Many ketogenic diet plans are specifically low-carb plans that are designed for those who want to maintain their weight and lower their blood sugar levels.
In this article, you’ll learn about some of the best cheap low carb meals you can make. Check out these simple and tasty recipes that will help you continue to eat well on a budget.
Grocery and food expenses are one of the most expensive things that many people spend money on each month.
And it’s entirely understandable, given that we need food too, you know, survive.
However, there will be occasions when things appear to be a little rough and belts must be tightened. You don’t have to settle for bland meals in order to save money at times like these.
In truth, you can still eat tasty, inexpensive, healthy, and filling cuisine, which will make your pocketbook, taste buds, and stomach happy.
Here, you’ll find 40 really inexpensive dinner dishes that are both healthy and delicious, as well as a few pointers on how to get the most bang for your buck.
The Right Way to Eat on a Budget
Eating on a budget does not have to mean skipping meals or eating much smaller portions, which will only leave you hungry and feeling worse.
No no hell no !
There are a few tricks you can use to still enjoy delicious and filling dinners. Meal preparation is one of them.
Meal prepping is a method of planning and preparing meals ahead of time. It is not only a time-saver, but it can also help you eat out less and save more money, and it is excellent for portion control.
1) Keep a notebook
This may sound crazy, but try keeping a notebook of all your meals and the amounts you eat at each meal.
This will help you track your food intake and can be quite helpful. You can also use this notebook to note any changes you need to make.
For example, you can note if you tend to overeat or under-eat at certain meals. You can also note if certain meals make you gain weight faster than others.
2) Buy your groceries in bulk
Buying your groceries in bulk is cheaper and you get more for your money.
It is also much better for the environment. This is because you get a larger amount of food from a certain amount of money.
Buying in bulk also helps you avoid the “added fees” that are often applied to smaller quantities.
3) Cook meals you know you’ll eat
There are many meals that are easy to prepare and can be eaten for lunch for a couple of days.
For example, you can prepare a big pot of oatmeal or peanut butter and jelly for a couple of days.
You can also cook beans that are easy to prepare and freeze in portions you can use later.
4) Eat out only when you have to
Sometimes eating out can be unavoidable. However, try to avoid eating out when you don’t have to.
For example, when you are not feeling well, eating out is not going to help you.
In fact, it is only going to make you feel worse.
Eating out when you don’t have to is not going to improve your budget. In fact, it is only going to increase your budget by eating larger portions that are more expensive than what you would normally eat at home.
If you really have no other choice, make sure you are eating at a fast food place instead of a sit-down restaurant.
5) Drink water instead of other things
The same goes for drinks. Try to avoid buying juices and soft drinks as much as you can. This will not only help you save money, it will also improve your health.
Juices and soft drinks are high in sugar, which is bad for your health, and it also increases your food budget.
Also, these drinks are usually loaded with calories and they are not filling at all.
Water is free and it is one of the best things you can drink.
6) Don’t waste food
This is a big one. If you don’t have to throw food away, don’t.
That food is going to your budget and probably gives you good portions.
Also, if you have to throw food away, make sure you do it properly and safely.
Don’t just dump the food into the trash. Instead, find a bin that is appropriate for food waste and make sure you put it in the right place.
This way you will not just be wasting money, but you will also be wasting food that could be given to those in need.
These suggestions and recipes will benefit you whether you live alone or with a family. They’re all produced with fewer and less expensive ingredients without compromising even a smidgeon of flavor or delectability. It’s also really simple to make them.
Keep in mind that this is a LOW-carb, not a NO-carb, recipe collection. This means you’ll be able to create your favorite foods as usual but in a healthier and diet-friendly manner!
Let’s get started.
Cheap Low Carb Meals | Low Carb Recipe Ideas
40: Loaded Cauliflower Bake
Whether you follow a low carb or keto diet or are simply looking for delicious vegetable recipes, this Loaded Cauliflower Bake is a delicious side dish. This cheesy cauliflower recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
39: Crispy Skillet Pizza
Don’t give up on pizza night just yet. This simple skillet pizza is quick and easy to make, as well as delicious. Feel free to use your favorite pizza toppings as well.
38: Easy Shak-shuka with Feta
Shak-shuka is a popular Mediterranean dish that consists of scrambled eggs in a tomato sauce. It’s simple to make, versatile in terms of how you can eat it, and inexpensive, considering it doesn’t use meat.
This white bean shak-shak recipe is super nutritious, high in protein, and super simple to make. It’s quite filling and can be served as a brunch, lunch, or dinner.
37: Amazing Low Carb Green Chile Chicken Casserole
Do you want to make a delicious low-carb casserole? You must try this delicious Low Carb Green Chile Chicken Casserole. This keto casserole is incredibly easy to make and is ideal for any eating style.
36: Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to beef, pork can be a good choice. It can also be just as tasty.
This tasty teriyaki pork stir fry uses a simple homemade teriyaki sauce, along with a couple of tasty vegetables, to give you a healthier, delicious dinner in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
35: 20 Minute Skillet Monterey Chicken
This Monterey chicken is packed with flavor and loaded with plenty of creamy and cheesy goodness, but you’d be shocked to learn that it only needs 7 ingredients to make it taste as good as it does.
