Keto Budget Recipes: 10 Budget Friendly Recipes to Kickstart Your Low-Carb Lifestyle

Embarking on a ketogenic diet? Welcome to a world where you don’t just lose weight—you gain heaps of energy and enjoy mental clarity like never before! The keto diet, which focuses on high fats and low carbs, nudges your body into ketosis, a state where fat fuels your daily activities instead of carbs.

10 Budget Friendly Recipes to Kickstart Your Low-Carb Lifestyle

If you’re new to this and worried about the culinary curve, fear not. We’ve lined up ten simple and scrumptious recipes that make starting keto a breeze—without breaking the bank.

Keto Avocado Egg Salad

This budget-friendly salad uses affordable ingredients that pack a nutritional punch. Avocados and eggs, both economical staples, come together in this dish to provide healthy fats and proteins.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, usually available on sale
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, cost-effective protein source
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise, store-brand works fine
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice, a splash for freshness
• Fresh chives or parsley, optional for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine diced avocados and chopped eggs.
2. Stir in mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Garnish with chives or parsley if available. Serve chilled for best flavor.

2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A dish that feels gourmet without the high cost, using chicken thighs instead of breasts can save money without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (more affordable than breasts)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream or a lighter cream for a less rich option
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, buy in bulk and store
• 2-3 sundried tomatoes, cut into chunks (this adds additional carbs and can be left out)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, optional for a fresh touch

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken, add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add spinach and 1 tbs of water, saute until limp.
5. Pour in cream and add Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes, if using, simmer until the sauce thickens.
6. Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve.

3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Opt for zucchini, which is often cheaper than traditional pasta, and make homemade pesto with budget ingredients.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized (a great pasta substitute)
  • 1/2 cup homemade or affordable store-bought basil pesto
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cherry tomatoes, optional for extra freshness

  Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté zucchini noodles until tender.
  2. Remove from heat, toss with pesto, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Sprinkle with Parmesan and add tomatoes if using. Serve fresh.

  

  4. Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice

  Cauliflower, a versatile and inexpensive vegetable, serves as a perfect base for this low-cost, keto-friendly fried rice.
  Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced (cheaper than pre-riced versions)
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, an economical choice
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/4 cup green onions, optional for garnish

  Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, heat oil and sauté garlic and onion until aromatic.
  2. Add frozen vegetables and cook until heated through.
  3. Move veggies aside, add eggs to pan, and scramble.
  4. Stir in riced cauliflower and soy sauce, mixing well.
  5. Cook until everything is well combined and cauliflower is tender. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

  

  Keto Bacon and Egg Muffins

  Utilize ingredients like eggs and bacon, which are often on sale, to create these simple, make-ahead breakfast muffins.
  Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs, a cost-effective protein source
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk to reduce cost
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices of bacon, look for sales or bulk purchase
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives, optional for flavor

  Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Whisk eggs with cream, salt, and pepper.
  3. Grease a muffin tin and place bacon in each cup.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over bacon and top with cheese.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until set. Garnish with chives if desired. Serve warm or store for a quick breakfast.

  These recipes emphasize using cost-effective ingredients and budget-friendly cooking techniques to maintain a ketogenic diet without straining your wallet. Each dish is designed to be nutritious, satisfying, and above all, affordable, making them ideal for anyone looking to follow keto on a budget.

  

  Keto Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps

  Capture the essence of a hearty burger without the expense of the bun. These wraps use cost-effective ground beef and fresh lettuce for a delicious, wallet-friendly meal.
  Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (choose a less expensive cut)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (buy in bulk and freeze extra)
  • 8 large lettuce leaves (e.g., iceberg or romaine, often cheaper than other greens)
  • Sliced pickles, tomatoes, and onions (optional)
  • Keto-friendly ketchup and mustard (optional)

  Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and cook until soft.
  3. Add ground beef, cook until browned, then drain any excess fat.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
  6. Spoon onto lettuce leaves, add toppings if desired, and wrap. Serve immediately.

  

  Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip

  Perfect for gatherings, this dip uses shredded chicken—ideal for using leftover rotisserie chicken, an economical choice.

  Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (great use of leftovers)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

  Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  5. Garnish with green onions if desired. Serve warm with keto-friendly crackers or celery sticks.

  

  8. Keto Chocolate Avocado Mousse

  This mousse uses avocados, a source of healthy fats, and cocoa powder, both of which are often available at reasonable prices, especially when bought in bulk.
  Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or substitute with a more budget-friendly alternative like almond milk)
  • 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or other keto-friendly sweetener)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

  Instructions:

  1. Blend avocados until smooth in a food processor.
  2. Add cocoa powder, heavy cream, erythritol, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Blend until creamy. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

  

  9. Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp

  Utilize smaller or frozen shrimp, which are often cheaper than fresh large varieties, for this quick and elegant meal.

  Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp (smaller or frozen to save cost)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, optional for garnish

  Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
  4. Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

  

  10. Keto Lemon Blueberry Muffins

  Using ingredients like almond flour and blueberries, which you can buy in bulk and store, these muffins are a cost-effective way to enjoy a sweet treat without breaking the bank.

  Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup erythritol
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

  Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together almond flour, coconut flour, erythritol, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk almond milk, coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, gently fold in blueberries.
  5. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and evenly distribute the batter.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool before serving.

  

  Each of these budget friendly keto recipes is designed to keep your costs down while still enjoying the full flavors and benefits of a ketogenic diet. By choosing ingredients wisely and making use of leftovers and bulk buys, you can maintain a keto diet on a budget without sacrificing taste or variety.

  Love these Keto Budget Recipes? Pin it!