When it comes to meal prep, many of us are stuck between a rock and a hard place. We want delicious meals that can be prepared quickly and easily, but we also have dietary restrictions to consider – in this case, low-carb. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or convenience for the sake of your diet. In fact, many popular dishes can be adapted to suit a low-carb lifestyle with just a few tweaks. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy weeknight meals or special occasion recipes, this collection of 18 delicious low-carb recipes is sure to please.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles: A Quick and Delicious Meal
A flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This recipe combines tender steak bites, infused with garlic butter, served alongside zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 medium zucchini
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter.
- Season steak pieces with salt and pepper. Add the garlic butter mixture and toss to coat.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Cook steak bites for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create zucchini noodles. Add the noodles to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes, Total Time: 20 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this mouthwatering Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic sauce, infused with the savory taste of Tuscany.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them.
8. Bake in preheated oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza
This cauliflower crust margherita pizza is a game-changer for those looking to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing flavor. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this recipe yields a crispy and delicious base topped with creamy mozzarella cheese and sweet tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup tomato sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
4. Microwave the cauliflower “rice” for 4-5 minutes, stirring every minute, until it forms a pulp.
5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then mix in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Press the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
7. Top with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves (if using).
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Avocado Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
A twist on classic egg salad, this recipe adds the creaminess of avocado and the crunch of lettuce wraps for a refreshing and healthy snack. Perfect for a quick lunch or post-workout fuel.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and diced
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg work well)
– Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, avocado, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
2. Lay out lettuce leaves on a flat surface.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the egg salad onto each lettuce leaf, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This classic slow cooker recipe is a staple for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a tender and flavorful beef dish paired with crisp broccoli in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef (such as top round or chuck), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and black pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the beef mixture in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli to the slow cooker.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Keto Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this decadent keto recipe, where crispy bacon and melted cheese meet tender poultry. The perfect blend of savory flavors and textures to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp work best)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together crumbled bacon and grated cheese.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the bacon-cheese mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, or internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey
This recipe takes the classic lasagna to new heights by swapping traditional noodles for zucchinis and adding ground turkey for added protein. The result is a flavorful, low-carb twist that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 8 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Slice zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Assemble lasagna by layering cooked zucchini, turkey mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Top with chopped parsley, if desired. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
This recipe combines succulent shrimp with the subtle sweetness of cauliflower rice, all wrapped up in a spicy kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups cauliflower florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook cauliflower florets according to package instructions or until tender.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in soy sauce, sriracha sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Add cooked cauliflower rice to the skillet and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss with cauliflower rice mixture.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Elevate your asparagus game with this simple yet impressive side dish that combines the sweetness of asparagus with the savory flavors of cheese and bacon. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crispy.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken
Elevate your salad game with this classic Greek-inspired recipe featuring juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, onion, olives, and feta cheese.
3. Slice grilled chicken into strips and add on top of the salad.
4. Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Low Carb Chicken Alfredo with Spaghetti Squash
A creamy and satisfying twist on a classic dish, this recipe replaces traditional pasta with nutritious spaghetti squash and reduces carbs while maintaining rich flavor. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 medium spaghetti squash
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic powder and whisk in heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Once squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape out the flesh, leaving a web-like pattern on the skin. Toss squash with the chicken Alfredo mixture.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Eggplant Parmesan with Almond Flour Coating
A classic Italian-American dish gets a gluten-free twist with this crispy eggplant parmesan recipe, featuring an almond flour coating. This unique spin on a favorite adds texture and flavor to the tender eggplant.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together almond flour and Parmesan cheese. In another dish, place breadcrumbs.
4. Dip each eggplant slice first in the almond flour mixture, then in olive oil, coating both sides evenly. Roll in breadcrumbs to coat.
5. Place coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve hot with marinara sauce and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
Elevate your snack game with these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers! A perfect combination of spicy and savory, this recipe is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together chicken, Buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, cilantro, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Return to oven and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pesto Zoodles with Grilled Salmon
This recipe combines the classic Italian flavors of pesto with the simplicity of grilled salmon, all wrapped up in a zucchini noodle package. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner that’s also healthy and delicious!
Ingredients:
– 4 zucchinis
– 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, spiralize zucchinis into noodles (zoodles).
5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add pesto to the skillet and stir to combine with oil.
7. Add zoodles to the skillet and toss to coat with pesto mixture.
8. Serve grilled salmon on top of zoodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto Mushroom and Swiss Stuffed Burgers
Elevate your burger game with this rich and savory recipe that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the creaminess of Swiss cheese, all wrapped up in a juicy beef patty.
Ingredients:
– 4 beef patties (90% lean or higher)
– 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake)
– 1/4 cup grated Swiss cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns (or low-carb alternatives)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, butter, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Place each beef patty on a flat surface and make an indentation in the center of each patty.
4. Stuff each patty with the mushroom-Swiss mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill or cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve on hamburger buns (or low-carb alternatives) and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Coconut Flour Pancakes with Sugar-Free Syrup
Start your day with a delicious and healthy twist on traditional pancakes using coconut flour! These fluffy treats are perfect for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup coconut flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey or sugar-free sweetener (such as stevia)
– Sugar-Free Syrup (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and almond milk.
2. Add melted coconut oil, salt, and honey or sugar-free sweetener. Whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add coconut flour, whisking until well combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry. Flip and cook an additional 1 minute.
Sugar-Free Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey or sugar-free sweetener (such as stevia)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine ingredients in a saucepan, whisking until dissolved. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes per batch
Baked Lemon Butter Cod with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brighten up your weeknight dinner routine with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe, featuring moist cod fillets smothered in a zesty lemon butter sauce and paired with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients:
For the cod:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Brussels sprouts:
– 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Place cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
4. Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
5. Bake cod for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve cod with roasted Brussels sprouts and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Whipped Cream
Elevate your dessert game with this decadent and healthier take on traditional chocolate mousse, featuring creamy avocados and topped with a fluffy whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados, then place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. In a separate bowl, whip heavy whipping cream with confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the avocado mixture until well combined.
5. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (chilling time)
Summary
Get ready for a culinary revolution! These 18 delicious low-carb recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. From savory dishes like Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles and Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken, to indulgent treats like Coconut Flour Pancakes with Sugar-Free Syrup, there’s something for everyone. Plus, enjoy protein-packed meals like Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli and Keto Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Chicken. And don’t forget sweet treats like Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Whipped Cream! These low-carb recipes will satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste.
