In case you haven't heard, there really is a diet where you can eat all the cheese, eggs and bacon you want. The ketogenic diet (keto for short) is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb meal plan that could potentially help you lose weight. After confirming with your doctor that it's right for you, give one of these 86 keto dinner recipe ideas a go, ranging from sheet pan chicken with vegetables to Crockpot carnitas.
86 Keto Dinner Recipe Ideas to Try Tonight
Let there be meat (and cheese)
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Published Oct 3, 2023
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
2. Shrimp with Cauliflower “Grits” and Arugula
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: low carb, beginner-friendly
Is there anything cauliflower can’t do? We think not. Here, it unites with garlicky arugula, tangy goat cheese and spiced shrimp for a well-rounded dinner.
3. Baked Eggs and Zoodles with Avocado
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, gluten free, low carb, <10 ingredients
When you want a break from meat and cheese, buttery, satiating avocado will be there atop a nest of spiralized zucchini. (Substitute cucumber, carrots or beets if you'd prefer.)
4. Gluten-Free Cheese and Cauliflower ‘Breadsticks’
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, gluten free, 10 ingredients
Dinner is incomplete without ’em, so get your fix minus the carbs. Egg is used to bind the "breadsticks," which are packed with mozzarella, Parmesan and fresh herbs.
5. Sheet Pan Chicken with Rainbow Veggies
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, high protein, gluten free
This keto-friendly meal is loaded with flavor and requires minimal cleanup to boot. The recipe calls for bell peppers, carrots, broccoli and red onions, but you can sub any neglected veggies in your crisper drawer.
6. Chicken Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: dairy free, gluten free, high protein
The secret to the creamy, decadent sauce? Coconut milk—not dairy. (The meatballs are bound without breadcrumbs too, so they're gluten-free as well.)
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, high protein, crowd-pleaser
Take a load off: Your Crockpot has dinner covered. Use the meat in tacos, burritos, quesadillas or salads, and the leftovers for tomorrow’s breakfast hash.
8. Garlic Butter Steak and Scallops
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Keto-friendly surf and turf in 30 minutes flat? Pinch us, we're dreaming drooling. (Blame it on the herby garlic butter sauce.)
9. Prosciutto-Wrapped Cauliflower Bites
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Serve them as an app at your next dinner party, plate them with a side of greens or devour them solo. (We're partial to the latter, TBH.)
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Where we’re going, we won’t need tortillas. Crispy, fatty caramelized colby Jack cheese to the rescue.
11. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad-Stuffed Peppers
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, high protein
These vibrant cuties are picnic-bound and a cinch to prepare ahead. Make the chicken salad (from a store-bought rotisserie chicken for minimum fuss) a day in advance, then fill the peppers immediately before serving.
12. Low-Carb Keto Chicken Stir Fry
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, one pan
We could eat this simple gem every night. Even better, it's ready before you can say, "delivery, please."
13. Cauliflower ‘Potato’ Salad
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, low carb, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
When the carb cravings hit, cauliflower can stand in for spuds to create this keto-friendly side dish. Prepare it ahead so the veggie can soak up all the tangy dressing.
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
We’ll take an extra sprinkle of cheese and all the sour cream you have, please. (Avocado, pickled jalapeños, salsa verde and pico de gallo would be stellar finishing touches, too.)
15. Chicken and Snap Pea Stir Fry
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, one pan, beginner-friendly, <30 minutes
You only need five ingredients to make this takeout-inspired meal, which is decidedly kid-friendly. Just go easy on the sriracha if they're sensitive to spice.
16. Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde
- Time Commitment: 8 hours
- Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, Paleo-friendly, high protein
Leave it to the Crockpot to turn chicken thighs super juicy and tender. Serve this keto-friendly dish with a side of cauliflower rice and a small serving of beans to keep the carbs to a minimum.
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegan, kid-friendly
No dairy, no potatoes, no problem for your low-carb meal plan. Finish your bowl with crushed red pepper flakes and a spritz of lemon.
18. Spicy Ginger Scallion and Egg Drop Zucchini Noodle Soup
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, one pot, beginner-friendly
Talk about a light, refreshing meal. The zoodles will scratch your itch for pasta, while the egg will help keep you satisfied between meals.
