Free + Easy Keto Dinner Ideas To Try Today

December 15, 2023

The keto diet, short for the ketogenic diet, is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that has gained popularity for its potential benefits in weight loss, improved energy levels, and mental clarity. 

While following the keto lifestyle, dinner plays a crucial role in keeping your macros in check and fueling your body with nutritious ingredients as you wrap up your day. We understand that planning keto-friendly dinners can sometimes feel challenging, especially on a busy weeknight or if you have a whole family to feed, but fret not! We're here to provide you with a wealth of recipe inspiration, tips, and tricks to help you effectively plan your keto dinners. 

Get ready to start a culinary journey that is both satisfying and supportive of your keto goals. Let's dive in and discover the incredible world of flavorful, keto-approved dinner recipes that will leave you feeling nourished and energized.

Are you always too short on time to make healthy, keto dinners? Our expert chefs at Hungryroot have crafted a wide variety of delicious recipes and low-carb groceries delivered straight to your doorstep, so you can enjoy tasty, keto meals even if you’re on a hectic schedule. Take our personalized quiz here and kickstart your clean eating journey on the right step from day one!

Keto Dinner Ideas: Tips & Tricks

If you’re looking for ways to stay committed to your keto diet during dinner, the key lies in equipping your kitchen with the essential tools and ingredients to make keto dinner prep a breeze. With a little bit of planning and guidance, you’ll be able to create flavorful dinners that will keep you fueled and satisfied. Let’s dive in and explore the critical tools, simple ingredients, and pantry staples that are must-haves in your kitchen as you prep keto-friendly dinners. Here are a few of our favorite kitchen investments: 

  • Containers & tools: Consider investing in meal prep containers, such as mason jars or airtight containers, to keep your dinner leftovers fresh throughout the week. If you want to further cut down on cooking time, an instant pot can be a game-changer too!
  • Sauces: While keeping your keto dinner routine on track, it is helpful to complement your meals with flavorful sauces. A few of our favorite keto-friendly sauces and condiments include olive oil, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and herb blends like Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, etc. You can also invest in an array of fresh herbs like fresh basil or fresh thyme to spice up your meals.
  • Fresh low-carb vegetables and fruits: Make sure to stock up on fresh leafy greens and zesty veggies like iceberg lettuce, red onion, spinach, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and kale to provide a strong, low-carb veggie base for your meals. If you want to add spicy flavor and a crunchy texture to your meals, consider grabbing some jalapeños.
  • Healthy fats: Healthy fats are the name of the game when it comes to the keto diet! Make sure to grab some wholesome staples like avocado, olive oil, peanut butter, almond butter, nuts, and seeds.
  • Dairy: Dairy products like sour cream, coconut milk, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese all make for hearty additions to meals or substitutes if you’re craving low-carb pastries when baking.
  • High-quality meats: Stock up on tasty options like crispy bacon, ground beef, turkey, chicken breast, and chicken thighs for a delicious protein fix. For seafood lovers, salmon and tuna can be used to whip up a tuna salad, while hard-boiled eggs make for a delicious egg salad. 
  • Bread & Grains: If you're looking for alternatives to bread and pastries, you can always buy keto-friendly bread or make your own using low-carb flour like almond flour, coconut flour, and more. Instead of grains, opt for cauliflower rice instead of rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Easy Keto Dinner Ideas

Ready to dig in and get started? We’ve combed through and picked our favorite low-carb dinner ideas from our library of over 2000 free healthy and tasty recipes! Created by expert chefs at Hungryroot, these keto lunch recipes will keep you energized and your taste buds satisfied all day long!

Bangers + (Cauli) Mash: In just half an hour, you’ll be treated to a mouthwatering, hearty dish that won’t break your carb bank for the day. Featuring juicy pork bratwurst, onions, and spinach, this recipe is tied together with a base of creamy, keto-friendly mashed cauliflower that will leave you coming back for seconds. With 500 calories a serving, this guilt-free meal will keep your body full and fueled for the night.

Keto Bun Grass Fed Cheeseburger w/ Sautéed Onions: Treat yourself to a flavor-packed, low-carb delight with this keto-friendly twist on an American classic. Packed with protein, juicy grass-fed burger patties are sautéed to perfection with caramelized onions to add sweetness and depth of flavor to this meal. Nestle the burger patties between two toasted keto bread buns and top off with melted, creamy cheddar cheese and refreshing spinach for a true burger masterpiece. Now you can savor every bite of this cheeseburger for a hearty and comforting dinner.

Wild Caught Shrimp Asparagus w/ Cauli Mash: This keto dinner recipe is a true winner, delivering incredible seafood flavors in a quick 30 minutes. Sauteed to perfection, the asparagus brings a vibrant and tender crunch to the dish, while the wild-caught gulf shrimp adds a delightful seafood texture and flavor. Pair with creamy keto mashed cauliflower, and you’ll have a low-carb, delicious meal that’ll leave you feeling full. Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and indulge in this sensational keto dinner that will make your taste buds craving for more!

Honey Lemon Thyme Salmon with Asparagus: This easy recipe is a true seafood flavor sensation, combining flaky and tender Atlantic salmon fillets with the refreshing flavor of asparagus. The secret to its zesty taste lies in the tangy sweetness of fresh lemon slices, drizzled with raw honey and infused with aromatic fresh thyme sprigs. With just under 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on your dinner plate.

