23 Fast and Easy Keto Dinner Recipes for Beginners

Embarking on a keto diet might feel like stepping into a new world of culinary adventures—and let’s be honest, it can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code.

Carbs, macros, and ketosis? It’s a lot. But don’t worry; we’re here to make it all crystal clear (and delicious).

The keto diet isn’t just a fad; it’s a scientifically-backed way of eating that turns your body into a fat-burning machine.

By slashing carbs and amping up healthy fats, you’re giving your body permission to dip into its energy reserves—yes, those love handles you’ve been wanting to trim.

Plus, keto meals are packed with flavor, so you’ll never feel deprived.

Today, we’re diving into 23 Amazingly Delicious Keto Dinner Recipes for Beginners—recipes that are easy, mouthwatering, and family-approved.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or trying to convince your picky teenager that cauliflower is cool, we’ve got you covered.

23 Amazingly Easy Keto Dinner Recipes for Beginners

1. Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Chicken

• Description: A rich and creamy one-skillet wonder, this dish combines tender chicken with a decadent garlic butter sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. It’s like a warm hug on a plate.
• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
  2. Add butter and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Toss in spinach, cook until wilted, and return chicken to the skillet. Serve hot.
• Nutrition Facts (Per Serving): 540 calories, 40g fat, 38g protein, 6g carbs.

2. Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi

• Description: A low-carb twist on a classic pasta dish. Juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and spiralized zucchini make this a weeknight favorite.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Heat butter in a skillet, sauté garlic, and cook shrimp until pink.
  2. Remove shrimp and deglaze pan with chicken broth and lemon juice.
  3. Add zucchini noodles, toss to coat, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in shrimp and sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately.
• Nutrition Facts (Per Serving): 320 calories, 22g fat, 25g protein, 5g carbs.

3. Keto Beef Stroganoff

• Description: Comfort food without the carbs! This keto stroganoff features tender beef in a creamy mushroom sauce.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced thin
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Instructions:
  1. Heat oil, sauté beef until browned, and set aside.
  2. Cook onions and mushrooms until softened.
  3. Add broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in sour cream and mustard.
  4. Return beef to the skillet, simmer for 5 minutes, and serve.
• Nutrition Facts (Per Serving): 450 calories, 35g fat, 28g protein, 7g carbs.

4. Cheesy Cauliflower Pizza

• Description: Pizza night, meet your keto soulmate. A crispy cauliflower crust loaded with cheese and your favorite toppings.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 medium cauliflower head, riced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Microwave cauliflower rice for 5 minutes, then squeeze out moisture.
  2. Mix cauliflower with eggs, cheeses, and spices. Press onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes, add toppings, and bake until cheese melts.
• Nutrition Facts (Per Serving): 290 calories, 20g fat, 12g protein, 5g carbs.

5. Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus

• Description: A healthy, one-pan dinner featuring tender salmon fillets and crisp-tender asparagus in a tangy lemon butter sauce.
• Ingredients:
  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried dill
• Instructions:
  1. Heat oil in a skillet, sear salmon fillets until golden. Set aside.
  2. Melt butter, add lemon juice, and dill. Toss in asparagus, cook for 3 minutes.
  3. Return salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook until done.
• Nutrition Facts (Per Serving): 380 calories, 28g fat, 30g protein, 4g carbs.

6. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

• Description: Juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection with a crispy, cheesy garlic crust that’ll have you licking your fingers.
• Ingredients:
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and seasoning.
  2. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Nutrition Facts: 420 calories, 32g fat, 25g protein, 2g carbs.

7. Keto Meatballs with Zoodles

• Description: Tender, flavorful meatballs served over zucchini noodles in a rich marinara sauce.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
  • 3 zucchini, spiralized
• Instructions:
  1. Combine beef, Parmesan, egg, and spices. Form into meatballs and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
  2. Heat marinara sauce, toss in meatballs, and serve over zucchini noodles.
• Nutrition Facts: 340 calories, 22g fat, 27g protein, 6g carbs.

8. Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

• Description: A spicy, keto-friendly alternative to traditional wings that’s packed with flavor.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflower florets with almond flour and Parmesan.
  2. Bake for 20 minutes, then coat with a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Nutrition Facts: 150 calories, 10g fat, 5g protein, 6g carbs.

9. Crispy Pork Chops with Avocado Salsa

• Description: Golden pork chops paired with a creamy, zesty avocado salsa for a satisfying dinner.
• Ingredients:
  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Instructions:
  1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and cook chops until golden and cooked through.
  2. Combine avocado, onion, lime juice, and cilantro to make the salsa. Serve atop pork chops.
• Nutrition Facts: 450 calories, 35g fat, 30g protein, 4g carbs.

10. Taco-Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Description: Bell peppers loaded with spiced ground beef and gooey melted cheese—a taco night hit.
• Ingredients:
  • 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa (sugar-free)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brown ground beef and mix with taco seasoning and salsa.
  2. Stuff bell peppers with beef mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.
• Nutrition Facts: 290 calories, 18g fat, 22g protein, 8g carbs.

11. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Chicken

• Description: A creamy, garlicky chicken dish with sautéed spinach and mushrooms that’s pure comfort.
• Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Instructions:
  1. Cook chicken in olive oil until golden and set aside.
  2. Sauté mushrooms and spinach, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
  3. Add chicken back to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Nutrition Facts: 350 calories, 25g fat, 30g protein, 5g carbs.

