10 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.
10 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. Creamy Chicken, Bacon and Cauliflower Bake
Mixing chicken, bacon, and cauliflower creates a fully gluten-free and deliciously creamy bake! This hearty dish brings together savory flavors and a rich, satisfying texture, making it a fantastic choice for a wholesome meal. Perfect for dinner, it’s a comforting option that’s both filling and free from gluten.
Avg. cooking time: 55 mins, Calorie per serving 485
Ingredients
- 1 small (900g) cauliflower, trimmed, cut into small florets
- 2 rashers (120g) bacon, chopped
- 1 bunch English spinach, trimmed, chopped
- 125ml (1/2 cup) pouring cream
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 2 green shallots, trimmed, sliced
- 500g RSPCA Approved chicken thigh fillets, fat trimmed
- 55g (1/2 cup) 3 cheese mix
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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)
11. 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
12. 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