10 Easy Keto Dinner Recipes for Beginners

 

Starting a new diet can be daunting, but the keto diet has gained popularity for its effectiveness and simplicity. By focusing on low-carb, high-fat foods, you can enjoy delicious meals while reaching your weight loss goals. 

Here, we’ll explore 10 easy keto dinner recipes perfect for beginners.

The Basics of the Keto Diet

The ketogenic (keto) diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet designed to put your body into a state of ketosis. In ketosis, your body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This diet is known for its potential to aid in weight loss, improve mental clarity, and boost energy levels.

Why Choose Keto for Dinner?

Dinner is often the largest meal of the day, making it an ideal opportunity to ensure you’re hitting your keto macronutrient targets. With a variety of recipes to choose from, you can keep your meals interesting and satisfying.

10 Easy Keto Dinner Recipes for Beginners

1. Keto Tuscan Chicken (Crock Pot)
2. Whole 30 Zuppa Toscana Soup
3. Italian Chicken Stuffed Zucchini
4. Cast Iron Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
5. Keto White Chicken Chili
6. Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake
7. Keto Chicken Enchiladas
8. Air Fryer Sausage and Veggies
9. Italian Antipasto Salad (Keto, Low Carb, GF)
10. Creamy Keto Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

1. Keto Tuscan Chicken (Crock Pot Recipe)

Indulge in the rich flavors of Keto Tuscan Chicken, effortlessly prepared in your crockpot. This creamy, low-carb dish features tender chicken breasts simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for a comforting and keto-friendly meal with minimal prep.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Additional fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Layer Ingredients: In the Crock Pot, layer half of the chicken thighs. Top with half of the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Repeat with the remaining chicken, tomatoes, basil, and garlic.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the Crock Pot.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Add Spinach: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the baby spinach to the Crock Pot and stir until wilted.
7. Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving.

2. Whole 30 Zuppa Toscana Soup

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Keto Whole30 Zuppa Toscana Soup, a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for a healthy lifestyle. This delicious soup combines savory sausage, tender kale, and creamy broth without dairy, making it both keto-friendly and Whole30 compliant. Warm up with a bowl of this satisfying and wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (compliant with Whole 30 standards)
• 4-5 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth (compliant with Whole 30)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat)
• 2 large potatoes or 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces (for a lower carb option)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meats: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set aside. In the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside, leaving the grease.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the remaining grease, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage to the pot along with the chicken broth, coconut milk, and potatoes or cauliflower. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat and let simmer until the potatoes are tender or the cauliflower is soft, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Add Greens: Stir in the chopped kale and cooked bacon. Cook until the kale is wilted and tender.
6. Season: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust to taste.
7. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra crumbled bacon if desired.

3. Italian Chicken Stuffed Zucchini

Savor the delightful flavors of Keto Italian Chicken Stuffed Zucchini, a perfect low-carb meal. These zucchini boats are filled with seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, offering a tasty and nutritious dinner option. Enjoy a healthy and satisfying dish that’s both keto-friendly and packed with Italian flair.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup low-carb marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1/4 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Zucchinis: Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a “boat”.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent. Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in mushrooms and spinach, cook until they’re softened.
5. Combine: Remove from heat. Stir in marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Stuff Zucchinis: Spoon the chicken mixture into the zucchini boats. Top with the remaining cheeses.
7. Bake: Place stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and zucchinis are tender.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

4. Cast Iron Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Delight in the rich and savory flavors of Keto Cast Iron Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. This dish features succulent chicken breasts seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet and smothered in a luxurious, creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for a satisfying and low-carb dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (white, cremini, or baby bella)
• 1/4 cup finely minced onion or shallots
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, chives, rosemary, dill, or cilantro)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and nearly cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the butter, mushrooms, and onions. Sauté until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Create the Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken stock or water, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream, mustard (if using), lemon juice (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Whisk well to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with dried or fresh thyme.
5. Finish Cooking: Let the chicken cook for an additional 5-6 minutes in the sauce until it’s completely cooked through and the sauce is creamy.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy your chicken with a side of keto-friendly vegetables or over zoodles for a complete meal.

5. Keto White Chicken Chili

Warm up with a bowl of Keto White Chicken Chili, a deliciously creamy and low-carb twist on a classic favorite. This hearty chili features tender chicken, flavorful spices, and a rich, velvety broth, making it a perfect comfort food for any keto-friendly meal. Enjoy a satisfying and nutritious dish that's easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked shredded chicken, chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy whipping cream and shredded cheese. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the chili is creamy.
5. Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and additional cheese if desired.

6. Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake, a low-carb twist on a classic dish. This delectable bake features layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all topped with a creamy Dijon sauce. Perfect for a comforting and keto-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs shredded chicken (cooked)
• 1 lb ham, sliced
• 8 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pork panko (for topping, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer Ingredients: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the shredded chicken, then the ham slices, and finally the Swiss cheese slices.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese in the baking dish.
5. Add Topping: If using pork panko, sprinkle it on top for added crunch.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

7. Keto Chicken Enchiladas

Enjoy the bold and savory flavors of Keto Chicken Enchiladas, a delicious low-carb version of a classic favorite. These enchiladas are filled with tender chicken, wrapped in grain-free tortillas, and topped with a rich and spicy sauce. Perfect for a satisfying and keto-friendly meal that’s easy to make and full of Mexican flair.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 lb cooked shredded chicken
• 2/3 cup keto-friendly enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
• In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
• Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until the onions are translucent.
• Add the precooked shredded chicken and mix well.
• Pour in 2/3 cup of enchilada sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Create Zucchini “Tortillas”:
• Slice the zucchini into thin strips using a vegetable peeler.
• Lay out 4 zucchini strips slightly overlapping.
• Place 1/4 cup of the chicken and cheese mixture at one end of the zucchini strips.
• Roll up the zucchini around the filling carefully.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
• Grease a baking dish with a little oil.
• Place the zucchini enchiladas in the dish.
• Top with the remaining enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.
4. Bake:
• Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
• Serve your keto chicken enchiladas with full-fat yogurt, sour cream, or cream cheese.
• Garnish with chopped parsley.

