14 Simple Keto Diet Recipes for Beginners

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating method that can help you lose weight quickly by pushing your body to burn fat for energy. With keto, you can still enjoy tasty dinners, like shrimp with butter sauce or crispy chicken, using easy-to-find ingredients like cauliflower and pork rinds.

Plus, there are many options for breakfast, lunch, and even desserts, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out, just try keto-friendly nachos, where bell peppers replace tortilla chips for a healthy twist.

14 Fantastic Keto Diet Recipes for Beginners

1. Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps

Whether you’re cutting carbs, need a quick appetizer for game day, or want a meal-prep-friendly option, these Philly Cheesesteak wraps are a win.

They pack all the deliciousness of the original sandwich—tender skirt steak, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese—into a low-carb wrap, so you won’t even miss the bread. Perfect for sharing, customizing, or as an easy lunch or dinner, these wraps are super versatile.

Avg. cooking time: 30 mins, Calorie per serving: 446

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb. skirt steak, thinly sliced
• 1 c. shredded provolone
• 8 large butterhead lettuce leaves
• 1 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley

Get the recipe

2. Keto Chicken Soup Recipe

This recipe has become a family favorite during the colder months. There’s something magical about the aroma of chicken, garlic, and herbs simmering on the stove, it instantly fills the house with a sense of warmth and love. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to whip up with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Avg. cooking time: 30 mins, Calorie per serving: 300

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced (optional if strict keto)
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth (unsalted or low-sodium)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup zucchini, diced or spiralized
• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for extra flavor and color)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Get The Recipe

3. Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a delicious comfort dish that is perfect for colder or winter days. If you’re following the keto diet, you might feel like you’re missing out on warm, filling meals like this, but not anymore! By skipping the flour and replacing egg noodles with steamed cauliflower rice, this keto version keeps all the rich, beefy flavors of the original—making it just as hearty and satisfying.

Avg. cooking time: 10 mins, Calorie per serving: 572

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp. butter, divided
• 1 lb. 80% lean ground beef
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced 
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 c. low-sodium beef stock or bone broth
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 1/2 c. sour cream
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. paprika

Get the recipe

4. Feta & Herb-Crusted Salmon

Salmon can seem a bit tricky to cook, but the key is finding a method that’s easy and foolproof. One way you will love? Preparing a whole salmon with flavorful toppings on a single sheet pan. For this Mediterranean-inspired version, simply place the salmon on a foil-lined tray, sprinkle on the toppings, and bake for 25 minutes—no flipping, no fuss, and a quick cleanup.

A layer of mayonnaise helps the feta topping stick, adding a savory, herby crust to every bite of the tender fish. If you’re not a mayo fan, you can try skipping it or swapping it with a lighter option like Dijonnaise but just know that the topping might not hold as well when you serve it.

Avg. cooking time: 35 mins, Calorie per serving: 534

Ingredients

• 1 large salmon fillet (about 2 1/4 lb.)
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 c. mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 c. crumbled feta (about 7 oz.)
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
• 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Get the recipe

5. Keto chicken parmi bowl

Keto-friendly cheesy chicken parmigiana is here! Coated in an almond meal and paired with creamy cauliflower mash, it’s the perfect low-carb dinner option.

This dish keeps all the comforting flavors of classic parmigiana while swapping out the carbs, making it ideal for anyone watching their intake but craving something hearty and satisfying. Plus, the almond meal crust adds a deliciously nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the cheesy, tender chicken.

Avg. cooking time: 80 mins, calorie per serving: 614

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 80g (2/3 cup) almond meal
• 40g (1/2 cup) finely grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh continental parsley, plus extra to serve
• 4 x (about 125g each) chicken breast schnitzels (uncrumbed)
• Extra virgin olive oil, to shallow fry, plus extra to drizzle
• 80ml (1/3 cup) tomato pasta sauce
• 4 slices smoked ham
• 50g (1/2 cup) coarsely grated fresh mozzarella
• 1.1kg (1 head) cauliflower, trimmed, cut into florets
• 25g butter
• 125ml (1/2 cup) thickened cream
• White pepper, to season
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, optional

Get the recipe

6. Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower Salad

Eating lower carb doesn’t mean giving up great taste, and this creamy salad is proof! Packed with fresh ingredients and a rich, flavorful dressing, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a satisfying meal without the extra carbs. Every bite is deliciously creamy, making it a great option for lunch or dinner when you’re craving something light yet indulgent.

Ingredients

Avg. cooking time: 50 mins, Calorie per serving: 484

• 500g cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Massel chicken-style stock powder
• 80ml (1/3 cup) Massel chicken-style stock
• 80ml (1/3 cup) pure cream
• 3 tsp wholegrain mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, plus extra to serve
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 400g chicken tenderloins
• 100g streaky bacon
• 100g baby spinach
• 100g rocket leaves
• 60g (1/3 cup) roasted

Get the recipe

7. Keto Egg Muffins With Spinach And Cheese

Breakfast sets the tone for the day, and what better way to start than with a delicious, nutrient-packed dish that fits seamlessly into your keto lifestyle?

