19 low-carb dinners that keep the cleanup low and the satisfaction high

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Keeping dinner low-carb shouldn’t mean turning the kitchen into a disaster zone. These meals keep things easy with minimal mess, so there’s no mountain of dishes waiting. Less cleanup means more time for things that actually matter—like finally figuring out where all those missing socks went. A good meal with no mess? That’s a win.

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken garnished with parsley is served on a slate platter with yellow peppers.
Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

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.

Need something quick that won’t wreck your kitchen? Vintage Chicken Divan is all about keeping things simple and savory. With its blend of meat and greens, it’s a balanced meal that doesn’t overload you with carbs. Plus, the cleanup is just about as easy as the cooking process, making it an excellent choice for a hassle-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan

Horiatiki Salad

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

Some nights, you just want a dinner that’s light but still satisfying. That’s where Horiatiki Salad comes into play, with its fresh ingredients and straightforward prep. It’s a no-cook wonder that saves you a ton of time, not just in preparation but also in clean-up. Enjoy a meal that’s both refreshing and simple, leaving you with plenty of time to relax afterward.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew that an elegant dish could be this easy to pull off? Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu takes a fancy favorite and makes it approachable, cooking it to perfection with less mess and less oil. The air fryer means you’re not standing over a stove, and clean-up is reduced to the bare minimum. It’s perfect for when you want a meal that feels special without the special effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something hearty and warm? Authentic Hungarian Goulash hits the spot without hitting the carb count too hard. It brings you a flavorful stew with minimal fuss in the kitchen, simmering to perfection without supervision. Better yet, it’s a one-pot wonder, significantly cutting down your after-dinner cleanup time.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Mediterranean Chicken Bake with herbs, cheese and tomatoes in a platter.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Chicken Bake is all about bringing robust flavors to your dinner table without chaining you to the kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to prep, and since everything bakes together, flavors meld beautifully. The cleanup is as relaxed as the prep, thanks to using just one baking dish. It’s the ideal choice for a nutritious meal on a busy evening, asking little of you but delivering a lot in taste.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If simplicity had a name in the kitchen, it might well be Old Fashioned Ham Salad. This recipe is straightforward to prepare, light on the carbs, and even easier to clean up after. Serve it on lettuce for an even lighter option or enjoy as is for a meal that gets you out of the kitchen fast. It’s the perfect blend of efficiency and taste for a low-key dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Cheeseburger Casserole

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

When the burger craving strikes but you’re not into the carbs, Cheeseburger Casserole is your go-to. It packs all the flavor of your favorite cheeseburger without the bun, making it a crowd-pleaser. This dish is as easy to clean up after as it is to enjoy, thanks to baking everything in one dish. It’s comfort food made simple and satisfying, without the hassle or the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Chicken Paprikash

Three pieces of chicken smothered in a creamy, orange-hued sauce topped with chopped herbs, served on a white rectangular plate.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a hearty dish that’s perfect for any night, Chicken Paprikash doesn’t disappoint. It’s got all the comfort you need, with none of the carb-heavy guilt. Plus, you’ll have more time to chill since this dish doesn’t demand much cleanup. It’s all about keeping dinner straightforward but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shirazi Salad is the epitome of freshness, simplicity, and ease in a low-carb package. This no-fuss, toss-together meal requires no cooking and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a busy night. Its crisp and refreshing taste is an ideal palate cleanser or a light dinner option. Dig into this straightforward dish for a quick, nutritious, and easy meal solution.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl with cherry tomatoes and green peppers on the side.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those nights when you crave something with a bit of a kick, Chicken Tinga is a game-changer. It’s brimming with taste and easy to throw together. You won’t need to slave over a hot stove all evening or deal with a sink full of dishes. Just a straight-up good meal without the carb-heavy feeling afterward.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

A closeup of Vegan Mexican Rice with tomatoes in the background.
Mexican Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re trying to cut down on carbs but still want a full-on dinner, Mexican Cauliflower Rice is where it’s at. You get all the boldness without the grains bogging you down. It’s a quick fix for a busy night, and there’s minimal mess to deal with later. Think of it as a chill way to end your day, with plenty of taste but not a lot of carbs.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins brings a unique twist to your dinner table without all the cleanup hassle. The mixture of spices and sweetness hits the spot, making it a go-to for a quick and uncomplicated meal. It’s easy to whip up for a last-minute dinner but doesn’t skimp on the flavor. Plus, it keeps things interesting if you’re trying to keep carbs in check.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans, you set it and forget it until dinner time. This dish proves that low-carb can still mean full of flavor, and it makes sure your kitchen stays spotless. It’s perfect for days when you’re running low on time but still want a hearty meal at the end of the day. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Garlic Chicken Skillet

Garlic Chicken Skillet with peppers and asparagus on a white plate.
Garlic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish is your best friend on a busy weekday. It’s all about getting that comforting meal on the table quickly, with minimal dishes to wash afterward. Garlic Chicken Skillet packs a punch with bold flavors, and it’s straightforward to make. You’re looking at a dinner win that’ll have you out of the kitchen in no time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Sliced Smoked Bacon Wrapped Whole Pork Tenderloin on a white platter.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. This dish is a showstopper that doesn’t require you to spend the whole evening in the kitchen. It cooks up perfectly, leaving you with a meal that’s both low in carbs and high in protein. And the cleanup is as simple as the prep, so you can relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken has got you covered. This dish lets the slow cooker do the work, infusing the chicken with a robust, spicy-sweet flavor. It’s an effortless way to bring some excitement to your dinner routine without creating a mountain of dishes. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this recipe keeps things simple and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mediterranean Salmon

Mediterranean Salmon on a white rectangular plate.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Mediterranean Salmon is where easy meets sophistication on your dinner plate. It’s light, it’s flavorful, and it doesn’t make a mess of your kitchen. This dish is proof that you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make a meal memorable. Plus, it cooks up fast, making it ideal for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Oven Baked Ribs

Pieces of oven bake ribs on a black slate plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s nothing like Oven Baked Ribs to make your evening feel special without the fuss of an elaborate meal prep. This dish is all about slow-cooked flavor that leaves you with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. The oven does all the work, which means you can kick back while dinner cooks itself. And when it comes to cleaning up, there’s hardly anything to it.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken garnished with parsley is served on a slate platter with yellow peppers.
Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken keeps things simple, low-carb, and utterly delicious. You throw everything into one pot and let it simmer to perfection, blending spices and tender chicken into a mouthwatering meal. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the straightforward prep and cleanup mean more time to enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken

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