17 low-carb meals that get straight to the good stuff without a pile of extra ingredients

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If you’re tired of meals that call for a dozen ingredients you’ll rarely use again, these 17 low-carb dishes are your new best friend. No intricate steps, no searching for uncommon spices—just pure enjoyment with minimal effort. They focus on the essentials, so you can relish a deeply fulfilling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple, flavorful, and ready in no time—what’s not to love?

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style dish in a round ceramic plate with cooked snails topped with herbs and butter sauce, and slices of bread on a wooden board.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re craving steak without all the hassle, try Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style. These bite-sized pieces are cooked to perfection and coated in a rich, garlic butter sauce. Each bite is bursting with flavor, offering a hearty meal. This dish keeps it simple yet incredibly gratifying.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta on a white plate.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For something a bit different, try Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. The greens add a unique touch to your plate, complemented by the rich pancetta. This pairing delivers a burst of flavor without the need for extra ingredients. It’s a simple way to incorporate leafy vegetables into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Oven Baked Ribs

Oven-baked ribs with onion and garlic on top served on a white rectangular plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Get straight to the enjoyment with these oven-cooked favorites. Oven Baked Ribs are tender and require minimal effort. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without standing over the stove for hours, this recipe proves you can have robust flavors with simple steps.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Refresh your palate with a simple yet flavorful salad. Horiatiki Salad offers a crunchy and refreshing side without overcomplicating things. Fresh vegetables come together to create a great pairing for any main dish. This salad is perfect for those seeking a lighter, low-carb option.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Vintage Chicken Divan

Two cast-iron skillets filled with vintage chicken divan and a fork dishing up one serving.
Vintage Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Bring a nostalgic touch to your meal planning. Vintage Chicken Divan boasts a creamy texture while keeping the ingredient list lean. Ideal for both family dinners and meal prep, this dish offers classic comfort with straightforward preparation. Your busy days just got a whole lot easier.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan

Tom Kha Soup

A bowl of Tom Kha Soup with green herbs, and a slice of lime.
Tom Kha Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Warm up with a nourishing and simple soup. Tom Kha Soup provides the comfort you seek without an extensive list of ingredients. It’s a great way to simplify while enjoying a fragrant and filling dish. Whether for lunch or dinner, this soup fits right into a low-carb diet.
Get the Recipe: Tom Kha Soup

Baked Pesto Salmon

Baked Pesto Salmon with spinach sauce on a white plate.
Baked Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Take your love for seafood to the next level. Baked Pesto Salmon delivers rich, herby flavors with minimal effort. Oven-baked to perfection, it perfectly complements a busy lifestyle. You’ll appreciate the straightforward approach that lets the main ingredients shine without additional fuss.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Ninja Woodfire Pork Souvlaki with Horiatiki Salad and pita bread on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a quick and fulfilling meal, try Grilled Pork Souvlaki. These grilled pork skewers are both easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll enjoy every bite without a long prep time. A fantastic option when you want something that feels special but is simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A refreshing medley that brings simplicity to your table. Cucumber Salad with Feta focuses on crisp and creamy textures without complicating the ingredients. Perfect for pairing with various mains or enjoyed on its own. This salad proves fresh and light can be quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving comfort food? Diner Style Salisbury Steak could become your new favorite. This dish evokes nostalgia with its rich flavors and hearty feel. Simple to prepare, it delivers a deeply fulfilling meal without requiring too many ingredients. A perfect way to enjoy a classic with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Mix up your routine with Chinese Chicken Salad. This dish offers a gratifying combination of flavors and textures, from the tender chicken to the crisp vegetables and crunchy toppings. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy chicken in a light, refreshing manner, providing both satisfaction and variety. Easy to prepare and perfect for any meal, it’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A plate of beef and broccoli with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Stay on track with a balanced and simple stir-fry. Ground Beef and Broccoli pair tender beef with vibrant greens for a one-pan wonder. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this dish keeps things uncomplicated yet tasty. It’s a meal that fits well with any busy lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate with seasoned asparagus and garlic butter chicken bites topped with herbs. A halved grilled lemon and fresh parsley are nearby on a white floral tablecloth.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Try something simple yet delicious with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. These bites are coated in a flavorful garlic butter, making them a hit with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick meal that satisfies without a lot of prep. Great for weeknights when you want something easy but tasty.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Give Cheeseburger Casserole a try for a simple yet hearty meal. This dish brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger in an easy casserole form. It’s filling and comforting without needing a lot of ingredients. Great for a family dinner when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Avocado Toast

Avocado Toast on a chaffle.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Jazz up your breakfast or snack with Avocado Toast. This dish is a straightforward, flavorful choice that’s both healthy and gratifying. Easily customizable, it offers endless possibilities with minimal ingredients. Perfect for when you desire something quick, nutritious, and deeply fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Take a new approach to pizza night. Pizza Casserole offers all the familiar flavors in a fuss-free form. Losing the crust helps keep it low-carb without missing anything you love. Ideal for a quick family meal, it delivers satisfaction without all the extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Springs Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Recreate a restaurant favorite at home with ease. Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken focuses on distinct flavors while trimming down the ingredients list. This dish brings the experience straight to your kitchen without complicating your day. Enjoy a hearty meal that meets your low-carb goals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

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