Look, I get it. You’re staring at your fridge at 6 PM, stomach growling, and the last thing you want to do is spend two hours making some complicated “keto-friendly” meal that tastes like cardboard. I’ve been there—hangry, confused, and desperately Googling “keto dinner recipes easy low carb” while my family gives me that look.
Here’s the thing: keto doesn’t have to be hard. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a culinary degree. You just need recipes that keep you under 5 net carbs and actually taste good. So let me share 20 keto recipes dinner options that’ll save your sanity and your macros.
Why These Low Carb Dinner Recipes Actually Work
Before we jump in, let’s talk reality. Most keto dinner recipes you find online are either ridiculously complicated or secretly loaded with hidden carbs. I’ve tested these recipes personally, and here’s what makes them different:
- They use real ingredients you can find at any grocery store
- Prep time stays under 30 minutes for most recipes
- Net carbs stay firmly under 5g per serving
- They taste like actual food, not diet food
Ever notice how some “easy keto recipes dinner” require 47 specialty ingredients? Yeah, we’re not doing that here. 🙂
1. Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
This is my go-to when I’m too tired to think. You literally throw chicken thighs in a pan with butter, garlic, and herbs. That’s it.
Net Carbs: 1g per serving
I cook these at least twice a week because they’re foolproof. The skin gets crispy, the meat stays juicy, and your kitchen smells amazing. Pair them with roasted broccoli and you’ve got dinner in 25 minutes.
2. Zucchini Noodle Carbonara
Okay, hear me out. I know zucchini noodles get a bad rap, but when you coat them in a creamy egg and parmesan sauce with crispy bacon? Game changer.
Net Carbs: 4g per serving
The trick is not overcooking the zucchini—nobody wants mushy noodles. Keep them slightly firm, toss them with that silky carbonara sauce, and suddenly you’re not even missing pasta. IMO, this beats regular carbonara because you don’t get that carb coma afterward.
3. Taco Stuffed Avocados
Who needs taco shells when you have avocados? I stuff these with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and sour cream for the easiest keto recipes dinner option ever.
Net Carbs: 3g per serving
Pro tip: Don’t skip the seasoning on the beef. Use cumin, chili powder, and paprika to get that authentic taco flavor. Your taste buds will thank you.
4. Creamy Tuscan Salmon
This recipe makes me feel fancy even though it takes 20 minutes. You pan-sear salmon and simmer it in a cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Net Carbs: 4g per serving
The sun-dried tomatoes add just enough sweetness without spiking your carbs. I serve this over cauliflower rice when I’m feeling ambitious, or just eat it straight from the pan when I’m not.
5. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Remember when wraps were wrapped in actual tortillas? Yeah, those days are gone, but honestly, these lettuce wraps hit different.
Net Carbs: 2g per serving
I use rotisserie chicken to save time—shred it, toss it in buffalo sauce, add some ranch and blue cheese crumbles, and wrap it all in crisp romaine leaves. The crunch factor is unreal.
6. Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp
This is what I make when I’m craving takeout but don’t want to blow my macros. You pulse cauliflower into rice-sized pieces and stir-fry it with shrimp, eggs, and vegetables.
Net Carbs: 5g per serving
FYI, frozen cauliflower rice exists and it’s a lifesaver. No need to stand there pulsing cauliflower like some kind of kitchen warrior. Work smarter, not harder.
7. Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
I wrap chicken breasts in bacon, stuff them with cream cheese and cheddar, and bake them until everything gets melty and delicious.
Net Carbs: 1g per serving
Is there anything bacon can’t improve? I haven’t found it yet. This recipe proves that keto dinner recipes can be indulgent without being complicated.
8. Pesto Zoodles with Cherry Tomatoes
When I want something light but satisfying, I spiralize zucchini and toss it with fresh pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella.
Net Carbs: 4g per serving
You can make your own pesto or buy a good quality one—I won’t judge. Just check the label for added sugars because some brands sneak them in there.
9. Keto Chili (No Beans Needed)
I know what you’re thinking: “Chili without beans? What’s the point?” But trust me, this ground beef chili with peppers, tomatoes, and spices is so hearty you won’t miss them.
Net Carbs: 5g per serving
Top it with sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapeños for a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. I make a huge batch and freeze portions for lazy nights.
10. Lemon Herb Pork Chops
Pork chops get a bad reputation for being dry, but when you cook them right with butter, lemon, and fresh herbs, they’re juicy and flavorful.
Net Carbs: 0g per serving
The key is not overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer and pull them at 145°F. Your future self will appreciate the tender, perfectly cooked pork.
11. Eggplant Pizza Rounds
I slice eggplant into rounds, top them with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni, then bake until the cheese bubbles. It’s basically pizza without the guilt.
Net Carbs: 4g per serving
These are perfect for meal prep too. I make a batch on Sunday and reheat them throughout the week when I need a quick dinner.
12. Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Picture this: chicken breast butterflied and stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, then baked until everything melts together.
Net Carbs: 2g per serving
This is one of those keto recipes dinner guests always love. They don’t even realize it’s low carb—they just know it tastes amazing.
13. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Steak Bites
I cube steak, sear it in a hot pan, and serve it alongside roasted broccoli tossed in garlic, parmesan, and olive oil.
Net Carbs: 3g per serving
The broccoli gets crispy edges and the steak stays tender. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re eating it in your pajamas.
14. Thai Coconut Curry with Chicken
This recipe uses coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables for a creamy, flavorful dinner that transports you straight to Thailand. Or at least to your happy place.
Net Carbs: 5g per serving
I serve this over cauliflower rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. The coconut milk keeps the carbs low while adding incredible richness.
15. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Burgers
I mix ground beef with spinach and feta, form it into patties, and grill them. The feta melts into the beef and creates these pockets of salty, tangy goodness.
Net Carbs: 2g per serving
Skip the bun and wrap these in lettuce or just eat them with a fork. Either way, they’re incredibly satisfying and perfect for summer grilling.
16. Baked Salmon with Asparagus
Sometimes simple is best. I place salmon fillets and asparagus on a sheet pan, drizzle everything with olive oil and lemon, and bake.
Net Carbs: 2g per serving
This is my favorite lazy Sunday dinner. One pan, minimal cleanup, and it looks fancy enough to serve to guests. What’s not to love?
17. Crispy Skin Duck Breast with Green Beans
Okay, this one sounds fancy, but it’s honestly easier than you think. You score the duck skin, sear it fat-side down until crispy, then finish it in the oven.
Net Carbs: 3g per serving
Serve it with sautéed green beans and suddenly you’re living your best gourmet keto life. The duck fat makes the green beans taste incredible, too.
18. Mexican Cauliflower Rice Bowl
I season cauliflower rice with taco spices, top it with grilled chicken or beef, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. It’s basically a burrito bowl minus the carbs.
Net Carbs: 5g per serving
This is my meal prep MVP. I make all the components on Sunday and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week. Dinner in literally five minutes? Yes, please.
19. Italian Sausage and Peppers
This classic combination never gets old. I slice Italian sausage and bell peppers, sauté them with onions and garlic, and dinner is done.
Net Carbs: 4g per serving
The peppers get sweet and caramelized, the sausage stays juicy, and you can serve this over zoodles or just eat it straight. Both options are equally acceptable in my book.
20. Keto Beef and Broccoli
Skip the Chinese takeout and make this at home. Tender beef strips, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that tastes better than any restaurant version.
Net Carbs: 4g per serving
The secret is slicing the beef thin and cooking it on high heat. You want a nice sear on the outside while keeping it tender inside. Serve over cauliflower rice and you’ve nailed it.
Making These Easy Keto Recipes Dinner Work for You
Listen, I’m not going to pretend that switching to low carb dinner recipes is always easy. Some nights you’ll want to face-plant into a pizza. But having these 20 recipes in your back pocket makes those nights way more manageable.
Here’s my strategy for success:
- Meal prep on Sundays – Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and make cauliflower rice in bulk
- Keep staples stocked – Always have butter, cream cheese, cauliflower, and zucchini on hand
- Don’t overthink it – Simple combinations of protein, vegetables, and fat work perfectly
- Batch cook – Double recipes and freeze portions for emergency dinners
The beauty of these keto dinner recipes easy low carb options is that they’re flexible. Hate zucchini? Use cabbage. Not a fan of chicken? Swap in pork. You get the idea.
Final Thoughts on These Keto Recipes Dinner Options
After months of testing recipes and occasionally setting off my smoke alarm :/—I can confidently say these 20 recipes are my tried-and-true favorites. They keep me satisfied, my carbs low, and my taste buds happy.
You don’t need to make all 20 this week. Start with two or three that sound appealing and build from there. Before you know it, you’ll have a rotation of go-to meals that make keto feel effortless instead of overwhelming.
Now get cooking, and remember: if all else fails, there’s always bacon and eggs for dinner. No judgment here. 🙂
