Our Best Easy Low-Carb Dinner Ideas

Looking to cut back on carbs? Scroll through our low-carb dinner ideas! Each recipe is packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, and has fewer than 10 grams of carbs per serving.

1 / 78

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

This casserole channels all the cheesy goodness of pizza night—with only 10 grams of carbs per serving. To boost your veggie intake, toss in some of your other favorites, like cauliflower, and don’t hesitate to add more tasty pizza toppings.

Go to Recipe

2 / 78

Crustless Spinach Quiche

This savory quiche, featuring mushrooms and ham, is a great dish to share with company (or a way to sneak vegetables into your kiddos’ diets). Prep time is under 30 minutes for this flavor-driven dish. Even better? You can easily freeze it for up to three months for quick dinners (and breakfasts) on busy days.
3 / 78

Low-Carb Lasagna

Lasagna without pasta? You won’t even notice its absence. This lasagna layers in a variety of meats (think ground beef, deli chicken, pepperoni and Italian sausage) with cheese and pasta sauce for the epitome of comfort food. Most of the cooking is done in the oven for a quick, family-friendly meal.
4 / 78

Air-Fryer Pork Chops

Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese ensure that each bite of these pork chops is decadent. Use almond flour as the coating here to lower the carbs. Just coat the pork chops and pop them into your air fryer for 15 minutes.
5 / 78

Baked Chicken and Mushrooms

The perfect dinner is easy enough for busy weeknights but can also dazzle during weekend dinner parties. This dish features delicious ingredients—like fresh mushrooms, green onions, paprika and sherry (you can sub for chicken broth)—and it comes together in just over 30 minutes.
6 / 78

Sesame Beef & Asparagus Salad

Fresh and delicious, this dish has only 5 grams of carbs per serving. It heightens dinner with the rich flavors of an easy-to-make soy and ginger sauce. To bulk up the meal, toss in any extra vegetables you have on hand.
7 / 78

Haddock en Papillote

Wrapping a whitefish like haddock in parchment paper creates a dazzling dinner. It’s paired with a few vegetables, lemon and dill for a zesty low-carb meal. The fish bundles can be prepared ahead of time, so just place them on a baking sheet when you’re ready to cook.
8 / 78

Cheeseburger Meat Loaf

Here’s a meat loaf that will please any skeptic. Mustard adds a kick, along with tangy pickle relish and American cheese, to create a flavor-rich, satisfying dinner. Serve with green beans or a salad for a low-carb side.
9 / 78

Pepper-Crusted Pork Tenderloin

This pork tenderloin has a crumb coating but each serving still only has 3 grams of carbs. This dish would make an excellent dinner party entree, especially when served with a side of perfectly roasted vegetables.
10 / 78

Chiles Rellenos Squares

Cheese meets chili peppers in this crave-worthy dish that doubles as dinner and a side. (Who are we kidding? It’s perfectly acceptable for breakfast, too.) Feel free to play with the types of peppers to mix up the flavors or add an extra kick.
11 / 78

Keto Meatballs and Sauce

These meatballs are bread crumb-free and easy to make. They’re baked in the oven, so they don’t require you to watch them as they cook. For a more “traditional” meatball experience, add a side of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
12 / 78

Broiled Chicken & Artichokes

We’re not sure what we love more about this dish: that it’s flavor-packed and has only 4 grams of carbs per serving or that it comes together in 15 minutes. You’ll get juicy chicken paired with artichokes, which can be turned into a Mediterranean-inspired meal or paired with steamed vegetables for a simple and satisfying dinner.
13 / 78

Herbed Pork Chops

The upgrade your pork chops were waiting for: a sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon juice. You’ll add a sunny taste with minimal effort. Feel free to swap and sub in the herbs of your choice to satisfy all palates. This recipe calls for firing up the grill, but you can also prepare these pork chops in a frying pan.
14 / 78

Buttery Grilled Shrimp

The secret ingredient in this deceptively simple shrimp dish? Ground ginger. The shrimp are loaded with flavor and quick to prepare, and the buttery sauce is delectable. The shrimp come together in less than 30 minutes, so you can pair them with some veggies for a gourmet weeknight dinner.
15 / 78

BLT Chicken Salad

We love a classic BLT, but you don’t need bread for this meal. This salad adds chicken, onion and eggs to the traditional ingredients for a dish that comes together in 20 minutes and satisfies appetites. The barbecue sauce dressing is a fun spin, too—just use a sauce with reduced sugar to lower the carb count.
16 / 78

Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms

Tilapia is rich in vitamin B12, so this dish brings together delicious flavors with serious health benefits. There’s a bit of spice from the cayenne and a refreshing, summer-y zest from the lemon-pepper and tomatoes. It’ll make you look like a master chef, no matter your skill level.
17 / 78

Tarragon Tuna Salad

If tuna salad sandwiches are a lunch favorite, then you’ll love this dish that adds tarragon for extra brightness and replaces the bread with lettuce wraps. You can also combine the tuna salad with your favorite green salad, or serve it on a bed of spinach. And if you love the mayonnaise mixture, try it out on other meats, like chicken.
18 / 78

Pan-Roasted Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes

Nary a carb in site for this simple and delicious salmon meal. It only requires a few ingredients—the only ones you might not already have in your cupboard are cherry tomatoes and garlic—and comes together in 30 minutes. You can also swap the chicken broth for white wine to make it more decadent.
19 / 78

Chicken Provolone

This chicken provolone looks like it should be complicated to make, but the only key ingredients are chicken breasts, provolone cheese, prosciutto and fresh basil. The result calls to mind a Margherita pizza, but without the carbs. More great news? It’s on the table in less than half an hour.
20 / 78

Garlic-Butter Steak

Cooking a good steak doesn’t require a Michelin star. Just a few basic ingredients and 25 minutes! The butter—seasoned with garlic, soy sauce and herbs—is really the star of the show here, making the steak more flavorful. Remember to let the steak rest after cooking to seal in juices.
21 / 78

California Burger Wraps

Yes, burgers and a low-carb lifestyle can coexist. Here, you’ll use Bibb lettuce leaves instead of buns for burgers packed with Mediterranean flavor. We love the combination of avocado, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese with (surprise!) Miracle Whip for extra sweetness. If you’re trying to cut back on red meat, this is just as tasty with ground turkey.
22 / 78

Vegetable, Steak and Eggs

Steak and eggs is a classic, filling combo, and this version loads your plate with fiber-filled vegetables. While the recipe features summer squash and zucchini, you can add in whatever’s in season for a healthier spin on a favorite.
23 / 78

Cajun Grilled Shrimp

Marinated in paprika, pepper and cayenne, these shrimp have a kick! For a quick and spicy weeknight dinner, serve them with cauliflower rice, or toss them on the grill during barbecue season. Don’t forget about the charred lemons; make sure to give them a good squeeze before diving in.
24 / 78

Pancetta and Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breast

This spin on chicken Marsala features succulent pancetta and pesto. Beginning to end is an easy journey and a little fun, as you fold the stuffed chicken closed. Not a mushroom fan? Swap them out for baby spinach and shallots.
25 / 78
26 / 78

Orange Pomegranate Salmon

One of those dishes so stunning that you almost don’t want to eat it, this meal requires little work beyond the prep. Salmon meets orange slices and pomegranate seeds for a citrus-driven, slightly sweet dish. You’ll steam each piece of fish in a foil packet to heighten the flavor and keep it tender before wowing your guests (or your hungry family).
27 / 78

Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter

Inspired by chicken mole, this dish pairs the decadent flavors of cinnamon, cocoa and chili powder together for a dish that’s a little spicy and a little sweet. If pairing the chicken with cauliflower rice or veggies, drizzle some of the cilantro lime butter over your sides to capitalize on the flavors.
28 / 78

Cajun Sirloin with Mushroom Leek Sauce

This is one of those low-carb dinner ideas that can work with any low-carb side. The Cajun seasoning gives the dish a little extra kick and the mushroom leek sauce is rich and delicious. To keep it as low-carb as possible, opt for beef broth over dry red wine.
29 / 78

Mom’s Roast Chicken

There’s nothing quite as comforting as chicken just like Mom used to make. After a little prep, most of the magic takes place in the oven, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin. You can also shred the chicken to use in salads, stir-fries or scrambled egg throughout the week.
30 / 78
Smokin’-Philled Chicken Breasts
Taste of Home

Smokin’-Philled Chicken Breasts

There’s chicken for dinner, and then there’s a creamy, crunchy stuffed chicken breast for dinner. It’s filled with ham and spicy chipotle pepper for extra heat. This dinner has multiple steps, but it’s fun to get everyone involved in stuffing, coating and cooking the chicken.
31 / 78

Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean Sauce

Pot roast is one of our go-to low-carb dinner ideas, but this recipe takes a creative spin on a classic, adding Asian black bean sauce, fresh snow peas and green onions. It will help freshen up the dinner rotation with little work on your part.
32 / 78

Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin

It doesn’t have to be grill season to make a juicy pork tenderloin. This recipe cooks in about 20 minutes in an air fryer; spicy brown mustard, garlic powder and onion powder add plenty of flavor.
33 / 78

Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs

There are few things more perfect than this combo. The garlic and fresh herbs pack the chicken with flavor, and a dash of brandy (or chicken broth) ensure the chicken thighs are rich and delicious. You’ll only need one pan, too. Just make sure to spoon the broth over the chicken before you serve.
34 / 78

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

This low-carb casserole is the perfect excuse to have bacon for dinner. Top with cheddar cheese, dill pickle slices and tomatoes for an additional burst of flavor. Serve with a side of fries—well, baked zucchini fries!
35 / 78

Spicy Lime Chicken

You don’t have to choose between quick and delicious with this Instant Pot recipe. It mixes up the usual weekday dinner routine with flavors like chili, lime zest and cilantro without requiring much more than dumping in ingredients. The shredded chicken is tasty stuffed in corn tortillas (or another low-carb tortilla option).
36 / 78
Curry-Rubbed Roast Chicken

Curry-Rubbed Roast Chicken

You can have this roast chicken in the oven in 20 minutes or less. It’s seasoned with a mouthwatering combo of curry powder and garlic powder. Serve with some low-carb vegetables to make the meal more nutritionally dense.
37 / 78

Lone Star Pot Roast

For a Texas twist on pot roast, spice things up with chopped green chiles and taco seasoning. Toss the ingredients into a Dutch oven or slow cooker, let it simmer and dinner’s on the table. To keep it as low-carb as possible, feel free to leave out the sugar and the flour.
38 / 78

Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes

The best recipes are so delicious that your family won’t even realize they’re eating a healthy dinner. The shrimp are coated in a simple blend of lemon juice, garlic and lemon zest and paired with a delicious yogurt, mustard and green onion sauce (feel free to omit the sugar).
39 / 78

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This low-carb dinner idea is great for busy weeknights because it feels like a feast without too much effort (and, let’s be honest, the prep process is pretty fun). This recipe adds a tasty twist to chicken with bacon and jalapenos.
40 / 78

Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole

Meet the ultimate seafood feast! Sole stuffed with delicious shellfish is coated with tomatoes, wine, lemon juice and butter. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Since the stuffed sole is cooked in foil packets, you can make this recipe in advance.
41 / 78

Dilly Barbecued Turkey

In this case, the secret to success is the marinade, which stars yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and a variety of fresh herbs. Let the turkey marinate overnight before grilling the next day. It’s flavorful and tender, giving turkey its time in the spotlight that it deserves.
42 / 78

Pecan-Coconut Crusted Tilapia

A slightly sweet, crunchy coating makes this tilapia a stand-out dish. You won’t need much more beyond the fish, chopped pecans and shredded coconut for a low-carb, gluten-free dinner.
43 / 78

Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and a grilled apple a day is good for the soul. Prepping the chicken here is fairly simple—its standout ingredients are provolone cheese and Alfredo sauce. The grilled apples are nearly dessert by themselves, balanced by the chicken and the bite of blue cheese.
44 / 78

Foil-Baked Salmon

Need low-carb dinner ideas for summer? Toss a salmon fillet on the grill. This quick recipe is made with lemon zest and garlic for flavor, but test out other citrus fruits and fresh herbs, too.
45 / 78

Baked Mushroom Chicken

Winner, winner chicken dinner! Spice up your chicken routine by adding mushrooms, green onions and cheese. This recipe is easy to follow, quick to prepare and yields consistently juicy results. Plus, it has only 8 grams of carbs per serving.
46 / 78

Chorizo Burgers with Green Chile Aioli

Chorizo adds a hearty kick to ground beef burgers, but the real star of the show is the aioli. The combination of mayo, chiles, cilantro and lime juice is tangy and irresistible.
47 / 78

Creamy Mushroom Chicken

A fairly simple chicken becomes a savory masterpiece thanks to the addition of a creamy mushroom sauce. Prep is quick and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
48 / 78

