• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Low Carb Simplified

  • Recipe Index
  • Product Reviews
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Product Reviews
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Blog » Cheap Keto Meals and Recipes

    Cheap Keto Meals and Recipes

    Published: Jun 2, 2022 by Low-Carb Simplified · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Share
    • Tweet
    Four images of cheap keto recipes including paprika chicken, spatchcock chicken, taco salad, and beef barbacoa.

    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

    Shredded pork carnitas in a sheet pan along with bowls of shredded lettuce, sliced avocado and salsa.

    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

    Keto Mexican chicken skillet in a skillet with melted cheese, diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream.

    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

    Crispy paprika chicken thighs on a sheet pan with roasted broccoli and a wedge of lemon.

    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

    Crispy grilled chicken shawarma legs on a plate with a cucumber side salad.

    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

    Slow cooker beef barbacoa in a low carb tortilla and topped with diced red onion and cilantro.

    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

    Spatchcock chicken that is roasted with golden brown skin and fresh herbs on a serving plate.

    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

    Ground beef taco salad in a bowl, made with chopped romaine lettuce, ground beef, shredded cheese, diced tomato, avocado, jalapenos and a dollop of sour cream.

    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

    Keto chicken tikka masala served on a plate with torn low-carb pita and cauliflower rice.

    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.

    « Keto Strawberry Muffins
    Keto Pork Belly Adobo »

    Like this recipe?

    Follow us for more yummy recipes!
    Instagram Pinterest Facebook

    When you make a recipe, don’t forget to tag us so we can see how it turned out! Tag @lowcarbsimplified on Instagram or use #lowcarbsimplified on any social media.

     

     

    DISCLAIMER: We do not engage in brand partnerships nor do we accept free products. We only review and recommend the products we enjoy.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome! We are Cathy and Ishan, the creators of Low Carb Simplified. Our site features quick and healthy low-carb and keto recipes that are all 8 ingredients or less. These no-fuss recipes are for those who have little time to cook but still want healthy and delicious food.

    More about us →

    Popular Recipes

    • One-Pan, Keto Mexican Chicken Skillet
    • The Best Keto Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
    • Crispy Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders
    • Keto Butter Pecan Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami

    Our Blog

    • Medical Community Response to the Erythritol Heart Attack and Stroke Study
    • Tasty Low Carb & Keto Game Day Snacks
    • 10 Keto Valentine's Day Gifts for a Special Someone

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Privacy Policy

    |

    Contact Us

    Copyright © 2023 Low Carb Simplified