19. Low-Carb Bacon Burger with Guacamole
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, gluten free
Aka our dream dinner. Skip bread in favor of lettuce wraps (or a low-carb bun) and ta-da: This burger is keto-friendly.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, gluten free
Pasta? Never met her. This super cheesy side is all you need, and it'll become one of your go-tos at first bite.
21. Keto Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl Recipe
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, low carb
Ready and on the table in less than 20 minutes—much faster than a flight to Hawaii, no? Once the cauliflower rice is prepared, you won't have to cook a minute more.
22. Low-Carb Lasagna-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, low carb, high protein
The ultimate comfort food, with a keto-friendly twist. If you add the filling mixture back into the squash shell to bake, add water to the bottom of the pan so the gourd doesn't burn.
23. Instant Pot Greek Cauliflower Rice
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: Instant Pot recipe, <30 minutes, vegetarian
Plain cauli rice is fine...but this Mediterranean-inspired version from Jen Fisch of Keto in the City is even better. Bring on the feta, olives and walnuts.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, gluten free
Call all your keto friends: Taco Tuesday is a go, thanks to cauliflower and eggs. We'll bring the guac.
25. Tuna-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, low carb, beginner-friendly
It's possibly the easiest main you’ll ever make, thanks to a protein-packed pantry staple: canned tuna. The avocado salsa adds buttery texture and citrusy zing to every bite.
26. One-Pan Eggs with Asparagus and Tomatoes
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, gluten free, dairy free, <10 ingredients
Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please. Serve the eggs and veggies with salad, soup or bacon to make 'em more filling.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, beginner-friendly
Put down the bacon bits and step away from the blue cheese dressing. This wedge salad is lighter and on the table in less than 20 minutes.
28. Goat Cheese and Spinach-Stuffed Chicken
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
When your friends say they could never do keto, serve them this to show them the light. The chicken is prepared hasselback-style and stuffed with cheese, spinach, caramelized onion and mushrooms.
29. One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Carrots
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, sheet pan recipe, <10 ingredients
The only thing easier than the cleanup is eating the juicy, crispy chicken thighs. A sprinkle of fresh rosemary really takes them over the top.
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, high protein
In this case, no rice is a good thing. Use blitzed cauliflower instead (or better yet, steam-in-the-bag cauli rice).
31. Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Ranch
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, vegetarian
Meet your new favorite condiment. You'll want to make a double (or um, triple) batch, trust.
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, low-carb, crowd-pleaser
If you’re craving comfort food, try curling up with this seven-ingredient beauty. Sub coconut cream for heavy cream to make the soup dairy-free.
34. 15-Minute Gazpacho with Cucumber, Red Pepper and Basil
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, make ahead
All you need is fresh produce and a blender to whip up this summer stunner. Serve it with keto-friendly bread for dipping.
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
Also referred to as a plateful of comforting deliciousness. Don't skip the runny egg on top—it offers both protein and indulgence.
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, <10 ingredients, high protein
This is hands down the easiest way to cook seafood, in our opinion. Swap in any veggies that are hiding in the back of your fridge.
37. Cauliflower Soup with Coconut, Turmeric and Lime
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
Turmeric and curry powder make this soul-soother an edible immunity booster, while coconut milk keeps it creamy and dairy-free.
38. Spaghetti Squash Primavera
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian, low carb
Spaghetti squash is a low-carb dieter's BFF. For people who love eating but hate washing dishes, you should know this dish only dirties one pot and pan.
39. Easy Mexican Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, gluten free
Hearty yet refreshing, this low-carb meal will fill you up without bogging you down. Good looking out, zoodles.
40. Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Lettuce Cups
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, beginner-friendly
These elegant bites prove that eating keto doesn’t need to be time-consuming or expensive. One pound of shrimp and one head of lettuce go a *long* way.
41. Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, gluten free, kid-friendly
Panera Bread has nothing on this creamy, decadent gem. Even your picky eater will drink it down without a fuss.
42. Salsa Verde Shredded Beef Bowls
- Time Commitment: 6 hours and 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, high protein, special occasion-worthy
This Mexican-inspired pick will keep you full without any cheese or sour cream. (But we wouldn't blame you for adding either ingredient to your bowl...)
43. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: Instant Pot recipe, crowd-pleaser, vegan
Crisp fall evenings call for a hug in a bowl. Skip the maple syrup to shave off a few extra carbs.
44. Grilled Zucchini Tomato Feta Boats
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, vegetarian
Close your eyes and you’re in Greece, thanks to briny, lip-smacking feta cheese, fresh mint and cherry tomatoes.
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: low carb, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Cool if we make this every week? Spritz all the lime juice your mouth can handle into your bowl for a welcome pop of acidity.
46. Baked Chicken and Ricotta Meatballs
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
You shouldn't limit meatballs to apps and spaghetti. Here, they're filled with cheese and cooked alongside charred broccolini.
47. Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly, high protein
Just toss everything together in a casserole pan and you'll only have one dirty dish to clean after dinner. Serve it with extra greens on the side.
48. Grilled Flank Steak with Lemon Herb Sauce
- Time Commitment: 2 hours
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Wow everyone at the barbecue without breaking a sweat with this beyond simple steak recipe. Consider the marinating time a built-in cocktail hour.
49. Parmesan Ranch Chicken Thighs
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, high protein
Seven ingredients, much magic. Even picky kids will have zero complaints about this slaw-topped wonder.
50. Lemon Salmon with Garlic and Thyme
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, <10 ingredients
For when you want something that tastes fancy, minus all the effort. The salmon is seasoned with nothing but pantry staples, fresh lemon and dried thyme.
51. Instant Pot Keto Indian Butter Chicken
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, Instant Pot recipe
Forget low and slow: The pressure cooker pulls this main off in 20 minutes flat. Once you brown the chicken in the Instant Pot, the rest is all hands-off.
52. Keto Pasta with Lemon-Kale Chicken
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
It may *look* like regular pasta, but they're really low-carb tofu shirataki noodles. Choose any long cut, like spaghetti or angel hair.
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: low carb, kid-friendly
Loaded with everything but the pasta, so low-carb eaters can get in on the cheesy goodness, too. Sub ground Italian sausage, turkey or chicken if you feel so inclined.
55. Keto Steak and Blue Cheese Salad for One
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
Your deskmates are jealous already. This low-lift salad is our favorite way to repurpose leftover beef.
56. Chicken Thighs with Pancetta and Green Olives
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients
Briny, crispy and downright foolproof. Oh, and did we mention it comes together in your trusty cast iron skillet?
57. Keto Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, kid-friendly, make ahead
These copycat handhelds are both low-carb and gluten-free, thanks to almond flour. P.S.: They freeze like a dream for lickity-split lunches.
58. Keto Instant Pot Sausage-Kale Soup
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, Instant Pot recipe, one pot
We recommend slurping it down by a roaring fire for extra warm-and-fuzzy feels. Add the kale last and let it soften for about five minutes before digging in.
59. One-Pan Steak with Beets and Crispy Kale
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, <10 ingredients, high protein
Never feel intimidated by cooking steak again. Your oven (and life-saving sheet pan) will do all the heavy lifting tonight.
60. Seared Scallops with Corn Succotash
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients
Did you know three ounces of scallops pack a whopping 20 grams of protein? They cook to perfection in a flash, too (and they're easier to prepare than you think).
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free, beginner-friendly
Tofu offers 18 grams of plant-based protein per serving. Don't worry, we’ll look the other way if you want to lick the bowl clean.
62. Keto Everything Chicken Wings
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Mix the everything bagel seasoning yourself or substitute store-bought. Either way, these butter-drenched wings are an easy home run.
63. Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Warning: Your kids will beg you to make this every week once they have a taste at dinnertime. It has all the essentials, from pickles to mustard to cheddar cheese.
64. Steak Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, crowd-pleaser
Beef tenderloin, cherry tomatoes and red onion, united by garlicky chimichurri. Use a grill pan instead of the barbecue to cook the skewers indoors—you won't want to sacrifice those char marks.
65. 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, one pan, beginner-friendly
Put down the takeout menu—you’ve got this. You can add basically any less-than-stellar produce you'd like to the skillet to boot.
66. Salmon with Pesto and Blistered Tomatoes
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly
Herbaceous, flavorful store-bought pesto is one of our favorite shortcuts in the book. Here, it's key for keeping the ingredients list down to six items.