If you want to save money, you can always replace the chicken with something else. At the end of the day, you’ve got 20 minutes of comfort food on the table.
34: Keto Clam Chowder
Keto clam chowder is a healthy and filling meal that can be made in less than 30 minutes. It has clams, celery, chicken broth, and a surprise – red bell pepper. Yes, there are no high-carb potatoes in this recipe!
33: Poor Man’s Burrito Bowls
Don’t be fooled by the name. These burrito bowls with black beans, rice, and salsa are flavorful and will have you licking your plate. Plus, it’s super cheap to make and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
32: Easy Chicken Pot Pie
There are only so many ways to enjoy chicken dinners, and it doesn’t have to get boring.
This easy chicken pot pie with a thick creamy sauce, mixed vegetables, and delicious chicken is sure to be a comfort meal that everyone will enjoy. And, thankfully, it’s also quite cheap to make.
31: Easy Hamburger Casserole
When it comes to this hamburger casserole, simplicity is the word of the game. But I can promise you that it is far from boring. This casserole, made with only four primary ingredients, is sure to fulfill your hunger in the most cost-effective way imaginable.
30: Crack Chicken Crockpot
Yes, you read that correctly. There is something known as crack chicken. It is, in fact, very popular. Why? It is as good as it appears. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. That’s why it’s called crack chicken! It’s also extremely simple to make, which is a huge plus. And when you look at the ingredients, you’ll understand why it’s so popular among low carbers and keto enthusiasts.
29: Best Lentil Soup
Lentils are a good source of protein. Furthermore, they appear to be lower in calories and higher in iron and folate. Oh, and did I mention it was also very inexpensive?
This lentil soup is one you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple to make with just a few pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand, and it tastes fantastic. It’s also very nutritious.
28: Chinese Chicken and Broccoli
do you have a Craving for some delicious Chinese food? Then try this chicken and broccoli recipe. It’s made with chicken thighs and has fewer than ten ingredients. And it’s still incredibly tasty and filling.
And, unlike your typical takeout, you’ll be relieved to know that this is much healthier and significantly lower in calories, without foregoing any of the delectable goodness
27: Sloppy Joe Pasta
All you need for this low-cost takeout option are some basic pantry ingredients and ground beef. It’s super simple to make, less expensive, and still delicious.
Even on a busy weeknight, you can make this in under 30 minutes. It’ll quickly become your go-to comfort food.
26: Fried Cabbage With Sausage And Peppers
This recipe for fried cabbage with sausage and peppers is a quick and easy weeknight meal that will not disappoint. This one-pot dish is packed with flavor and will leave the whole family full and satisfied in just 30 minutes.
25: Buffalo Chickpea Wraps
Another brilliant way to save money is to substitute legumes for meat. And these chickpea wraps are just what you need to get started.
They are loaded with vegetables, making them extremely nutritious, and they are also high in protein and vegan-friendly thanks to the chickpeas.
24: Gnocchi, Broccoli, and White Bean Bake
When it comes to this pasta delight, simplicity is the name of the game, but the end result is far from boring. This gnocchi, broccoli, and white bean bake requires only 5 ingredients and is a healthy and nutritious dinner to enjoy with the family.
This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make from scratch and will leave you wanting more.
23: One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti
Going meatless does not imply that your meals must be bland. This vegetarian spaghetti with mushrooms and spinach is simple, nutritious, and delicious.
It also takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and requires less cleanup because it is a one-pot meal.
22: 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili
Keep warm and cozy with this incredibly simple yet delicious white chicken chili. With only 5 main ingredients and a preparation time of 15 minutes, it will satisfy your cravings without putting too much strain on you or your wallet. It’s also a family favorite.
21: Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks Or Wedges
Air fryer cabbage is delicious, and there are numerous seasoning options. We adore this keto-friendly, low-carb side dish.
20: Homemade Mac and Cheese
Takeout is enticing, to be sure. Making your own meals at home, on the other hand, is a definite method to save money. And there’s no way you can go wrong with this homemade mac and cheese.
This recipe only calls for ten ingredients, yet it’s still as creamy and delicious as you’d expect. Make it from scratch in approximately 20 minutes and enjoy.
19: Corn and Potato Chowder
A simple, yet satisfying comfort food to warm you up from the inside on those cold nights. It’s made with corn, red potatoes, and chorizo. You can always make it cheaper by substituting shredded chicken for the chorizo.
18: Vegetarian Bean and Rice Burrito
Need a quick and easy taco night idea? Even if you’re on a tight budget, these vegetarian bean and rice burritos are ideal. They’re super simple to make, packed with flavor, and ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
They also contain a healthy 22g of protein per serving. It doesn’t get any simpler than this.
17: Grain-free Fried Chicken Nuggets
Thanks to this quick grain-free coating, making homemade chicken nuggets has never been easier or more delicious. Gluten-free, keto, and low-carb options are also available! No one will miss the traditional breading because these chicken nuggets are crispy and kid-friendly.
