Quick and Easy Keto Recipes for Beginners on a Budget

If you’re new to the keto lifestyle, you may be worried about the cost or how to prepare delicious meals while staying on track with your macros. But don’t worry! There are plenty of keto recipes for beginners that are both easy to make and affordable. The key is to choose ingredients that are low in carbs, rich in healthy fats, and easy to find at your local grocery store.

Below are 15 keto recipes for beginners that will keep you satisfied and on track without burning a hole in your wallet.

What is the keto diet?

The keto diet focuses on low-carb, high-fat foods that help your body burn fat for energy instead of carbs. This means avoiding sugar, bread, pasta, and starchy vegetables while loading up on healthy fats and proteins.

The key to a successful keto diet is keeping your carb intake low (usually around 50g per day) and focusing on healthy fats and proteins.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Keto Beginners

These ideas can help you cut costs before going into the recipes:

• Buy in bulk: Purchase eggs, cheese, and meats in bulk for better deals.
• Choose affordable proteins: Chicken thighs, canned tuna, and ground beef are cheaper options.
• Use frozen veggies: They are just as nutritious as fresh ones but more affordable and last longer.
• Plan your meals: Prepping meals in advance prevents unnecessary spending.

Now, let’s get to the delicious and affordable keto recipes for beginners!

1. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps

Egg salad is a classic keto dish. It is quick, easy, and super healthy. Wrap it in a lettuce for a low-carb option.

Ingredients:

• 4 boiled eggs
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves (for wraps)

How to make:

1. Chop the boiled eggs into small pieces.
2. Mix the eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the mixture onto large lettuce leaves and wrap them up like a taco.

Tip: You can make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days!

2. Cheese and Veggie Omelette

An omelet is one of the easiest keto recipes for beginners. You can load it with your favorite cheese and veggies.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
• 1/4 cup chopped spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make:

1. Whisk the eggs and pour them into a heated, greased pan.
2. Add the spinach and cheese.
3. Cook until the eggs are set, and fold the omelet in half.

Tip: You can use whatever veggies you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers are great additions!

4. Avocado Chicken Salad

A creamy, filling chicken salad that’s packed with healthy fats, this recipe is a great option for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make:

1. Mash the avocado and mix it with mayonnaise and lemon juice.
2. Add the shredded chicken and stir until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: For added flavor, sprinkle some paprika or garlic powder!

4. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Craving pasta? Zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) are a great substitute and can be paired with a rich, homemade pesto sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis (spiralised into noodles)
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to make:

1. Sauté the zucchini noodles in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until tender.
2. Stir in the pesto and cook for an additional minute.
3. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Tip: You can make the pesto ahead of time in large batches to save time later.

5. Keto Beef Stir-Fry

This keto stir-fry is loaded with protein and veggies, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How to make:

1. Cook the ground beef in olive oil until browned.
2. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.

Tip: You can switch out the beef for chicken or pork if preferred.

6. Cauliflower Fried Rice

A perfect side dish or main meal, cauliflower rice is a keto-friendly substitute for traditional rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup mixed veggies (like peas, carrots, and onions)
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

How to make:

1. Sauté the cauliflower rice and veggies in sesame oil for 5 minutes.
2. Push the mixture to one side of the pan and scramble the eggs.
3. Add the eggs back to the pan and stir in soy sauce.

Tip: You can add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a full meal.

7. Chicken Zucchini Casserole

This casserole is cheesy, creamy, and packed with protein—a comforting keto dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer the zucchini, chicken, and cheese in a baking dish.
3. Pour heavy cream over the top, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 25 minutes.

8. Keto Chicken Soup

A hearty, warming bowl of soup that’s perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How to make:

1. Sauté the celery and onion in olive oil until soft.
2. Add the chicken broth and shredded chicken.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve hot.

Tip: Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for later.

9. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

It is a simple yet delicious dinner packed with healthy fats and omega-3s.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 bunch asparagus
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and asparagus.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

10. Keto Meatballs

These keto-friendly meatballs are a great option for meal prep and can be served with zoodles or a salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

How to make:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and form into meatballs.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Final Thoughts

Following a ketogenic diet doesn’t have to be costly or difficult either. These quick and simple keto recipes for beginners will let you enjoy great food without breaking the budget. Always remember to buy in bulk, schedule ahead, and use easily obtained basic items. These ideas can help you quickly become proficient in the ketogenic lifestyle!