67. Low-Carb Tex-Mex Casserole
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly
Instead of using pasta or rice to bind the casserole, eggs and cream cheese do the trick, making the casserole low-carb and keto-friendly. (Oh, and super indulgent.)
68. Pepper Teigen’s Thai Glazed Ribs
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy
They only take 40 minutes to prepare, since they're deep-fried instead of grilled. This turns the ribs tender and crispy in a fraction of the time.
69. 30-Minute Breakfast Hash with Kale and Sweet Potatoes
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, one pan
Sub additional veggies for sweet potatoes to bring the carbs even lower. While you're at it, go ahead and add bacon to the mix—you know you want to.
70. Tuna Salad with Yogurt, Capers and Za’atar
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, no cook, high protein
Mayo who? You'll never make this lunch staple the old way again. Greek yogurt is just as creamy, but tangier and higher in protein.
71. Strawberry, Basil and Arugula Salad
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, no cook
This modernized '90s staple is only ten minutes away (and it'd be even tastier and more filling crowned with grilled chicken).
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Aka 15-minute shrimp in an epic lemon-garlic sauce. You'll want lots of low-carb bread for soaking up every last drop of butter.
73. Pressure Cooker Mushroom-Beef Soup
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: Instant Pot recipe, high protein, one pot
Low-carb comfort food at its finest, courtesy of the pressure cooker. Use corn starch to thicken the soup instead of flour to make it gluten free.
74. Seared Scallops with Citrus-Shallot Salad
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
Thoroughly pat the scallops dry before searing them to get a flawless outer crust, and don't place them in the pan until the oil is shimmering and sufficiently heated.
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Who knew almond flour and pork panko crumbs (ground pork rinds) made such a stellar low-carb breading? Serve with ranch dressing, hot sauce and lemon wedges.
76. Low-Carb Zucchini Enchiladas
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead
Bye, tortillas—zucchini has this one covered. Did we mention the enchiladas freeze and reheat like a charm? (You can thank us later.)
77. Keto Guacamole Burger Bites
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
These teeny toothpick-able bites will take you 35 minutes to make (and 30 seconds to devour). They're basically bacon-wrapped mini meatballs topped with guac, tomato and fresh mozz.
78. Antoni Porowski’s Strip Steak with Harissa Butter and Parsley Salad
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Oh so impressive, yet ready in 20 minutes with minimal effort. We feel an alfresco dinner party coming on.
79. Ginger-Scallion Chicken Meatballs with Sesame-Soy Glaze
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein
Baking instead of pan-frying yields supremely tender results. Eat the sticky, savory meatballs solo, with fresh veggies or atop a bed of cauli rice with quick-pickled cucumbers, cabbage and carrot.
80. Vegan Keto Everything Bagels
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, beginner-friendly
Top one of these beauties with cream cheese and smoked salmon and call it dinner. (Microgreens, capers and red onion are solid accoutrements too.)
81. Ina Garten’s Creamy Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Thyme
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy
Leave it to the Barefoot Contessa to make a gourmet dinner this easy to prepare. Sub cauliflower rice for couscous to make it keto-friendly
82. Spicy, Crunchy Tuna Salad Lettuce Cups
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, gluten free, <10 ingredients
No cook? Check. Ready in 10 minutes? Check. Packed with protein? You bet. Canned tuna saves the day once again.
83. Lemongrass-Ginger Coconut Grilled Steak
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, high protein
Dinner is less than ten ingredients away (and it's damn impressive nonetheless). Serve it with raw greens, zoodles or grilled vegetables.
84. Miso-Honey Broiled Chicken
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Why I Love It: high protein, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
This simple dish is proof that pantry staples can go miles in the flavor department. The marinade is nothing but umami-rich miso and sweet honey. Butter is added as the chicken cooks for a dose of richness.
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
Spicy, cheesy, creamy and crowned with bacon, this omelet will satisfy your hankering for jalapeño poppers without the messy frying. Even better, you'll only need eight ingredients to pull it off. We call that a win-win.
86. Kristin Cavallari’s Salmon BLT Salad with Spicy Tomatillo Ranch
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, <30 minutes
Salmon is satiating enough on its own. Add avocado and bacon to the fish and it'll surely hold you over (well, until dessert anyway).
