These cheap and easy low-carb meals are made with simple ingredients for affordable weeknight dinners that still taste delicious!

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!

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 beef taco salad includes several ingredients, like lettuce, shredded cheese, and avocado, to create a balanced and filling meal. Click here for the recipe.

Easy High-Protein Ground Chicken Stir-Fry

This ground-chicken stir-fry is a winner when you’re trying to keep costs down and protein up. Ground chicken is often budget friendly, and with a few added veggies and condiments you likely have at home, you’ve got a quick skillet dinner that’s low-carb, satisfying and easy to stretch into leftovers. Click here for recipe.

Sausage and Veggie Sheet Pan

Sheet-pan meals = low fuss, minimal cleanup and big bang for your food budget. This one uses sausage (which you can buy bulk), a mix of roasted veggies, plus a little feta for flavor. This easy, low-carb one-pan setup is perfect for busy weeknights. Click here for recipe.

Cheesy Chicken and Cauliflower Rice (High Protein)

When cauliflower rice goes on sale or you buy frozen, it becomes a major budget hack. Pair that with rotisserie chicken and a good dose of shredded cheese for a comforting low-carb dish that's nutritious and high in protein. Click here for recipe.

High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken

A simple soup made with rotisserie chicken, cottage cheese, and canned diced tomatoes for a quick, high-protein meal with minimal extra cost. It’s perfect for nights when you want hearty but don’t want to spend a lot or mess around too much. Click here for recipe.

Cheeseburger Cauliflower Rice Skillet

This easy skillet dinner is a cheeseburger without the bun, which is replaced with cauliflower rice to keep the carbs down. Ground beef (often cheaper than other types of beef), cheese, and cauliflower rice make for a satisfying low-carb dinner that's budget friendly. Click here for recipe.