20 Cheap Keto Meals For Low Budgets

A keto diet can be expensive. That’s because you’re ditching cheap high carb foods.

Foods like pasta, white bread, and potato chips. And replacing them with fresh meat, fatty fish, and low carb veggies, which let’s face it, are more expensive.

But being on a keto diet doesn’t mean having to break the bank. With some simple tweaks, you can still eat on the cheap.

So today, I’m sharing 20 Cheap Keto Meals. They’re not only cheap but delicious too.

And talking about cheap, one way to save money is to store your meals in airtight food storage containers.

This will keep your food fresh longer, so you’re not throwing your food away. Get glass food containers. They’ll keep the food fresh for longer.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

1. Keto Chicken Patties

Source: fittoservegroup.com

One way to save money on a keto diet is to eat your leftovers. But sometimes, we get tired of eating the same old leftovers.

So, they end up rotting in the fridge. Then we toss them in the trash- money down the drain.

These keto chicken patties are juicy and tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside. And they’re bursting with flavor.

That’s because you’re using 5 different spices. So, get out those measuring spoons. I use these ones.

To make them, you’ll be using leftover chicken breasts. If you don’t have chicken breasts, that’s ok… Leftover rotisserie chicken works fine too.

Making them is pretty easy. Just shred your chicken with a fork, or for extra convenience, you can use a meat shredder like this.

Next, mix together your chicken, eggs, seasonings, and parmesan cheese. Then, form your chicken mixture into patties and fry.

Easy, peasy!

Per Serving:

Calories: 170
Fats: 9.9g
Protein: 15.8g
Net Carbs: 0.7g

2. Cold Cucumber Soup

Source: whatagirleats.com

Low carb veggies can be pretty expensive. But they don’t have to be.

Cucumbers tend to be cheaper. And they’re quite low in carbs too.

A half-cup serving of cucumbers contains only 0.8 grams of net carbs. Additionaly, it’s a good source of Vitamin K, which you need to help your blood clot.

This cold cucumber soup is delicious and refreshing. Perfect for a hot summer’s day.

And the best part is this- there’s no cooking involved. To make it, begin by salting your cucumbers and allowing them to “sweat” out for about 20 minutes.

This releases the moisture in your cucumbers. Then add your ingredients in a blender or food processor, and puree until smooth.

Then chill for an hour and enjoy it. Also, check out these keto soups here!

Per Serving:

Calories: 55
Fats: 1g
Protein: 8g
Net Carbs: 4g

3. Keto Tex-Mex Beef Casserole

Source: ketocookingwins.com

Being on a keto diet can be a challenge…particularly when the rest of your family isn’t on it.

So, you end up making one meal for yourself. And then one for the rest of your family.

This can be pretty challenging and expensive.

This casserole is a dish that your whole family will enjoy. It’s saucy, cheesy, beefy, and oh, so yummy… Your family will be asking for seconds.

And it’s packed with fat and protein. So, it’s great for growing kids.

Keep in mind that this dish contains beef. And this meat has a high carbon footprint.

Thus, you may want to make this dish less often or use ground chicken or pork instead.

Check out more ketogenic beef recipes here!

Per Serving:

Calories: 464
Fats: 29g
Protein: 39g
Net Carbs: 5g

4. Chicken Broccoli Bake

Source: thehonoursystem.com

When life gets stressful, all you want to do is curl up on the couch. And eat some good old-fashioned comfort food.

This chicken broccoli bake hits the spot. It’s packed with chicken and oeey, gooey cheese, and is oh, so comforting.

Unlike your typical comfort food, this is good for you. That’s because instead of adding pasta or potatoes, you add broccoli instead.

The broccoli not only adds freshness but extra nutrition.

In fact, you get almost 100% of your daily Vitamin C needs, and almost 25% of your Vitamin A needs in one serving. So, it’s great for your immune system.

Per Serving:

Calories: 318
Fats: 21g
Protein: 26g
Net Carbs: 6g

5. Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Source: creativegreenliving.com

Now, chicken breasts tend to be on the expensive side. So, whenever there’s a sale on them, be sure to stock up on them.

But what do you do with all those chicken breasts? Make asparagus stuffed chicken breasts!

These stuffed chicken breasts are full of Italian flavor. That’s because you use Italian cheese, provolone cheese, and Italian spices.

And they’re super fancy too. You’ll feel like you’re eating at a fancy Italian restaurant…without all the expenses.

Making them is really easy too. All it takes is 35 minutes to make them.

To make them, you’re going to saute your stuffed chicken breasts, then top them with Italian cheese. Then you’re going to place your skillet in the oven to bake for 10 to 15 minutes.

Thus, be sure you have a good oven-safe skillet. This high-quality cast iron skillet is a good option because it’s oven-safe, and it will give you a nice sear on your chicken.