This same recipe can be used to make homemade gluten-free chicken tenders by simply cutting it into larger strips and cooking it for longer.
16: Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice
When you have this delicious chicken fried rice on hand, who needs takeout? It’s super simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and it’s packed with flavor.
You can also enjoy this on those hectic weeknights because it only takes 20 minutes or less to make from scratch. The leftovers are also great for lunch the next day.
15: Vegetable Stir Fry With Noodles
The great thing about noodles is how versatile they are in the kitchen, adapting to a wide range of interesting flavors.
This low-cost and nutritious dinner recipe combines ramen noodles with a variety of colorful vegetables and a sweet and savory sauce. This is not only quick, easy, and delicious to make, but it also costs less than a dollar per serving when made at home.
14: Instant Pot Turkey Chili
Instant Pot Turkey Chili is a quick and easy dinner idea that will please the whole family. My keto turkey chili is delicious, and it doesn’t require much effort.
It’s also kid-friendly, and they’re always asking for more! This simple recipe is low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free (just omit the cheese! ), and Trim Healthy Mama approved.
13: Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry
This sweet potato and chickpea curry are super nutritious and filling, and it’s sure to be a hit at dinner. It’s flavorful and comes together quickly with only a few ingredients. Serve with rice and enjoy.
12: Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Sheet pan meals are always an easy and delicious way to eat healthy vegetables. These Greek chicken meal prep bowls are loaded with colorful veggies like peppers and zucchini, as well as delicious chicken and cheesy goodness.
It’s incredibly simple to make with only a few ingredients, but it’s packed with flavor. And they’re quite filling, making them an excellent lunch or dinner option even on a tight budget.
11: Keto Pulled Chicken
Keto Pulled Chicken is a recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Keto shredded chicken requires only four ingredients and can be easily made in your Instant Pot.
You’ll get juicy chicken that you can eat on its own or use in your favorite recipes. It’s also a great gluten-free, grain-free, and low-carb diet dish!
10: Creamy Baked Ziti
This creamy baked ziti is a must-try when it comes to simple and delicious dishes. Even though it only has six ingredients, it has an incredible flavor and is sure to satisfy everyone.
09: Easy Pasta Salad
When summer arrives, pasta salads are an excellent way to enjoy delicious pasta alongside a variety of interesting and nutritious vegetables without much stress or cooking.
This pasta salad is full of Mediterranean flavors and extremely filling. Make it in less than 30 minutes and your taste buds will be delighted.
08: Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
This recipe, which contains all of the deliciousness and amazing flavors of traditional lasagna, helps you avoid extra stress by cooking it all in an instant pot.
Not only is it faster and easier to make, but you’ll also find that you use fewer ingredients overall, and it’s just as satisfying.
07: Easy Bacon Carbonara Pasta
This creamy and delicious bacon carbonara pasta comes to life with only ten simple ingredients. And all in less than 30 minutes. The ideal weeknight dinner to prepare in no time.
06: Slow Cooker Curry Chicken Legs
Start preparing for a delicious family dinner that will cook slowly all day while you are at work. This slow cooker curry chicken legs recipe is a hit with even my pickiest eater!
05: Stuffed Zucchini
Zucchinis are another great low-carb, low-calorie vegetable to try. Aside from being quite satisfying when used properly, they also tend to be quite inexpensive during the designated season.
This recipe stuffs zucchini with delicious ingredients such as Italian sausage, tomatoes, and parmesan breadcrumbs. It’s very simple to make and only takes a few minutes to prepare. And there’s always room for innovation here, so it’s never boring and predictable.
04: Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet
Ground turkey is another good alternative to ground beef because it is usually less expensive and tastes just as good in most dishes.
When combined with juicy and perfectly seasoned potatoes, it yields a delicious and reasonably priced dinner that everyone is sure to enjoy in under 30 minutes.
03: Chicken fajitas
These chicken fajitas are one of the most straightforward ways to satisfy your Mexican cravings. They’re also very tasty. Make them in less than 30 minutes, wrap them in tortillas, and serve.
02: Baked Tilapia with Lemon-Garlic Butter
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy delicious seafood while saving money, tilapia may be the answer. When compared to other seafood such as salmon and shrimp, tilapia is actually less expensive and tastes just as good when cooked properly.
A great example is this baked tilapia with garlic lemon butter. You’ll love it because it’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. Both your wallet and your taste buds will be pleased.
01: Quick Ramen Noodle Stir Fry
This ramen noodle stir fry is perfect for when you need a quick, easy, and delicious meal that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
This cheap and healthy dinner uses only a few ingredients but packs a lot of flavors. And it’s ready to eat in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Conclusion
Eating well on a budget doesn’t mean unhealthy food. It means making smart choices about the food you eat and how you prepare it.
The key to eating well on a budget is planning meals ahead of time so that you don’t end up spending money on food that isn’t worth it.
And remember, eating cheaply doesn’t mean eating poorly. It just means eating foods that have a low price tag and are not overly expensive.
Make sure that you don’t skip meals, eat at home instead of eating out, and keep in mind that portion control is crucial when eating on a budget.
