Embarking on a keto diet journey?
One of the key elements to standard ketogenic diet success is having an array of delicious and easy-to-make keto meals at your fingertips.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 8 mouthwatering keto meals you can easily whip up at home!
There is no need for fancy ingredients or complex cooking techniques; these recipes are simple yet satisfyingly flavorful.
Let’s go.
What makes a good keto meal?
Dinner on the keto diet is all about choosing your favorite protein. Steak, chicken, fish, and eggs are all delicious options—especially when served over fresh greens, paired with a side of zucchini noodles or keto-friendly pasta salad.
Studies have shown that some people on ketogenic diets lost 2 pounds rather rapidly, however, according to the NCBI, People on a ketogenic diet initially experience rapid weight loss of up to 10 lbs in 2 weeks or less.
The Golden Rule of Keto: Protein + Greens + Fat = Success.
Your plate should look like this: one part protein (steak or chicken), one part green veggies (spinach or broccoli), and then add some healthy fats for flavor.
And don’t forget to keep it simple. You can make an amazing keto dinner using just these three components.
Finding Your Favorite Protein:
Don’t worry if you’re unsure of your favorite protein – this is the perfect chance to try different options until you find one that works for you.
This gives you the perfect opportunity to experiment with different proteins until you find your go-to favorites.
You could try everything from salmon fillets to pork chops. Or even mix things up by trying out less common proteins like bison steaks or venison burgers.
Note: Don’t be afraid to get creative here.
A bed of fresh greens not only adds color and crunch to your dish but also packs in essential nutrients that support overall health while following a ketogenic diet.
You could opt for spinach, kale, arugula—anything goes as long as it’s leafy and green.
Pairing With A Side Of Zucchini Noodles Or Keto-Friendly Pasta Salad:
If you’re missing traditional pasta dishes on your keto journey, fret not. Zucchini noodles, aka ‘zoodles,’ are an excellent low-carb alternative that can satisfy those cravings.
Or how about whipping up a quick keto-friendly pasta salad? It’s light yet filling—perfect for those warm summer evenings.
In essence, a good keto meal is satisfyingly tasty and, most importantly, easy enough so you won’t have any excuses for not sticking with it.
Remember, folks; keeping things interesting in the kitchen will ensure success on this lifestyle change. So let’s start cooking.
Top 8 Easy Keto Meals You Can Make at Home
Keto is not just a diet, it’s a lifestyle. And the best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef or have fancy ingredients to whip up delicious and nutritious keto meals.
Let’s dive into some of our top picks for easy-to-make-at-home keto dishes:
1. Keto Fried Chicken with Broccoli
For those on a keto diet, this recipe for fried chicken and broccoli is sure to provide the classic comfort food fix without guilt. But fear not. With this keto-friendly fried chicken and broccoli recipe, you can indulge without guilt.
Here’s how to whip up this delightful dish:
The Protein: Chicken
You’ll require boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this formula. Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces for easier frying.
The Vegetable: Broccoli
Besides being rich in fiber and vitamins, broccoli is also low in carbs which makes it perfect for your keto meal. Steam or roast it as per your preference.
Learn how to perfectly roast your broccoli here.
Frying Up The Goodness
- Dip each piece of chicken into beaten eggs then coat them with almond flour mixed with spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fry these coated pieces in coconut oil until golden brown.
- Serve hot alongside steamed or roasted broccoli drizzled with olive oil.
Remember that maintaining balance is key when preparing a ketogenic plate; combine protein (chicken), vegetable (broccoli), and fat (coconut oil & olive oil). This way, you get all essential nutrients while keeping carb intake low.
This simple yet delicious dish will surely make dinner times something to look forward to even while sticking strictly to your diet plan.
2. Keto Burgers
Our recipe is sure to satisfy those looking for a low-carb, flavorful burger while following the keto diet. The secret to our keto burgers lies in the perfect blend of ground beef, pork, and spices.
Here’s how you can whip up these mouthwatering patties:
The Meat Mix
Select high-quality ground beef and pork from your local butcher or supermarket. Combine them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder – all the good stuff that makes any meat dish sing.
The Patty Formation
Create evenly sized balls out of your meat mix. Flatten each ball into a patty shape, ensuring it’s not too thick nor too thin – just right for that ideal bite.
Note: Don’t forget to make an indentation in the center of each patty; this prevents it from puffing up while cooking.
Bon Appetit has some great tips on making perfect burger patties.
Cooking Your Keto Burgers
- Fry or grill your patties over medium heat until they reach the desired doneness.
- Add cheese slices (if you want) when there’s about 1 minute left in cooking time so it gets nicely melted over the patty.
- Serve immediately with lettuce wraps instead of buns to keep things keto-friendly. Add tomatoes, onions, or pickles if you like, but remember to watch those carbs.
