15 Cheap & Easy Low-Carb Meals for a Budget-Friendly Diet

Eating low-carb on a budget? Challenge accepted! I know how pricey healthy eating can get, but trust me—you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy delicious, low-carb meals.

These budget-friendly recipes are packed with flavor, easy to make, and won’t drain your wallet. Whether you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, or packed with protein, I’ve got you covered.

So, let’s ditch the expensive ingredients and whip up some tasty low-carb meals without breaking the bank!

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1. Garlic Butter Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry

🚀 Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🍗 Protein: 42g | 🥦 Carbs: 8g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add chicken slices, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden brown.
4. Stir in shredded cabbage and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
5. Serve hot.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Cabbage is one of the most affordable low-carb vegetables, and chicken breasts are a budget-friendly protein source.

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2. Low-Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl

🚀 Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🥩 Protein: 40g | 🥦 Carbs: 7g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef, season with garlic powder, ginger, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 6–7 minutes until browned.
3. Stir in shredded cabbage and soy sauce, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Serve warm.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Ground beef and cabbage are both inexpensive and create a hearty, filling meal with minimal ingredients.

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3. Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Bake

🚀 Prep Time: 25 minutes | 🧀 Protein: 38g | 🥦 Carbs: 9g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam broccoli and cauliflower until tender.
3. In a saucepan, heat butter and heavy cream, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
4. Mix in steamed broccoli and cauliflower, then transfer to a baking dish.
5. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Broccoli and cauliflower are inexpensive, high-fiber veggies, and cheese makes this dish rich and satisfying.

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4. Spicy Tuna & Avocado Salad

🚀 Prep Time: 10 minutes (No Cooking Required) | 🐟 Protein: 36g | 🥑 Carbs: 5g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
• ½ avocado, mashed
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mashed avocado, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir in mayonnaise until creamy.
3. Serve as a salad or use as a filling for lettuce wraps.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Canned tuna and avocado are affordable, high-protein, and low-carb, making this a quick meal with minimal prep.

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5. Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Butter Shrimp

🚀 Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🍤 Protein: 39g | 🥒 Carbs: 7g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups zucchini noodles (zoodles)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until pink.
4. Stir in zucchini noodles and cook for 2 minutes until just tender.
5. Serve hot.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Zucchini noodles are a budget-friendly low-carb alternative to pasta, and shrimp cooks fast, making this meal easy to prepare.

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6. Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

🚀 Prep Time: 30 minutes | 🍗 Protein: 44g | 🥑 Carbs: 5g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Rub the mixture onto chicken thighs, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until skin is crispy and chicken is fully cooked.
5. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Chicken thighs are one of the most affordable protein sources, and Parmesan cheese adds richness without extra carbs.

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7. Cauliflower Crust Grilled Cheese

🚀 Prep Time: 25 minutes | 🧀 Protein: 37g | 🥦 Carbs: 9g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam cauliflower rice for 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess water.
3. Mix cauliflower, eggs, shredded cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
4. Shape into 4 squares on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Butter one side of each square and pan-fry for 2 minutes per side until crispy.
6. Add cheese between two squares and cook until melted.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Cauliflower is an affordable alternative to bread, and this recipe transforms it into a satisfying, crispy, cheesy sandwich.

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8. Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

🚀 Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🥩 Protein: 42g | 🥬 Carbs: 6g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef, season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned.
3. Stir in shredded cabbage and red pepper flakes, then cook for another 4 minutes.
4. Serve hot.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Cabbage is one of the cheapest vegetables, and ground beef is an affordable, high-protein option.

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9. Keto Egg & Cheese Scramble

🚀 Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🥚 Protein: 35g | 🧀 Carbs: 4g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon butter

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in egg mixture and scramble for 2–3 minutes until just set.
4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cook for another 1 minute until melted.
5. Serve hot.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Eggs are one of the most affordable protein sources, and this recipe is quick and filling.

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10. Tuna Melt Stuffed Peppers

🚀 Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🐟 Protein: 38g | 🫑 Carbs: 7g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 2 cans (5 oz) tuna, drained
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Fill bell pepper halves with the tuna mixture.
4. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Canned tuna and bell peppers are budget-friendly staples, and this recipe requires only a handful of ingredients.

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11. Chicken & Spinach Frittata

🚀 Prep Time: 25 minutes | 🍗 Protein: 39g | 🥚 Carbs: 5g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and black pepper.
3. Stir in chicken, spinach, and shredded cheese.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then pour in the egg mixture.
5. Cook for 3 minutes, then transfer to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until set.
6. Slice into portions and serve.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Eggs and spinach are cost-effective, and leftover chicken makes this meal even more budget-friendly.

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12. Cheesy Sausage & Cauliflower Rice Skillet

🚀 Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🌭 Protein: 41g | 🥦 Carbs: 7g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb keto-friendly sausage, sliced
• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
3. Stir in cauliflower rice, season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, stir, and serve hot.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Cauliflower rice is a low-cost alternative to traditional rice, and sausage is an inexpensive protein option.

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13. Baked Zucchini Pizza Boats

🚀 Prep Time: 25 minutes | 🧀 Protein: 38g | 🥒 Carbs: 6g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchinis, halved lengthwise
• ½ cup marinara sauce (low-carb)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup cooked ground beef or pepperoni slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Scoop out some of the zucchini flesh to create a hollow center.
3. Fill each zucchini boat with marinara sauce, cooked ground beef or pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bake for 15–18 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Zucchini is an affordable low-carb alternative to pizza crust, and ground beef or pepperoni are cost-effective protein options.

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14. Simple Avocado Tuna Salad

🚀 Prep Time: 10 minutes (No Cooking Required) | 🥑 Protein: 36g | 🥗 Carbs: 5g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
• ½ avocado, mashed
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Serve as a salad or use as a filling for lettuce wraps.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Canned tuna is an inexpensive, high-protein option, and avocados provide healthy fats with minimal ingredients.

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15. Cabbage & Egg Stir-Fry

🚀 Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🥚 Protein: 34g | 🥬 Carbs: 6g per serving | 🍽 Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add shredded cabbage and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the pan, scramble with the cabbage, and cook for 2–3 more minutes until eggs are set.

🔹 Why It’s Cheap & Easy: Eggs and cabbage are two of the cheapest low-carb ingredients available, making this meal highly budget-friendly.

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