Effortless low-carb cooking: 31 easy recipes for beginners

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This collection of 31 low-carb recipes is perfect for beginners. They are straightforward to prepare, low in net carbs, and absolutely delicious! From main dishes and side dishes to snacks and appetizers, there’s something here for everyone!

Tajin cucumber boats on a plate next to a slice of lime.
Tajin Cucumber Boats with Lime Juice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Beef Casserole With Cauliflower Rice And Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, the Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice And Spinach is a perfect choice for beginners. Featuring ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese, this casserole is not only filling but also packed with flavor. It provides an easy and satisfying low-carb meal option for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice And Spinach

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a perfect choice for beginners looking for an easy low-carb recipe. In just 30 minutes, this casserole can be made using frozen broccoli and cauliflower, combined with a creamy cheese sauce and bacon, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a delicious option for a weeknight dinner or even as a side dish for a holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is a hassle-free dish that requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for beginners. It offers the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a convenient salad form. The ingredients are simple, and it can be easily meal prepped and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient and delicious option for low-carb lunches.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Tajin Cucumber Boats with Lime Juice

Tajin cucumber boats on a plate next to a slice of lime.
Tajin Cucumber Boats with Lime Juice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Tajin Cucumber Boats with Lime Juice are low-carb, light, refreshing, full of flavor, and can be made in only 5 minutes. For low-carb beginners looking for a fun snack, try these!
Get the Recipe: Tajin Cucumber Boats with Lime Juice

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For beginners on a low-carb diet, these Keto Chicken Nuggets are a great option. They are quick to make, requiring only 30 minutes of your time, and provide a crispy exterior and tender interior. Using canned chicken and breading with crushed pork rinds, these nuggets offer a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional chicken nuggets.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Bell Pepper Sandwich is an excellent choice for beginners looking for low-carb lunch options. By using a bell pepper instead of bread, this sandwich provides a unique twist. It can be whipped up in just 10 minutes, offering a quick, satiating, and delicious meal that is low in carbs.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Easy keto cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup is a cozy and delicious option, particularly suitable for cold winter nights. With a cooking time of 30 minutes, this soup combines steamed cauliflower, chicken broth, butter, heavy cream, and cheese to create a creamy and flavorful dish. Topped with crispy bacon, it’s a family favorite that beginners can easily prepare.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is an ideal recipe for beginners who want a low-carb option for a date night or holiday meal. With a cooking time of only 30 minutes, this dish features perfectly cooked shrimp in a dairy-free garlic sauce, accompanied by fresh grape tomatoes and spinach.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is an excellent choice for beginners looking for easy low-carb recipes. It can be prepared in just 30 minutes and requires only one pot. The combination of Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream creates a flavorful and creamy soup that is both delicious and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Bowl of creamy bacon asparagus pasta with a fork.
Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For low-carb beginners looking for an innovative low-carb dish, this Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta is a great choice. Prepared in just 30 minutes, this recipe incorporates asparagus into a creamy, gluten-free pasta dish. It provides a nutrient-dense and filling meal option for those following a low-carb diet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Lemon garlic scallops garnished with parsley in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With a cooking time of under 30 minutes, Lemon Garlic Scallops are surprisingly perfect for beginners looking for a quick and impressive meal. If you’ve never prepared scallops before, you’ll be happy to learn that this seafood is quite simple to make! This scallop recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just one pan. They offer a delightful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is so flavorful and easy to make! In just 30 minutes, you can whip together this filling meal with perfectly roasted sausage and vegetables to have as part of your meal prep menu or make it to serve for an easy family dinner. Only one pan is required, and everything is cooked at the same time, which means fewer dishes, easy clean-up, and less time spent in the kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken is a quick and easy one-pan meal that can be on the table in 30 minutes. The chicken is seasoned and cooked to perfection, then topped with a creamy dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage With Bacon is a simple and delicious recipe that can be prepared and served in only 25 minutes. Cabbage, bacon, and onion come together to yield a dish with perfectly balanced flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a one-pot dish that can be made in only 30 minutes! It is creamy, flavorful, nutrient-dense, and yields a perfect low-carb side dish for weeknight family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a delicious and easy one-pan skillet dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The boneless skinless chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that is made with ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Green Chile Chicken With Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken With Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you have some leftover chicken in your fridge, try using it up in this Green Chile Chicken With Shredded Chicken Thighs. It’s a one-skillet recipe that is easy to make and takes only 20 minutes. It’s a delicious option for those seeking leftover shredded chicken recipes.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken With Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Baked Parmesan Salmon

Keto baked parmesan salmon on foil on a baking sheet.
Baked Parmesan Salmon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This crispy Baked Parmesan Salmon is so easy to make and will yield a delicious and nutrient-dense dinner recipe! Prepared, cooked, and served in under 30 minutes, this is a great low-carb and gluten-free dish to serve on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Salmon

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs With Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts highlights tender chicken thighs that are coated with a flavorful blend of spices and seared until they turn golden brown. The creamy sauce is created by combining ingredients like butter, garlic, heavy cream, and chicken stock. The addition of artichokes and lemon juice lends a distinctive texture and taste that complements the cream sauce perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are full of rich flavor and are a perfect choice for a low-carb weeknight dinner. They feature ground turkey, coconut aminos, canned coconut milk, curry powder, and red curry paste. This meatball recipe can be made and ready to serve in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky sauce chicken, broccoli, and sesame seeds in a pot.
Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sticky Sauce Chicken is sure to please everyone at the table and is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. It features tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with garlic and ginger.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a low-carb and one-pan meal that is made with chicken breasts. It’s quite simple to make and yields a delicious and filling meal, especially when served on top of cauliflower rice. The chicken is cooked in a creamy white sauce that is made with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a delicious, flavorful, and low-carb side dish that is made quickly and easily with straightforward ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties are gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, and kid-friendly! Whipped up in only 20 minutes, they can be served on their own, alongside your favorite steamed vegetables, or on bread as a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delicious stovetop broccoli side dish that can be made in only 25 minutes! Simply cook up broccoli florets and sun-dried tomatoes with spices before prepping an easy cream sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Keto Zuppa Toscana is an Olive Garden copycat recipe that is low-carb, gluten-free, and full of flavor. Instead of potatoes, this soup includes radishes, which mimic the flavor and texture of potatoes perfectly (no cauliflower in this soup either!). Whip it together in just 1 hour and have a delicious dinner on the table or prepped to enjoy during the coming week.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a delicious, low-carb, and 30-minute meal that can be whipped together in just one pan! It’s very straightforward to prepare, and you’ll be so impressed with how flavorful the resulting dish is!
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Loaded Zucchini Boats are a fantastic appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a party, game day, or just for a nice summer meal, these hit the spot. Plus, you can have them prepped, baked, and ready to eat in under an hour!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Zucchini Bites

A plate of zucchini bites next to a cup of dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Zucchini Bites are a quick and easy recipe that is whipped together in only 30 minutes! Featuring shredded zucchini, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and Italian seasoning, these zucchini bites are extra flavorful and a great choice for low-carb beginners.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

A hand holding a slice of cucumber topped with taco dip with cream cheese.
Taco Dip with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is an easy meatless appetizer that is a total crowd-pleaser. It can be made in only 15 minutes and is a perfect dish for serving at parties, holiday events, or game-day gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for a low-carb main dish option, try this flavorful Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad! It offers a fun twist on traditional jalapeño poppers, and it’s easy to prepare. Make it in advance and include it in your low-carb lunch menu on busy weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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