These Keto Egg Muffins with Spinach and Cheese are the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and nutrition. Whether you’re rushing to work or enjoying a leisurely weekend morning, these muffins have got you covered.

Avg. cooking time: 30 mins, Calorie per serving 100

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or almond milk for a lighter option)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for a milder taste)
• 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham (optional, for added protein)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
• A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat

Get the recipe

8. Ham, Mushroom & Spinach Frittata

Enjoy a hearty frittata that’s low in calories and will keep you satisfied until lunch! This versatile dish is packed with nutrients and flavors, making it a great option for any meal of the day. If you’re cooking for one, simply save half in the fridge overnight for a quick and easy meal the next day.

Avg. cooking time: 13 mins, Calorie per serving 226

Ingredients

• 1tsp oil
• 80g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
• 50g ham, diced
• 80g bag spinach
• 4 medium eggs, beaten
• 1tbsp grated cheddar

Get the recipe

9. Mediterranean Turkey-Stuffed Peppers

This low-calorie dinner from Joe Wicks includes three of your five-a-day and is loaded with vitamin C and folate. By using low-fat turkey breast mince to stuff the peppers, you keep the meal light and healthy. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious dinner that will keep you satisfied without the extra calories.

Avg. cooking time: 50 mins, Calorie per serving 403

Ingredients

• 2 red peppers (about 220g)
• olive oil, plus an extra drizzle
• 240g lean turkey breast mince (under 8% fat)
• small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1tsp ground cumin
• mushrooms, sliced
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 1tbsp tomato purée
• 1 chicken stock cube
• fresh oregano leaves
• 60g mozzarella, grated
• 150g green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli, mangetout or green beans), to serve

Get the recipe

10. Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup

This soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Perfect for cozy nights at home, quick lunches, or even as a starter for your family dinners.

The best part? It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be customized to your liking.Whether you’re a seasoned keto pro or just looking for a delicious way to stay warm, this recipe is here to impress.

Avg. cooking time: 25 mins, Calorie per serving: 275

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted, for sautéing)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (use sharp cheddar for bold flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Get The Recipe

11. Thai broccoli rice

Swapping rice for broccoli that’s been blended into grain-sized pieces creates a vibrant and nutritious vegetarian keto dish that’s quick to prepare. This clever substitution not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also boosts the meal’s nutritional value. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a healthy, low-carb dinner without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Avg. cooking time: 35 mins, Calorie per serving 380

Ingredients

• 100g salted peanuts
• broccoli, cut into florets and the stem cut in half
• olive oil
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• grated ginger
• red chilli, deseeded and finely diced
• red cabbage, shredded
• pepper, deseeded and sliced into strips
• coriander, roughly chopped

Get the recipe

12. Cauliflower Fried Rice

Fried rice is a beloved takeout classic that many people enjoy, but it can be tricky for those wanting to cut back on rice. If that sounds like you, this cauliflower fried rice has been created with a delicious twist that uses cauliflower in place of rice while still packing in tons of flavor.

Whether you’re reducing carbs, aiming to add more veggies to your diet, or just want a lighter side dish to complement your orange chicken, this cauliflower fried rice is the perfect solution.

Avg. cooking time: 50 mins, Calorie per serving 235

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cauliflower or 1 (10- to 12-oz.) bag of pre-riced cauliflower
• 3 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp. mirin
• 1 tsp. granulated sugar
• 1/4 c. neutral oil
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 large eggs, beaten to blend
• 1 carrot, cut into 1/4″ matchsticks
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 c. frozen peas
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds, for serving (optional)

Get the recipe

13. Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf

We’ve revamped classic meatloaf to make it keto-friendly! By caramelizing roasted red peppers, we introduce a touch of sweetness—no ketchup needed—that complements the rich flavors of tomato paste and Parmesan. The addition of almond flour and egg keeps the meatloaf moist and perfectly sliceable, while the bacon on top adds even more delicious flavor.

Avg. cooking time: 1 hr 35 min.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms
• 2 scallions, whites and greens, minced
• 1/4 cup gluten-free tomato paste
• 7 ounces jarred roasted red peppers, drained and thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground beef chuck
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar (about 2 ounces)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (about 1 ounce)
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 strips bacon

Get the recipe

14. Keto Pizza

This pizza dough is ideal for keto enthusiasts, cheese lovers, and those avoiding gluten since it’s primarily made from cheese. Now, everyone can enjoy pizza night without feeling left out! It’s a tasty solution that lets you indulge in your favorite comfort food while sticking to your dietary needs.

Avg cooking time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup canned crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 small clove garlic, minced 
• Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons full-fat sour cream
• 2/3 cup almond or coconut flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Kosher salt 
• Olive oil, for greasing
• 1/3 cup shredded whole-milk mozzarella
• Crushed red pepper flakes and dried oregano, for sprinkling

Get the recipe