Bon appetit! Check out more keto chicken recipes here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 715
Fats: 26.8g
Protein: 112.5g
Net Carbs: 3.5g

6. Keto Teriyaki Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

I love ordering in Teriyaki chicken, as I’m sure many of you do too. But ordering in can get pretty expensive.

And besides, your traditional Teriyaki chicken is swimming in carbs. That’s because it’s coated with high carb ingredients like honey or brown sugar.

My keto Teriyaki chicken has only 4.4 grams of net carbs per serving. So, eat it without feeling guilty at all.

And it’s just as tasty as traditional Teriyaki chicken. It has a nice blend of sweet, savory, and umami.

To keep it low carb, use erythritol instead of brown sugar. Erythritol is an all-natural sweetener that doesn’t spike your blood sugar levels.

If you don’t have any at home, you can get some here.

Besides being yummy, this dish takes only 21 minutes to make. So, it’s even faster than takeout.

Now, that’s my kind of dish.

Per Serving:

Calories: 434
Fats: 26g
Protein: 47g
Net Carbs: 4.4g

7. Pizza Chicken Skillet

Source: cookathomemom.com

Mmm! You had me at pizza… And chicken.

On the menu are juicy tender chicken breasts in tomato sauce. All topped with melted mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.

So, you have all the taste of pizza…without all the carbs.

Besides being yummy, this dish takes only 15 minutes to make. Yes, you read that right.

And you only need 5 ingredients and one skillet. So, you have less to clean up after dinner.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Per Serving:

Calories: 448
Fats: 24g
Protein: 48g
Net Carbs: 6g

8. Keto Low Carb Turkey Meatballs With Almond Flour

Source: thetopmeal.com

Craving some Italian eats? These meatballs are sure to satisfy your cravings.

They’re juicy on the inside and nicely browned on the outside. But the best part? They contain zero grams of net carbs per serving!

The secret to them being so low in carbs is the flour that you use. Instead of regular flour, you use almond flour.

Almond flour is not only low carb, it’s also packed with fat. And it is rich in Vitamin E, which is good for your skin.

Besides using almond flour as a binder, you can use it to thicken sauces, make pancakes, and even bread.

So, it’s sure to come in handy for your low carb lifestyle. I buy my almond flour here.

Check out more keto almond flour meals here!

Per Serving:

Calories: 342
Fats: 24g
Protein: 31g
Net Carbs: 0g

9. Keto Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

Source: thetopmeal.com

We all live busy lives, me included. So, at the end of the day, all you want to do is relax…and not slave in the kitchen.

This chicken dinner offers a Mexican spin on your traditional chicken dinner. Chicken breasts are simmered in sour cream and tomatoes for a dish that is flavorful and creamy.

All you need are 4 ingredients: chicken breasts, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning.

And the best part is that you literally dump your ingredients in your slow cooker and go. When you come back, dinner is served.

So, make sure you have a slow cooker on hand. If you’re looking for one, this one is pretty good quality.

Here are more keto crockpot recipes!

Per Serving:

Calories: 227
Fats: 13g
Protein: 20g
Net Carbs: 5g

10. Keto Cream Cheese Scrambled Eggs

Source: babysavers.com

Eggs are the perfect keto breakfast when you’re on a tight budget. They’re super cheap, and they’re good for you too.

Besides being low carb, they’re also rich in protein and fat. So, they keep you feeling full longer.

They’re also rich in B vitamins, which you need for your brain. And they’re an excellent source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant. So, eat up those eggs!

These cream cheese scrambled eggs are rich and extra velvety. That’s because you use cream in them.

Cream cheese also adds extra fat- good for ketosis.

Serve with bacon or if you like, some low carb bread. This bread here has only 2 grams of net carbs per serving.

It’s also packed with protein. So, it’s really filling.

Per Serving:

Calories: 292
Fats: 26g
Protein: 14g
Net Carbs: 2g

11. Grilled Chicken Tenders

Source: nourishplate.com

Looking for a healthy alternative to chicken fingers? Try these grilled chicken tenders.

Unlike chicken fingers, they’re not coated in flour. So, they won’t kick you out of ketosis.

They’re also grilled, not deep-fried. So, they’re healthier for you too.

They’re really flavorful and tender too. That’s because you marinate them in a marinade containing 4 different spices-thyme, salt, black pepper, and oregano.

Making them is really easy. After you’ve finished marinating them, just place them on your grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side.

If you don’t have a grill, you can simply use a grill pan like this.

Per Serving:

Calories: 194
Fats: 10g
Protein: 24g
Net Carbs: 0g

12. Easy Garlic Butter Keto Chicken Thighs

Source: ieatketo.com

Here’s another winning chicken dinner. After all, you can’t have enough chicken, right?

This chicken dinner is pretty affordable. That’s because you’re using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.