Marinara Turkey Meatballs w/ Cauli Mash: Savor the comforting flavors of this meatball and keto mash dinner recipe. This delicious recipe features juicy and seasoned turkey meatballs seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich tomato marinara sauce. The aromatic blend of herbs and spices in the tomato marinara pairs well with creamy, keto-mashed cauliflower while the colorful rainbow veggie mix adds a nutritious and refreshing touch to the dish, providing a burst of flavor and texture.

Carb-Conscious Beef Avocado Burger: Made with juicy, grass-fed beef patties, this burger is loaded with savory flavor, healthy fats, and high-quality protein. This recipe features toasted keto bread buns paired with seared beef burger patties and topped off with a creamy, delicious avocado crema for a twist to this classic favorite. Top the burger off with fresh, baby spinach for extra protein and fiber. This dish can be prepared in under ten minutes, providing a hearty 510 calories to keep you full throughout your evening. 

Tomatoey Chicken Sausage Cauli Mash: Skip the traditional, carb-packed potatoes and opt for a creamy, cauliflower mash like the one in this recipe. The juicy, spinach-garlic chicken sausages are cooked till crispy and then, paired with a medley of tender, broccoli florets coated in a tasty tomato-based sauce. This dish brings together a symphony of flavors and textures while providing a comforting meal for days when you want to feel cozy at dinnertime.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Steamed Broccoli: Experience a burst of fresh and zesty flavors with this easy-to-prepare, protein-packed broccoli chicken dish. In just 15 minutes, you can indulge in a satisfying meal that will energize you for the rest of the day. This recipe features seared, juicy chicken pieces with a zesty cilantro lime sauce for a burst of flavor. To tie the dish together, add steamed broccoli to create a vibrant crunch to this keto dinner. 

Garlicky Chicken Green Bean Mushroom Skillet: A veggie-packed meal that’s ready in just under 20 minutes will leave you satisfied without breaking your carb count. This hearty recipe features sautéed, juicy chicken pieces with Hungryroot’s special garlic and herb seasoning blend. Pair with vibrant and tender green beans and earthy baby bella mushrooms to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. With only 370 calories per serving, this dish is a well-balanced meal that’ll leave you feeling happy and healthy.

Herby Atlantic Salmon w/ Cauli Mash: This mouthwatering, healthy meal is ready in just 30 minutes and packs a whole 600 calories per serving to keep you full and satisfied. This dish combines baked Atlantic salmon fillets with Hungryroot’s special garlic and herb seasoning blend. Steamed, tender green beans add a dash of greenery and crunch to the dish while the keto-mashed cauliflower adds a comforting, low-carb base.

Lemongrass Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry: Experience the vibrant and zesty flavors of this classic chicken and broccoli stir fry ready in just 15 minutes. Sautee broccoli florets in a skillet with a touch of oil until they turn lightly browned. Break down the lemongrass chicken and sear it in a skillet allowing it to absorb the sauce flavors. Combine the chicken and broccoli to create a delightful stir-fry. Each serving brings 400 calories creating a balance of yummy flavors and textures!

Ribeye Steak Cauliflower Mash: If you’re looking to treat yourself, consider indulging in this luxury ribeye steak and cauliflower mash, ready in about 15 minutes! Sear the ribeye steak in a skillet, creating a delicious crust while preserving the juicy tenderness within. Warm up the keto-friendly, mashed cauliflower until hot and creamy to provide a hearty low-carb base. To complete the dish, combine sautéed, sliced asparagus and yellow onions to add flavor to your restaurant-style keto dinner.

Creamy Chicken Taco Casserole: Get ready for a flavor-packed fiesta with this creamy chicken taco casserole. In just 15 minutes, you can indulge in this hearty keto dinner with only 290 calories per serving. Seasoned grilled chicken breast is the star of the show, coated in a creamy sauce blend of dairy-free sour cream and taco seasoning. Pair with sautéed sweet baby broccoli, cooked in a skillet until tender. With a perfect balance of flavors and a creamy, tangy twist from the sour cream, this casserole is a true keto delight.

Juicy Chicken with Cauliflower Mash: If you’re looking for a lean, yet filling meal, then this chicken recipe is a true winner for your next dinner. Featuring juicy, lemon pepper chicken that’s baked until golden brown, this recipe is accompanied by sweet baby broccoli adding extra protein and fiber-packed crunch to the dish. The star of this dish is the creamy and indulgent keto-mashed cauliflower, which provides a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Fire up your oven and get your taste buds ready to indulge in this delicious chicken dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen for dinnertime.

Setting Yourself Up For Keto Dinner Success

By incorporating low-carb recipes into your weekly meal planning and making sure you have all the necessary ingredients in stock, maintaining your keto lifestyle becomes a seamless and enjoyable experience. With the abundance of delicious keto dinner options we’ve covered, you can satisfy your cravings while staying in ketosis. 

By being prepared and organized, you can effortlessly stick to your keto goals and enjoy the benefits of a low-carb, high-fat diet. So, gather your favorite keto recipes, stock up on essential ingredients, and kick off your culinary journey filled with flavorful keto dinners that will keep you on track toward your health and wellness goals. 

Do you want to eat healthy and stick to your keto diet, but find yourself struggling with meal prep and grocery shopping? Hungryroot offers a wide variety of healthy and fresh groceries, along with easy-to-follow recipes that will make your low-carb dreams come true. 

With Hungryroot, you can save time and energy by having all your groceries and meal ideas delivered right to your doorstep. Take our personalized quiz now and discover the perfect, keto-friendly recipes so you can make keto dinners without the hassle of planning, prepping, and cooking!

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