12. Keto Shepherd’s Pie

• Description: A hearty casserole with seasoned ground beef and creamy cauliflower mash topping.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 head cauliflower, steamed and mashed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef and onions, then add beef broth and simmer.
  2. Spread beef mixture in a casserole dish and top with cauliflower mash. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
• Nutrition Facts: 360 calories, 24g fat, 25g protein, 6g carbs.

13. Keto BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Description: A crispy cauliflower crust topped with tangy BBQ chicken and melted cheese.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cauliflower crust (see recipe above)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/4 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread BBQ sauce on cauliflower crust.
  2. Top with chicken and mozzarella, and bake for 15 minutes.
• Nutrition Facts: 310 calories, 18g fat, 24g protein, 5g carbs.

14. Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Description: A velvety soup loaded with broccoli and cheddar cheese—perfect for cozy nights.
• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Simmer broccoli in chicken broth until tender.
  2. Blend broccoli and broth, then stir in heavy cream, cheddar, and cream cheese. Heat until melted.
• Nutrition Facts: 280 calories, 22g fat, 10g protein, 6g carbs.

15. Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

• Description: All the flavors of a classic cheeseburger baked into a low-carb, cheesy casserole.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 2 eggs, beaten
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned.
  2. Stir in cream cheese, ketchup, and mustard. Let cool slightly.
  3. Mix eggs into the beef mixture, pour into a baking dish, and top with cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.
• Nutrition Facts: 350 calories, 25g fat, 23g protein, 5g carbs.

16. Keto Pad Thai

• Description: A keto-friendly version of the beloved Thai noodle dish, made with shirataki noodles and a savory peanut sauce.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 package shirataki noodles
  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter (sugar-free)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 eggs, scrambled
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Rinse and drain shirataki noodles. Set aside.
  2. Cook chicken in sesame oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Add noodles and toss to coat.
  4. Stir in chicken and scrambled eggs. Garnish with peanuts before serving.
• Nutrition Facts: 290 calories, 18g fat, 28g protein, 4g carbs.

17. Keto Chicken Alfredo

• Description: Creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce smothering tender chicken and served over zucchini noodles.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 zucchini, spiralized
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden, and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
  3. Toss zucchini noodles in the sauce and top with chicken.
• Nutrition Facts: 320 calories, 22g fat, 26g protein, 5g carbs.

18. Cajun Salmon with Creamy Spinach

• Description: Spiced salmon paired with a creamy spinach side for a bold, flavorful dinner.
• Ingredients:
  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Instructions:
  1. Season salmon with Cajun spices and sear in olive oil until cooked through. Remove from skillet.
  2. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
  3. Serve salmon atop creamy spinach.
• Nutrition Facts: 380 calories, 28g fat, 30g protein, 4g carbs.

19. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

• Description: Hearty mushrooms stuffed with a savory sausage and cheese filling.
• Ingredients:
  • 4 large Portobello mushrooms
  • 1/2 lb ground sausage
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove stems from mushrooms and place caps on a baking sheet.
  2. Brown sausage in a skillet, then mix with cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  3. Fill mushrooms with the mixture and bake for 20 minutes.
• Nutrition Facts: 280 calories, 20g fat, 18g protein, 5g carbs.

20. Keto Chicken Tikka Masala

• Description: A creamy, spiced Indian classic made keto-friendly with no added sugars.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
• Instructions:
  1. Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes. Cook in olive oil until browned.
  2. Stir in tomato puree and heavy cream. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve.
• Nutrition Facts: 320 calories, 22g fat, 26g protein, 6g carbs.

21. Keto BBQ Ribs

• Description: Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a smoky, sugar-free BBQ glaze.
• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs pork ribs
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
• Instructions:
  1. Rub ribs with paprika and garlic powder. Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F for 2.5 hours.
  2. Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5 minutes.
• Nutrition Facts: 450 calories, 35g fat, 25g protein, 4g carbs.

22. Keto Chili

• Description: A hearty, bean-free chili packed with ground beef, spices, and rich tomato flavor.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef, onion, and bell pepper in a skillet.
  2. Stir in tomatoes and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes.
• Nutrition Facts: 320 calories, 20g fat, 25g protein, 7g carbs.

23. Keto Lasagna with Zucchini Noodles

• Description: Layers of zucchini slices, hearty meat sauce, and cheesy goodness make this low-carb lasagna irresistible.
• Ingredients:
  • 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook ground beef, stir in marinara sauce, and set aside.
  2. Layer zucchini, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella in a baking dish. Repeat layers.
  3. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Nutrition Facts: 350 calories, 24g fat, 25g protein, 8g carbs.

Concluding Thoughts

Starting the keto diet may feel like stepping into uncharted territory, but with the right recipes, a little planning, and some key knowledge, you’ll find it’s not only manageable but incredibly rewarding.

From the 23 delicious keto dinner recipes to tips for meal prep and avoiding common pitfalls, you’re well-equipped to take control of your health and transform your mealtime routine.

Remember, every day is a step toward a healthier, more energized you. Whether you’re cooking a cheesy casserole or diving into a creamy broccoli soup, celebrate each win along the way.

Happy keto cooking, and may your journey be as delicious as it is transformative!