10 Budget-Friendly Keto Meals That Won't Break the Bank"

" 10 Budget-Friendly Keto Meals That Won't Break the Bank""

Are you interested in trying the keto diet but worried about breaking the bank? Contrary to popular belief, eating keto doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly keto meals you can make at home using simple ingredients.

In this post, we've compiled a list of 10 budget-friendly keto meals that are both delicious and easy on the wallet. We'll provide you with ingredient lists, cooking instructions, and nutritional information for each meal, as well as tips for keeping costs low. Let's dive in!

Meal 1: Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables:

Salmon is a great source of healthy fats and protein, and it's often reasonably priced. Pair it with some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, for a filling and nutritious meal. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

1 pound of salmon: $10

1 head of broccoli: $2

1 head of cauliflower: $3

Olive oil: $0.50

Salt and pepper: $0.50

Total cost: $16

To make this meal, simply season the salmon with salt and pepper, and broil it in the oven for about 10 minutes. Toss the broccoli and cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Serve the salmon and vegetables together, and enjoy!

Meal 2: Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ground Beef:

Cabbage is a cheap and versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. In this stir-fry, we're pairing it with ground beef for a filling and flavorful meal. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

1 pound of ground beef: $6

1 head of cabbage: $2

1 onion: $1

Soy sauce: $0.50

Garlic powder: $0.50

Salt and pepper: $0.50

Total cost: $10.50

To make this meal, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the shredded cabbage and continue cooking until the cabbage is tender. Season with soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Meal 3: Cauliflower Rice Bowl with Avocado and Shrimp:

Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to regular rice, and it's easy to make at home. Pair it with some avocado and shrimp for a tasty and nutritious bowl. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

1 head of cauliflower: $3

1 avocado: $1.50

1 pound of shrimp: $8

Lime juice: $0.50

Cumin: $0.50

Salt and pepper: $0.50

Total cost: $14

To make this meal, pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice. Sauté the cauliflower in a large skillet over medium heat until tender. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Top with cooked shrimp, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Meal 4: Zucchini Noodle Carbonara with Bacon and Eggs:

Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," are another great low-carb pasta alternative. In this carbonara dish, we're pairing them with bacon and eggs for a rich and satisfying meal. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

3 medium zucchinis: $3

6 slices of bacon: $3

4 eggs: $2

Parmesan cheese: $1

Salt and pepper: $0

Total cost: $9

To make this meal, spiralize the zucchinis into noodles and set aside. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese. In the same skillet, add the zucchini noodles and sauté until tender. Pour the egg mixture over the noodles and stir until the eggs are cooked and the sauce is thickened. Crumble the bacon over the top and season with salt and pepper.

Meal 5: Broiled Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus:

Chicken thighs are an affordable and flavorful cut of meat that can be easily prepared in the oven. Pair them with some roasted asparagus for a simple and tasty meal. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

1 pound of chicken thighs: $5

1 bunch of asparagus: $3

Olive oil: $0.50

Garlic powder: $0.50

Salt and pepper: $0.50

Total cost: $9.50

To make this meal, preheat the oven to 425°F. Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and place them on a baking sheet. Broil for 10-12 minutes, then flip and broil for an additional 10-12 minutes until fully cooked. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender.

Meal 6: Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs and Marinara Sauce:

Spaghetti squash is a delicious and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Pair it with some homemade meatballs and marinara sauce for a comforting and filling meal. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

1 spaghetti squash: $3

1 pound of ground beef: $6

1 can of crushed tomatoes: $1

Garlic powder: $0.50

Salt and pepper: $0.50

Total cost: $11

To make this meal, preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, mix together the ground beef, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and form into meatballs. Cook the meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides. Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti squash.

Meal 7: Egg Roll in a Bowl:

This easy and flavorful dish is inspired by the flavors of egg rolls, but without the carbs from the wrapper. It's made with ground pork, cabbage, and seasonings for a quick and satisfying meal. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

1 pound of ground pork: $5

1 head of cabbage: $2

Soy sauce: $0.50

Garlic powder: $0.50

Ginger powder: $0.50

Salt and pepper: $0.50

Total cost: $9

To make this meal, brown the ground pork in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and cook until tender. Season with soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Meal 8: Taco Salad with Ground Beef and Avocado:

This taco salad is made with ground beef, avocado, and a variety of veggies for a filling and nutritious meal. You can also add toppings such as shredded cheese and sour cream, depending on your preferences. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

1 pound of ground beef: $6

1 head of lettuce: $1

1 avocado: $1.50

1 bell pepper: $1

1 onion: $1

Taco seasoning: $0.50

Olive oil: $0.50

Total cost: $11.50

To make this meal, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until tender. Season with taco seasoning to taste. In a separate bowl, toss the lettuce with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Top the lettuce with the beef mixture, sliced avocado, and any other desired toppings.

Meal 9: Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese:

This classic comfort food can be made keto-friendly with a few simple swaps. Use almond flour and coconut flour for the grilled cheese, and swap out the traditional tomato soup ingredients for low-carb options. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

1 can of diced tomatoes: $1

1 cup of chicken broth: $1

1/4 cup of heavy cream: $1

1/4 cup of almond flour: $1.50

2 tablespoons of coconut flour: $1

2 eggs: $0.50

1/4 cup of shredded cheese: $1

Total cost: $7

To make the soup, combine the diced tomatoes and chicken broth in a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a pot and heat on medium until hot. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. For the grilled cheese, mix together the almond flour, coconut flour, and eggs to form a batter. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip the cheese slices into the batter, then cook in the skillet until browned on both sides.

Meal 10: Crockpot Chicken Curry:

This flavorful and aromatic curry is made in a slow cooker for an easy and hands-off meal. Use chicken thighs for a budget-friendly option, and serve over cauliflower rice or on its own. Here are the ingredients and cost breakdown:

1 pound of chicken thighs: $5

1 can of coconut milk: $2

1 onion: $1

2 cloves of garlic: $0.50

1 tablespoon of curry powder: $0.50

Salt and pepper: $0.50

Cauliflower rice (optional): $2

Total cost: $12

To make this meal, chop the onion and garlic and add to the slow cooker. Add the chicken thighs, coconut milk, curry powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve over cauliflower rice or on its own.

Conclusion:

Eating keto doesn't have to be expensive. By using affordable ingredients and simple recipes, you can create delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Try out these 10 budget-friendly keto meals for a week of tasty and satisfying eating.

About the Author

Nida is an English blogger from Pakistan who loves natural ways to stay healthy. She knows a lot about a type of Indian healing called Ayurveda and uses it to give advice about how to feel better. She writes about things like mindfulness, herbs, and spices, and gives practical tips for living a healthy life. Lots of people like reading her blog because it's easy to understand and helps them learn how to take better care of themselves.