Not only are chicken thighs cheaper, they also contain more fat. And more fat means staying on top of your ketosis.

This chicken dinner is finger-licking good. You’ve got crispy chicken skin and juicy chicken thighs.

And the green beans are sauteed in chicken fat, garlic, butter, and Italian seasonings. Yum!

Per Serving:

Calories: 789
Fats: 67g
Protein: 40g
Net Carbs: 9.2g

13. Easy Homemade Chicken Soup With Whole Chicken

Source: alwaysusebutter.com

When it’s cold outside, all you want to do is sit by the fireplace. And enjoy a piping hot bowl of soup.

This chicken soup is sure to warm your tongue and your tummy. The chili flakes add a nice heat that is balanced by the coolness of the heavy cream.

And the mushrooms and red bell peppers add texture and freshness. This ain’t your momma’s chicken soup.

Now, this soup does take some time to cook. That’s because you’re cooking half a chicken from scratch.

But it’s definitely worth it. Check out more keto soup ideas here.

Per Serving:

Calories: 793
Fats: 75g
Protein: 23g
Net Carbs: 7g

14. Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With Cajun Seasoning

Source: blissfullylowcarb.com

Need dinner ready in 1, 2, 3? Then try this Instant Pot chicken dish.

The shredded chicken is full of flavor. That’s because you’re cooking your chicken in chicken broth along with, count it- 8 different spices.

And it’s really tender, just as if it’s been cooking all day. But it hasn’t.

In fact, it takes only 10 minutes to cook.

To make it, just add some oil to your Instant Pot. Then saute your chicken for 3 minutes.

Next, add your chicken broth and spices, coating your chicken well. Then cook for 7 minutes.

Don’t have an Instant Pot yet? Investing in one can actually save you money.

That’s because cooking cheaper pieces of meat is much easier with an Instant Pot. This Instant Pot here is pretty budget-friendly.

Per Serving:

Calories: 268
Fats: 21g
Protein: 19g
Net Carbs: 0g

15. Keto Salmon Patties

Source: blissfullylowcarb.com

Dinner parties are a great time to hang out with friends. And to eat good food.

But entertaining can be hard when you’re keto- and your guests aren’t. So, you may end up making separate dishes- one for you and one for them.

These keto salmon patties are a dish that everyone will enjoy. The jalapeno adds some heat, while the lime juice adds some freshness.

Best of all, one salmon patty contains only 1 gram of net carbs. So, you can have one (or two) and not feel guilty.

Per Serving:

Calories: 117
Fats: 8g
Protein: 9g
Net Carbs: 1g

16. Keto Shrimp Scampi With Zucchini Noodles

Source: theroastedroot.net

Looking for a low carb alternative to shrimp scampi? Then give this dish a try.

On the menu is succulent, juicy shrimp. All in a creamy, decadent, tangy garlic butter sauce.

To keep it low carb, you won’t be using wine to make your shrimp scampi. Instead, you’ll be using a mixture of chicken broth and fresh lemon juice.

By doing this, you cut the carbs down by almost 70%.

And what’s shrimp scampi without some pasta, ahem, zucchini noodles?

Making zucchini noodles is quite easy. Just cut the ends off your zucchini.

Then spiralize your zucchini in a spiralizer like this.

Per Serving:

Calories: 321
Fats: 23g
Protein: 17g
Net Carbs: 6g

17. Keto Hamburger Helper

Source: jenniferbanz.com

Does Hamburger Helper remind you of your childhood? Well, relive those memories with this keto version.

This keto Hamburger Helper is cheesy, saucy, and packed with nicely browned beef. And there’s no pasta in sight.

Instead, you have cauliflower rice. So, it’s low carb and packed with nutrition too.

Per Serving:

Calories: 395
Fats: 27g
Protein: 26g
Net Carbs: 10g

18. Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Source: nourishplate.com

I’m a big fan of chicken, as I’m sure many of you are too. But after a while, it can get kind of boring.

So, if you’re looking to jazz up your chicken dinner, this dish is for you.

This chicken has a ton of flavor. The olive oil and butter add a nice creaminess, while the lemon zest and juice add some tang.

Meanwhile, the smoked paprika adds the smokiness. And the chicken broth and garlic add savory notes…it’s a party in your mouth.

Per Serving:

Calories: 369
Fats: 16g
Protein: 49g
Net Carbs: 4g

19. Ham Casserole With Broccoli & Cauliflower Rice

Source: curbingcarbs.com

Getting your kids to eat their veggies can be a pain. The next thing you know, you sound just like your mom. (Sorry mom!).

This casserole dish is packed with yummy ham, ooey gooey cheese, tender broccoli, and cauliflower rice. So, you have all of the good stuff and some of the yummy stuff.

Don’t be surprised if your kids say: More, please!

Per Serving: