, crunchy and golden brown exterior that you crave. Utilize almond flour in place of regular, and mix in your favorite spices and maybe even some parmesan cheese in your dry mix before frying in the oil of your choosing.
19. Beef Stroganoff
Luckily, you don’t have to change much with this classic recipe to turn them into delicious keto meals. Beef, beef broth and heavy cream with mushrooms and spices are all compliant. Swap out the usual egg noodles for some mashed or rice cauliflower or spaghetti squash noodles and you’ve got a healthy and comforting meal.
20. Chicken Parmesan
Not much is different with these keto meals compared to the regular versions: just swapping out the bread crumbs for almond flour, pork panko and some parmesan cheese. Smother the top in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking.
21. Strawberry Cheesecake Balls
While a regular slice of cheesecake is rich and full of sugar, this keto meal swap is a much healthier dessert. Little balls of cream cheese and xylitol with baked and blended strawberries get rolled in desiccated coconut or chopped nuts of your choice. Pop them in the fridge or freezer and enjoy a few when you’re craving something sweet.
22. Cheddar Bay Biscuit
This savory waffle, inspired by your favorite lobster restaurant, become the perfect keto meals or side dishes. Egg, almond flour, lots of cheddar cheese and, of course, Old Bay seasoning come together for a crispy and cheesy waffle that’s a blend of protein and fat. Perfect alongside soup, salad or fried chicken, even non-keto eaters will love this.
23. Egg Salad
Most egg salad is already keto, but this one gets an extra boost of delicious fat with some added avocado. You can add fresh dill, sliced pickles and any spices you like before mixing it up and enjoying it with a spoon or in a lettuce wrap for quick and easy keto meals.
24. Keto Pancakes
You might be surprised to learn that breakfast pancakes are on the keto meals menu, with just a few simple changes. They’re made with almond and coconut flours that are lower in carbs along with coconut cream, a delicious source of fat, plus eggs and heavy cream. These breakfast beauties are slightly tropical thanks to the inclusion of toasted coconut and macadamia nuts in the batter.
25. Stuffed Bell Peppers
You can channel any flavor profile or cuisine you like with these simple, easy keto meals. Brown up some ground meat of your choice with any spices or veggies you’d like. Cut the tops off a few bell peppers and hollow them out. You can also cut them in half for smaller portions. Fill with your meat mixture and top with cheese before baking and enjoy. These hold up well in the fridge and make a great lunch idea for adults to bring to work.
26. Chicken Thighs With Bacon Cream Sauce
You won’t believe how easy and delicious this keto meal idea is. Render bacon in your skillet, then set aside to cook your skin-on chicken thighs in the bacon grease. Remove the chicken and let it rest, then proceed to cook mushrooms and onions in the same pan, with thyme, salt and pepper.
Deglaze the pan with a little chicken stock and add heavy cream, parmesan and a little bit of Dijon mustard. Chop up the bacon and return it to the pan, along with the chicken thighs, and spoon the sauce over the top. This tasty dinner dish is show-stopping enough for a party but easy enough for an after-work meal.
Keto Recipes for Weight Loss
27. Bacon Wrapped Cod
Even though keto meals are all about fat, you’re still allowed to enjoy some protein and fish is a great lean choice. Wrap up cod filets, or your fish of choice, in bacon and roast in the oven. Have a side of leafy greens or cheesy cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
28. Keto Sushi
Sushi is refreshing and flavorful, but all that rice is less than ideal for some people. You can still enjoy sashimi when you’re eating keto meals, but if you want the same enjoyment of eating a roll, this keto sushi is perfect. You’ll need a bamboo sushi mat and some nori paper to layer avocado, cream cheese, cauliflower sticky rice and canned crab meat. It’s the at-home and tastier version of a California roll.
29. Feta and Herb Crusted Salmon
Salmon is a wonderful source of protein and plenty of high-quality fats, making it a solid base for many keto meals. Baste, steam or roast your salmon filets with a crust made of crumbled feta and lots of fresh dill with a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired weeknight dinner.
30. Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs
You won’t miss regular spaghetti and meatballs with this flavorful keto meal idea. Buttery meatballs made from ground chicken, cheese and lots of spices pair with thinly sliced zucchini noodles, a hint of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and copious amounts of butter or ghee. This crowd-pleaser can feed your family or guests for a dinner party.
31. Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
There are so many ways to customize these tasty keto meals. Seasoned ground turkey in a romaine lettuce boat tastes just like a taco with the right spices, plenty of melted cheese and some avocado. A little sour cream and some diced tomatoes or keto-friendly salsa make the perfect toppings. You can also use ground beef, chicken or pork instead of turkey.
32. Red Chili Shrimp Stir Fry
With just a few simple ingredients, you can pull together these bold keto meals. Jumbo shrimp, lots of red bell peppers and some onion get tossed around with sesame oil, soy sauce and some red chili paste for a kick. This Asian-inspired lunch or dinner cooks up in no time at all. You can add other veggies like cauliflower or broccoli for extra flavor and fiber.
33. Garlicky Lemon Mahi Mahi
This tender yet firm and wonderfully mild fish can become so many mouthwatering keto meals. Cook it in a pan and top it with a homemade compound butter that’s bursting with garlic, shallot, parsley and lots of lemon. Roasted asparagus in the same melted butter sauce is the perfect side dish for a perfectly balanced plate.
34. Lobster Salad Wraps
Little bowls of gem lettuce hold a tasty bite of lobster salad and avocado, for light and refreshing keto meals or appetizers. Chunks of fresh lobster (or shrimp or chicken) tossed with mayo, lemon juice, chives and tarragon are nestled in tiny lettuce bowls. Add a few wedges of avocado for some extra fat and flavor and you’ve got a low-carb lobster roll to enjoy.
35. California Grilled Chicken
Don’t skimp on flavor with these incredible summer keto meals. Grilled chicken topped with a slice of mozzarella, tomato and avocado goes a step further with the slightest drizzle of balsamic glaze and some shredded fresh basil. Enjoy on its own or with a side salad.
36. Mint Chip Breakfast Smoothie
While it’s not exactly the same as a pint of mint chip ice cream, it hits the spot and makes for refreshing keto meals for breakfast or a snack on a hot summer day. Almond milk, coconut milk and plenty of spinach (for that signature green color) come together with your favorite keto protein powder, lots of avocado and fresh mint leaves. Don’t forget cacao nibs for a chocolatey crunch.
37. Poached Salmon with Green Goddess
These keto meals combine a match made in heaven: salmon, avocado and lots of fresh herbs. Poach your salmon with some butter and lemon. Mix up your own easy homemade green goddess dressing using ripe avocados, fresh herbs like dill, parsley and chives and some olive oil. Serve the dressing as a bed or topping for the salmon along with some roasted vegetables of your choice, like asparagus or bell pepper.
38. Grilled Chicken and Bruschetta
These healthy keto meals are packed with flavor, easy to throw together and hits the spot on hot summer nights or crisp Fall evenings. Grill up chicken and melt a nice slice of mozzarella on top. On the side, stir together sliced tomatoes with a little garlic, shallot, red wine vinegar and plenty of fresh basil. Spoon your bruschetta mix over the warm chicken and enjoy.
39. Chicken Satay Bowl With Zoodles
Homemade chicken satay is packed with peanuty flavor and lots of veggies, making them great keto meals. Skin-on chicken thighs get plenty of flavor from a mix of freshly grated ginger, curry powder and garlic, sautéed in peanut oil for extra nuttiness. Your favorite peanut butter mixes with soy sauce, spicy Thai chile and coconut milk with a few additions for a sweet, salty and spicy drizzle. Serve it over a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) with chopped Persian cucumber and cherry tomatoes, then squeeze a lime half on top of everything and enjoy.
Cheap Keto Dinner Ideas
40. Keto Pizza
Just because you’re sticking to keto meals doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite foods. This keto pizza is pretty darn similar to the real thing, with a cheesy crust that might be better than the real thing. Combining mozzarella, almond flour, xantham gum and a few other things yields a tender and chewy crust. Add a thin layer of your favorite tomato sauce and plenty of cheese before baking and enjoying.