8. Air Fryer Sausage and Veggies

Experience a quick and healthy meal with Air Fryer Sausage and Veggies, a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This dish features juicy sausage and a medley of crisp, roasted vegetables, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Enjoy a convenient and nutritious dinner that's both delicious and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Your choice of keto-friendly sausage (such as kielbasa or Italian sausage), sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
• A variety of low-carb vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or herbs de Provence

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced sausage and chopped vegetables.
3. Season: Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer until everything is well coated.
4. Cook: Place the sausage and vegetable mixture into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
5. Air Fry: Cook for about 8 minutes, then shake the basket or use tongs to turn the ingredients over. Continue to cook for another 7-10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is slightly crispy.
6. Serve: Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

9. Keto Italian Antipasto Salad

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with our Keto Italian Antipasto Salad. This vibrant dish combines fresh greens with savory meats, tangy olives, creamy mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing, all while keeping your carb count low. It's a deliciously satisfying way to enjoy the essence of Italy while staying true to your keto lifestyle.

Ingredients:

• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• Fresh mozzarella balls, drained
• Marinated artichokes in oil, drained
• Fire-roasted red peppers, drained
• Kalamata olives, drained
• Pepperoni (look for a low-carb option)
• Salami (look for a low-carb option)
• Cherry tomatoes, sliced (use sparingly for keto)
• Fresh basil, slivered
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
• Chop the lettuce as the base for your salad.
• Cut the roasted red peppers into small strips and halve the artichoke hearts, if needed.
• Halve the cherry tomatoes and drain the liquid from the peppers, mozzarella balls, artichoke hearts, and olives.
2. Assemble the Salad:
• On a large platter, arrange the lettuce.
• Top with mozzarella, artichokes, red peppers, olives, pepperoni, salami, and cherry tomatoes.
• Sprinkle with slivered basil.
3. Dressing:
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar in a 3:1 ratio.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
4. Serve:
• Enjoy your Italian Antipasto Salad as a refreshing and satisfying meal that aligns with your dietary preferences.

10. Creamy Keto Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Savor the rich flavors of Eastern Europe with our Creamy Keto Kielbasa and Sauerkraut. This hearty dish features smoky kielbasa, tangy sauerkraut, and a creamy sauce that's low in carbs and high in satisfaction. It's a comforting and delicious option for those following a keto diet or simply craving a taste of comfort food with a healthy twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion
• 1 green bell pepper (or other colored bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 lb kielbasa (Polish sausage), sliced
• 1 lb sauerkraut (drained)
• 1 cup sour cream (full fat recommended for keto)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (Dijon or stone ground)
• Garnish: green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables:
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion, green bell pepper, and sliced kielbasa.
• Cook until the sausage starts to brown and the vegetables soften.
2. Add Sauerkraut:
• Stir in the drained sauerkraut and heat through.
3. Creamy Sauce:
• Mix in the sour cream and yellow mustard.
• Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Serve:
• Garnish with green onions if desired.
• Enjoy your creamy and comforting keto kielbasa and sauerkraut!

Tips for Sticking to a Keto Diet

Planning Ahead

Plan your meals and snacks in advance to avoid the temptation of high-carb foods. Meal prepping can save time and ensure you always have keto-friendly options on hand.

Shopping Smart

Stick to the outer aisles of the grocery store where fresh produce, meat, and dairy are typically located. Avoid processed foods that are often high in hidden carbs.

Conclusion

Embracing the keto lifestyle can be delicious and rewarding, especially with these easy and tasty dinner recipes. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned keto dieter, these meals will help you stay on track and enjoy every bite.

You can check the Custom Keto Diet Plan, a popular and effective program that helps you create your personalized keto meal plan based on your preferences, goals, and body type. The program provides a detailed list of foods to eat and avoid, recipes, shopping lists, and other resources to help you succeed on your keto journey.

To learn more about the Custom Keto Diet Plan, click here and discover how to start your keto journey today. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your health and fitness with the power of keto!

FAQs

What is the best way to start a keto diet?

The best way to start a keto diet is to gradually reduce your carbohydrate intake while increasing your fat intake. Focus on whole foods and plan your meals to include a balance of protein, fats, and low-carb vegetables.

Can I have cheat days on keto?

While occasional cheat days are possible, they can disrupt ketosis and slow your progress. It's best to stick to the diet consistently for optimal results.

How long does it take to see results on keto?

Results vary, but many people start seeing weight loss and improved energy levels within the first few weeks. Consistency is key to long-term success.

Are there any side effects of the keto diet?

Some people experience side effects such as the "keto flu," which includes symptoms like headache, fatigue, and irritability. These usually subside within a few days as your body adjusts to ketosis.

How can I make keto more affordable?

To make keto more affordable, buy in bulk, choose seasonal vegetables, and look for sales on meat and dairy products. Planning meals and avoiding processed keto products can also help save money.