As the cost of groceries continues to rise, many of us are looking for ways to create delicious but cheap keto meals. When on a low-carb or keto diet, it can be difficult to keep costs low since keto-friendly groceries and products tend to be more expensive.
Meat is typically the most expensive item in a meal. But, if you purchase cheaper cuts of meat, like pork shoulder or chicken thighs and legs, you can save quite a bit of money over time. You can also save money when you buy in-season veggies and fruits and stock up on pantry items that go on sale.
Here are some cheap keto recipes and meals that are all easy to make and do not comprise on flavor. We hope these money-saving tips and meal ideas can help you reduce food costs!
CRISPY PORK CARNITAS: INSTANT POT OR SLOW COOKER
Carnitas, a type of Mexican pork, is typically made with pork shoulder, one of the cheapest cuts of pork. Pork shoulder is less expensive than other cuts since it's tougher and takes longer to cook.
Our crispy carnitas recipe can be made in an instant pot or pressure cooker. It's only 8 ingredients, many of which you likely have at home. You can turn carnitas into an inexpensive meal by serving in low-carb tortillas or over a bed of lettuce along with shredded cheese, sliced avocado and/or salsa. Click here for the recipe.
Mexican Breakfast Pizza
Even though the price of eggs has gone up, they're still an economical source of protein. And it's easy to turn an egg into a satiating meal — like this keto Mexican breakfast pizza.
Simply top a low-carb tortilla with mashed avocados, shredded cheddar cheese, an over-easy egg, and salsa. Yum! Click here for the recipe.
Mexican Chicken Skillet
This comforting Mexican chicken skillet is made with rotisserie chicken, which is one of the few items that hasn't increased in price at some stores. It's because competitively-priced rotisserie chickens can drive customers to the store, and in turn, make them more likely to purchase other high-priced items.
This enchilada-like skillet takes less than 15 minutes to make and uses less than 8 ingredients. Plus, it's a filling dish that's low in carbs. Click here for recipe. For more keto rotisserie chicken recipes, click here.
SHEET PAN SMOKED PAPRIKA CHICKEN & ROASTED BROCCOLI
Chicken thighs are one of the most economical cuts of chicken. Plus, since they're higher in fat, they have more flavor than chicken breasts.
In this easy sheet pan dinner, chicken thighs are seasoned with smoked paprika and baked until tender and juicy with crispy skin. The chicken is paired with broccoli, which you can purchase fresh or frozen, whichever is cheaper. Click here for the recipe.
GRILLED CHICKEN SHAWARMA DRUMSTICKS
Chicken legs or drumsticks are one of the other less expensive cuts of chicken you can get at the store. Much like chicken thighs, they're higher in fat than chicken breasts, which makes them more tender, juicy and flavorful.
These grilled chicken shawarma drumsticks are deliciously tender with crispy skin that bursts with Middle Eastern flavors. They're a breeze to grill, too. Click here for the recipe.
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
This succulent, keto beef barbacoa is made with beef chuck roast, one of the cheapest cuts of beef you can buy at the store. It's because it's a leaner, tougher cut of meat that requires more cooking time.
Our keto beef barbacoa is rich, spicy, and smoky in flavor. It's perfect in low-carb tortillas or a Mexican-inspired salad. Click here for the recipe.
SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN WITH THYME, ROSEMARY & GARLIC
Often times, it's most economical to purchase a whole chicken as opposed to pre-cut pieces like breasts or even thighs. Plus, you can use the leftovers in other dishes like chicken salad or soup.
And roasting a whole chicken is easier than you think, especially in this keto spatchcock (butterflied) chicken recipe. To make it an easy and economical meal, simply serve with microwaved broccoli or asparagus (again, whichever you can find cheaper at your grocer). Click here for the recipe.
Quick Beef Taco Salad
Even though ground beef continues to rise in price, it's still cheaper than other cuts of beef, especially if you can get it on sale. And you can make your dollar go further when you incorporate it into a dish that increases the number of servings.
Our quick beef taco salad includes several ingredients, like lettuce, shredded cheese, and avocado, to create a balanced and filling meal. Click here for the recipe.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Here's another tasty weeknight dish that uses chicken thighs, an economical and flavorful cut of chicken.
This keto chicken tikka masala is one of the best out there — it's rich and creamy with tender chunks of chicken. It's just 8 ingredients and is best served over riced cauliflower. Click here for recipe.
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