41. Chicken Piccata
Savor tender chicken with briny capers and bright lemon juice with this keto meal idea. Pound your chicken ultra-thin and dredge it in a thin coat of flour. Fry it up in butter with chicken broth, capers and lemons and enjoy it on its own or with spaghetti squash noodles.
42. Meatloaf
Not far from your mom’s meatloaf recipe, this keto meal idea is cheap and easy to make. Since ketchup isn’t keto-friendly, the loaf itself contains roasted red peppers along with bacon, mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
43. Lasagna
Skip the noodles or zoodles and make an easier, cheesier version of lasagna for crowd-pleasing keto meals. Layers of deli meat alternated with ricotta and shredded cheese, ground Italian sausage and marinara sauce make up for a mouthwatering low-carb version of this classic dish. Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
44. Jalapeno Popper Chicken Skillet
Those crispy, breaded jalapeno bites get a keto meal makeover for a soon-to-be favorite dinner. Chicken, jalapenos, onions, and plenty of cheddar cheese combine with some added cream cheese and spices to create a one-skillet wonder. Feeling lazy? Use a rotisserie chicken instead of roasting your own. Wrap in bacon for an extra zing.
45. Stuffed Cabbage
Your favorite ground meat, along with peppers, onions and spices, gets packed into green cabbage leaves for tender and delicious keto meals. A little bit of cauliflower rice helps to bind the filling together, while a drizzle of marinara sauce adds a bold kick of flavor.
46. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
These classic and cozy keto meals are perfect when colder temps hit. Broccoli cheddar soup without a roux is ultra-low carb and brimming with warming flavors. Some white onion, chopped broccoli florets and your favorite sharp cheddar combine with chicken broth, cream and a little butter for a rich bowl of goodness.
47. Corned Beef and Cabbage
It doesn’t have to be St. Paddy’s Day to enjoy these keto meals. Slow-cooked corned beef and cabbage is the perfect blend of fat, protein and a little bit of fiber. Prepare it using your favorite recipe and just leave out the potatoes to keep it keto-compliant. It’s even better if you’ve got an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
48. Cheddar Taco Crisps
Did you know your favorite shredded cheese can become a crispy taco shell, perfect for a keto meal? Create little piles of melted cheese on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake until bubbling and slightly brown. Once they’ve cooled a bit but are still warm and pliable, bend them upwards to create a “U” shape. Let them harden and use them as a taco shell.
49. Creamy Cajun Shrimp
Juicy shrimp simmered in a creamy and slightly spicy Cajun sauce will be your new favorite keto meals for the whole family. Bursting with garlic, sweet tomatoes and Cajun spice, it’s surprisingly quick, easy and affordable. Heavy cream and plenty of parmesan cheese create a dreamy sauce, made even better with spinach, blistered tomatoes and as much or as little Cajun seasoning as you like. With wilted spinach and tomatoes already in with the shrimp and sauce, no side dishes are necessary.
50. Egg Roll in a Bowl
While it might be hard to find compliant keto meals from your favorite Chinese carry-out joint, you can whip together an egg roll in a bowl pretty easily. Using lots of store-bought shredded cabbage or coleslaw as the base adds fiber and crunch. Fresh ginger, garlic, Chinese five spice and soy sauce add great flavor to your ground pork or meat of choice. You can add mushrooms and bell peppers if you’re looking to pack in some more veggie-based goodness; don’t forget a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds.
51. Ice Burgers
If you miss being able to pick up and bite into a big, juicy cheeseburger, then these keto meals are for you. “Ice burgers” take your favorite burger and toppings, sandwiched between two pieces of crunchy iceberg lettuce for the low-carb alternative to an American classic.
If you’re new to keto or curious about if you could stick to keto meals, this list should prove that just about anything can be made low-carb and delicious. From breakfast, dinner, dessert and snacks, you won’t miss things like sugar, bread, pasta or potatoes when you get to indulge in rich, fat-filled goodness.
Once you’re familiar with the 9 rules of keto, you can start experimenting. Keto is meant to be more than just a diet but also a lifestyle. If you can do that, you can have success eating keto meals and reaping the health benefits. For some, it changes their quality of life for the better, while others don’t enjoy it. You have to try it to know.
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