Taking It Up A Notch With Sauces And Toppings
- You could go classic with mustard and mayo.
- Amp up flavors by adding low-carb BBQ sauce.
- Or even try something different like avocado salsa.
Remember – quality ingredients will always give better results. So choose fresh veggies for toppings and premium cuts of meat.
These scrumptious homemade keto burgers, packed full of flavor yet low on carbs, are sure going to be a hit at dinner tonight.
3. Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Wraps
If you’ve been missing the juicy, savory goodness of a burger on your keto journey, we have just the thing for you: Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Wraps.
These protein-packed wonders will make you wonder why you ever bothered with the carb-loaded bun in the first place.
The Ingredients:
- Bacon (because everything is better with bacon)
- Your favorite ground meat (we recommend beef or turkey)
- Cheese (cheddar works great here)
- Lettuce leaves to wrap it all up
- Mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes for some extra flavor and nutrients
The Process:
Fry up that bacon until it’s crispy. Cook your chosen ground meat in a pan, seasoning as desired. Add mushrooms and onions towards the end so they can soak up all those delicious flavors.
Now comes assembly time. Lay out a lettuce leaf, add your cooked ingredients – don’t forget to top it off with cheese – then roll it all up like a burrito.
You’re now looking at one heck of a tasty keto-friendly meal that didn’t take hours to prepare.
If this sparked an interest in exploring further, click here.
Always remember portion control is key even when eating healthy foods. Overeating any food can lead to weight gain.
So go ahead – give these Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Wraps a try tonight. You might find them becoming regulars on your dinner men.
4. Keto Lasagna
Can lasagna be enjoyed while on a keto diet? With the right ingredients, you can make a keto-friendly lasagna that’s just as delicious and satisfying.
The secret is in substituting traditional pasta with zucchini slices. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Gather ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and sugar-free marinara sauce; plus zucchini for the noodles. And don’t forget about your star substitute – zucchini.
Step 2: Prepare The Zucchini Noodles
Slice your zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips using either a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Then lay them out on paper towels to absorb excess moisture – this will prevent your lasagna from becoming watery.
Step 3: Make The Meat Sauce
In a pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef and then add marinara sauce and seasonings for flavor before setting aside. Set aside when done.
Cheese Mixture Preparation
Create an irresistible cheesy mixture by combining ricotta cheese with some beaten eggs and spices like salt & pepper for added taste.
Zucchini Layering Process Begins Now.
Your stage is set. Start layering those juicy zucchinis at the bottom of your baking dish, followed by meat sauce spread evenly across it, then generously sprinkle both Mozzarella & Parmesan cheeses before repeating these layers until all ingredients are used up.
Last Step Before Baking It In Oven.
All layered up? Great. Cover it with foil now & bake at a pre-heated oven around 375°F for approximately half an hour; remove the foil afterward, letting it cook further till a golden brown crust forms on top, which usually takes another ten minutes or so.
This might seem daunting initially, but trust me, once you’ve tried making Keto Lasagna at home, there’s no going back because nothing beats homemade food, especially when it’s healthy yet tasty and fits perfectly within one’s dietary requirements.
5. Keto Chicken Skillet with Mushrooms
When it comes to whipping up a quick, delicious, and keto-friendly meal, nothing beats this keto chicken skillet with mushrooms.
Here’s how you can bring this dish to life in your own kitchen:
Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced mushrooms, heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option, grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast if you’re going dairy-free), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken Breasts
In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides, then take out of the pan.
Cook Mushrooms and Make Sauce
Add more oil if needed, then toss in the sliced mushrooms. Saute until they are nicely caramelized. Stir in the cream or coconut milk, plus some Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Mix It All Together And Serve.
For those of us who love cooking but hate cleaning up afterwards – here’s an added bonus: This is a one-pan recipe. So once your sauce is ready, simply return the cooked chicken back into the pan, allowing it to soak up all that creamy mushroom goodness.
And there you have it. With its creamy mushroom goodness and satisfying flavor, this keto-friendly meal is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Now let’s take things further by adding variety.
Always remember when following any dietary plan like Keto – variety is key. Don’t just stick to one recipe; explore different dishes so as to not only enjoy what you eat but also ensure balanced nutrition.
6. Keto Jalapeno Popper Chaffles
Here’s a fun fact: Chaffles are the latest keto craze. They’re diverse, a cinch to whip up, and unbelievably yummy. But we’re not just talking about any old chaffle here.
We’re talking about keto jalapeno popper chaffles. Yes, you heard that right. These spicy little numbers will add some serious zing to your mealtime routine.
The Spicy Upgrade
Chaffles have taken the keto world by storm because they can take on any flavor profile – sweet or savory. This recipe gives chaffles a kick by layering cream cheese, bacon, and jalapeno peppers for an added spicy flavor.
You might be wondering what exactly is a chaffle?.
A chaffle is simply a waffle made from cheese and eggs. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and incredibly tasty.
The Recipe:
- Mix together shredded cheddar (or any other melting cheese), egg whites, and almond flour in one container.
- Add finely chopped cooked bacon strips along with diced jalapenos for that spicy kick into another bowl containing softened cream cheese.
- Merge both mixtures together until well combined – don’t worry if it looks messy at first; it’ll all come together once cooked.
- Cook in your preheated waffle maker until golden brown on each side – usually takes around three minutes per side depending on how crispy you like your waffles/chaffles.
Adjust the quantity of jalapenos according to your taste preference.
And voila. You’ve got yourself an irresistible family-friendly snack or even dinner option that brings excitement back into eating healthy.
These Keto Jalapeno Popper Chaffles are perfect for those who love their food packed full of flavor without compromising their dietary requirements.
Give these tantalizingly tasty treats a go tonight – we promise they’re just as enjoyable to eat as they are to create.
7. Keto Lamb Sliders with Feta Cheese Dressing
Let’s talk about a meal that will make your taste buds go wild: Keto lamb sliders with feta cheese dressing.
This dish is an aromatic symphony of oregano and lemon combined with succulent lamb, creating fragrant burgers that are downright irresistible.
The Ingredients:
- Lamb – The star of our show. You can’t have a lamb slider without it.
- Oregano & Lemon – These two bring out the unique flavor of the meat.
- Feta Cheese Dressing – This tangy topping adds just the right amount of kick to each bite.
Keto diet followers, rejoice. Serve these mini burgers wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb alternative, or over a big Greek salad if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Making Your Keto Lamb Sliders:
First off, mix ground lamb meat with chopped fresh oregano and grated lemon zest. Season this mixture well before shaping it into small patties – we’re making sliders after all.
Cook these on medium heat until they reach your desired level of doneness (medium-rare anyone?).
Blend feta cheese, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and garlic until a smooth dressing is achieved. Feel free to add water as needed to achieve your preferred consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
You could serve these delightful keto-friendly bites wrapped up in crispy lettuce leaves for those who prefer their meals bun-less or pile them high atop a colorful Greek salad loaded with olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes – now doesn’t that sound like heaven?
8. Keto Chicken Parmesan
When you think of Italian cuisine, the first thing that probably comes to mind is pasta. Would you believe me if I said that there is a way to enjoy classic Italian dishes without worrying about carbs? Enter: Keto Chicken Parmesan.
This delicious dish takes the breaded chicken breasts we all know and love, tops them with marinara sauce and melted cheese, but here’s the kicker – it’s completely keto-friendly.
The Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts
- Parmesan Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Keto-Friendly Marinara Sauce (Check out this homemade recipe for inspiration).
The Process:
Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit prior to beginning the recipe. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat them in parmesan for a crunchy outer layer sans breadcrumbs. This will give your chicken that crispy crust without using any breadcrumbs.
Next step is cooking. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat then add in your chicken. Cook each side until golden brown which should take around 4 minutes per side.
You’re not done yet though. Transfer those beautifully cooked chickens into an oven-safe baking dish then top each one with marinara sauce followed by mozzarella cheese. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese has melted and bubbly – usually around 10-15 minutes.
Tips & Tricks:
If you want to make sure every bite is packed full of flavor, try marinating your chicken overnight before starting this recipe.
Remember folks, just because it’s keto doesn’t mean it can’t be tasty too. Enjoying food while sticking to a diet plan isn’t impossible when dishes like these exist.
FAQs in Relation to Keto Meals
What are the benefits of keto meals? Keto meals can help you shed pounds, boost heart health, and supercharge your brain. For more info, check out this article.
Are keto meals healthy?
Yep, when you plan ’em right and load up on nutrient-rich foods. Get the lowdown on ketogenic diets from this Mayo Clinic article.
What are the 4 pillars of keto?
The four pillars of Keto are high fat, moderate protein, low carb, and ketosis. Learn more about ’em in this epic guide.
What’s the deal with keto controversies?
The main beef is the long-term health risks versus short-term gains. Get the scoop in this scientific study.
Conclusion
A good keto meal is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, satisfying and delicious while keeping you in ketosis.
From our top 8 easy keto meals, you can make at home, we found a variety of options to satisfy cravings without breaking your diet.
Indulge in crispy fried chicken with broccoli or enjoy a juicy burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun – plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite foods while staying on track with your keto lifestyle.
With dishes like keto lasagna and chicken parmesan, you won’t even miss the carbs!