Stuffed Chicken Rolls

This low-carb dinner is a more accessible take on chicken cordon bleu. For dinner, serve the ham and cheese-stuffed chicken with a simple green salad.
49 / 78

Cajun Shrimp Skillet

This is like taking a trip down to New Orleans. The shrimp dinner conjures up Cajun flavors with seasonings like thyme, rosemary and oregano, plus a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Just heat up a cast-iron skillet and you’re ready to go! Note that this dish does have a kick, so limit or take out the cayenne or red pepper flakes if you prefer things milder. If you like this, then you must check out our collection of low-carb skillet dinners.
50 / 78

Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach

This chicken is proof that you can have a hearty family meal, even if you don’t have much time to cook. The addition of spinach means that you have a side dish already prepared as you dish up your chicken. Did we mention how pretty it looks, too?
51 / 78

Pork Tenderloin Diane

This pork tenderloin only looks breaded—that golden crust is the result of cooking with butter in a hot skillet! The dish is finished with a simple pan sauce. Double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch!
52 / 78

Enchilada Chicken

Low carbs, a short ingredient list and a spicy spin? This is our new favorite chicken dish. The recipe comes together very easily (there’s not much more you have to do than brown and bake the chicken and cover it with delicious sauces and cheese). Don’t worry, though; it’s not too spicy, so pickier palates will still enjoy it.
53 / 78

Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken

The trick to getting juicy chicken every time? Make sure it has a healthy blanket of cheese (we recommend provolone or cheddar) on top. Green onions and pecans add a little zip to the mushrooms and spinach, for a satisfying crunch and a pop of flavor in every bite.
54 / 78

Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken

This chicken is so good, seconds are a prerequisite (although it makes great leftovers for lunch). Carolina-style barbecue is tangy and vinegar-based—and the finished dish is lower-carb. Pile the shredded chicken high on low-carb rolls.
55 / 78

Chicken and Shrimp Satay

Craving takeout? Opt to stay home and make one of our favorite low-carb dinner ideas instead. It has a hint of sweetness (but you can cut back on the amount of sugar, if you want) and plenty of citrus and herb flavor.
56 / 78

Teriyaki Pork Roast

Though this pork roast requires a decent amount of cook time, all that’s really required of you is creating the sauce. The homemade teriyaki sauce with apple juice, soy sauce and vinegar really makes the dish stand out, and we’re sure it will be a bright ending to a busy day.
57 / 78

Grilled Ribeyes with Hatch Chile Butter

This delicious steak only takes 10 minutes to grill. It’s topped with flavor-packed butter swirled with Hatch chiles, cilantro, lime and garlic. To add some extra greens, serve with a side salad.
58 / 78

Asparagus Turkey Stir-Fry

When life gives you lemons, squeeze them into this stir-fry. A simple sauce brings out the flavors in your asparagus and turkey, although you can sub other in-season vegetables or chicken, depending on preferences. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that delivers effortless restaurant-quality taste.
59 / 78

Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers

Perfect for a Sunday supper, this dish brings together Italian sausage and bell peppers. To cut down on the carbs, choose other filling vegetables, like broccoli or cauliflower.
60 / 78

Beef Short Ribs in Burgundy Sauce

So easy and delicious, you might mistake your kitchen for a gourmet restaurant. Much of the work for these short ribs is done in a Dutch oven, where simmering carrots, onions, garlic and herbs imbue the ribs with a classic and comforting flavor. Pair the beef with a salad or roasted veggies.
61 / 78

Citrus-Marinated Salmon

You only need a handful of ingredients for a dish that demands a lick-your-plate finale. Really! Simply grill salmon coated with an herby citrus marinade. It’s a tasty way to make a nutritious meal when you’re short on time.
62 / 78

Bavarian Pot Roast

This pot roast is delicious and tender, and it only requires 15 minutes of prep time before a Dutch oven does the rest of the work. Ginger, cinnamon and vinegar add extra depth and flavor. For a true German experience, add some sauerkraut to the side (which is also great for gut health).
63 / 78

Lime-Cilantro Tilapia

Cumin helps balance out the zippiness of the lime in this dish that tastes like summer afternoons. The lime-cilantro sauce uses both lime zest and lime juice to capitalize on the fruit’s sweet-tartness. Serve the fish with some steamed kale or sauteed greens to sneak in some more veggies.
64 / 78

Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri

Chimichurri adds vibrance to any dish thanks to parsley, cilantro, lime zest and chipotle peppers. Grill the steak as you normally would for a quick dinner with sophisticated taste. Want to make it even more flavorful? Marinate the steak in the chimichurri several hours before cooking. Explore more low-carb meals under 400 calories.
65 / 78

Spicy Tomato Pork Chops

Hearty and warming, these pork chops bring together tomato sauce, chili powder, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes for a balance of spicy and savory. It’s a bit of a spin on typical pork chops, but no less delicious.
66 / 78

Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod

This is the kind of simple, family-friendly recipe that is the perfect way to end a busy day. Lemon and parsley shine with the cod, and some paprika and lemon-pepper seasoning add a hint of complexity.
67 / 78

Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

The hearty creaminess of these stuffed mushrooms comes entirely from a cheese medley and fresh tomatoes, no breadcrumbs needed. They’re topped with a pesto-esque mixture of basil, slivered almonds and garlic.
68 / 78

Grilled Tilapia Piccata

Piccata-style dishes are proof that eating healthy can be synonymous with delicious food. Simple, fresh ingredients play up the tilapia, including fresh basil, lemon juice and capers, which add some extra zing. The fish is great grilled but can also be prepared in a skillet.
69 / 78

Contest-Winning Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Chicken and mushrooms are a cozy combination, and this version is an even more delicious spin on an old classic. A dash of sherry provides a little extra richness, and the simple preparation makes it an ideal low-carb weeknight dinner idea.
70 / 78

Easy Chili Verde

All you have to do is toss in your ingredients and go! This chili verde is savory and spicy thanks to green enchilada sauce, salsa verde (choose a heat level that matches your preference) and chopped green chiles, which are placed into the slow cooker with the meat and left to cook for several hours. If you’re feeding anyone who isn’t following a low-carb meal plan, they can also scoop some chili into tortillas.
71 / 78

Tender Beef Brisket

A small ingredient list yields a brisket big in flavor. A touch of sugar balances out the ketchup, cider vinegar and horseradish, which will later become the serving sauce. Start your brisket during the morning so you have dinner ready after work.
72 / 78

Herb-Brined Turkey

For an impressive main course, look here. The moist, flavorful bird will have guests counting the minutes until carving time. — Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
73 / 78
Spinach-Pesto Turkey Tenderloins
Taste of Home

Spinach-Pesto Turkey Tenderloins

For this meal, it’s OK to play with your food. You’ll fill each tenderloin with a mix of spinach, goat cheese and garlic. It’s finished off with pesto and Parmesan cheese.
74 / 78

Caribbean Chicken Stew

This stew is hearty—with 9 grams of carbs per serving—but also packs in 35 grams of protein. Plan ahead to make this recipe: You’ll need to marinate the chicken thighs for 8 hours or overnight, then transfer to a slow cooker for 6-8 hours.
75 / 78

Chicken and Asparagus Bake

This indulgent chicken asparagus bake stars a rich, cheesy sauce. The recipe calls for asparagus, but swap in peas, fresh mushrooms or other spring vegetables to make the recipe your own. Serve with a bowl of low-carb pasta to make it a meal.
76 / 78

Monterey Chicken

This is the kind of dish that never gets old. It’s easy to make, ready in 25 minutes and so tasty. No wonder Monterey chicken has earned a place in so many weekly dinner rotations!
77 / 78

Sheet-Pan Steak Dinner

Like all good low-carb dinner ideas, this recipe pairs savory protein with a crisp vegetable. The recipe calls for asparagus, but mix and match the veggies to suit your family’s preferences. (Broccoli would be delicious, too!)
78 / 78

Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish

Both refreshing and spicy, this chicken dish begins with a garam masala and yogurt marinade. The cucumber melon relish, which features cilantro and mint, accompanies the grilled chicken. Don’t forget to sprinkle with almonds for an extra crunch.

Kim Bussing
Kim is a writer and creative consultant with more than a decade of experience publishing content about food and drink. She has told food and wine stories for top brands with household names, including Hilton and Marriott. Kim also writes about health and wellness topics, home decor and baking. For Taste of Home, she’s tackled stories about canned wines, cocktail kits, wine Advent calendars and much more. Kim’s passion is bringing together nutrition and joy in every meal and she’s always on the hunt for the perfect gluten-free cinnamon roll.