21 low-carb main dishes for quick weeknight meals

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Weeknights don’t wait, and neither should dinner, especially when time is short and hunger is real. These 21 low-carb meals keep things simple, quick, and actually worth looking forward to after a long day. No complicated steps, no hours in the kitchen—just solid meals that get the job done without the extra carbs or stress. If dinner had a fast lane, these would be leading the way.

A white plate filled with asparagus pasta and sauce.
Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Chicken And Dumplings

A bowl of creamy soup with chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Thick broth and tender dumplings make Chicken And Dumplings a filling meal that holds up well for leftovers. The dumplings soak up the flavors without becoming too soft, keeping each bite just right. It’s easy to portion out and reheat, making it great for busy nights. Feels just as comforting the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Burger Mini Bites

Mini burgers with parsley.
Burger Mini Bites. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

All the best parts of a burger packed into bite-sized portions make Burger Mini Bites easy to enjoy. The texture stays juicy without needing a bun, keeping it simple but flavorful. They work well as a meal or a quick snack, depending on what you pair them with. Fun way to switch up burger night.
Get the Recipe: Burger Mini Bites

Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Keto Bacon Fathead Pizza with fresh basil leaves.
Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low-carb pizza night starts with Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough, which holds up well under any topping. The crust is firm but still has a chewy texture, making it feel like a real pizza base. It bakes up golden and crisp without falling apart. Keeps pizza night on the menu without the extra carbs.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fathead Pizza Dough

Brioche French Toast Casserole

Brioche cubes and berries in a platter.
Brioche French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Soft, rich, and slightly sweet, Brioche French Toast Casserole brings classic flavors without the usual carb load. The texture stays fluffy while soaking up all the flavors, making every bite balanced. It works well for meal prepping since it reheats without drying out. Make-ahead meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Brioche French Toast Casserole

Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Popcorn chicken on a green leaves.
Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Bite-sized and crunchy, Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe is easy to prepare in large batches. The coating stays crisp even after reheating, making it a reliable option for leftovers. It works as a quick meal or a grab-and-go snack. Stays crunchy without needing extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Baked Sausage And Sauerkraut

Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut on a cast iron plate.
Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Bold flavors come together in Baked Sausage And Sauerkraut, balancing richness with a little tang. The sausage stays juicy while soaking up all the flavors from the sauerkraut. Each bite brings a mix of textures that keeps things interesting. Filling meal that doesn’t need much to feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sausage and Sauerkraut

Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Beef Stew Goulash inside white casserole.
Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Deep flavors and tender beef make Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot a hearty meal that comes together quickly. The pressure cooker helps the ingredients blend together, making every bite rich. It holds up well for leftovers and thickens even more overnight. A reliable meal for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew Goulash Instant Pot

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken casserole with bacon and cheese.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Layers of chicken, bacon, and creamy sauce make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole a go-to meal for busy nights. The texture stays rich even after reheating, keeping every bite flavorful. It works well on its own or paired with a side for extra variety. Stays just as creamy the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

A baked green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Crisp green beans baked in a rich sauce make Green Bean Casserole a filling meal that doesn’t need extras. The texture balances between soft and crunchy, keeping each bite interesting. It works as a side dish or a main course, depending on what you pair it with. Brings familiar flavors without extra carbs.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Brussel Sprouts Cups

Brussles sprouts inside mini casseroles.
Brussel Sprouts Cups. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Bite-sized and packed with flavor, Brussel Sprouts Cups are a fun way to enjoy a low-carb meal. The sprouts hold their shape while still being tender, making them easy to grab and eat. They work as a side or a snack, depending on how they’re served. Adds variety without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Cups

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Chicken casserole with baked cheese inside a white dish.
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Rich and creamy, Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole holds up well for meal prepping and quick dinners. The cheese melts into every layer, making each bite smooth and flavorful. It reheats without losing texture, so leftovers stay just as good. Keeps dinner easy without feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Bunless Bacon Burger

Burger without a bun with green sauce.
Bunless Bacon Burger. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

All the flavor of a classic burger without the bun makes Bunless Bacon Burger a great low-carb swap. The bacon adds a smoky bite while keeping the burger juicy. It works well on its own or stacked with extra toppings. Simple way to keep burger night going without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Bunless Bacon Burger

Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles

Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles close up.
Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Light but filling, Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles absorb flavors while keeping a firm texture. The noodles hold up well even after sitting in the fridge, making them great for meal prepping. Each bite is packed with a mix of textures that keep things interesting. A meal that works anytime without feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles

Casserole With Brussel Sprouts

A casserole with brussel sprouts topped with cheese.
Casserole with Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Roasted sprouts blend into a creamy base in Casserole With Brussel Sprouts, making it rich but balanced. The top gets golden and crisp while the inside stays smooth. It pairs well with different proteins or works on its own as a main dish. Holds up well even after reheating.
Get the Recipe: Casserole with Brussel Sprouts

Cauliflower Rice Recipes

Various bowls of creamy cauliflower dishes.
Cauliflower Rice Recipes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Light and versatile, Cauliflower Rice Recipes work as a base for a variety of meals. The texture stays firm without turning mushy, making it a great alternative to traditional rice. It absorbs flavors well, so it fits with different styles of cooking. Makes meal prep easier while keeping things low-carb.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice Recipes

Broccoli Stir Fry With Chicken

Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken in a skillet.
Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Crisp vegetables and tender chicken come together in Broccoli Stir Fry With Chicken, making a fast and filling meal. The stir-fry stays fresh in the fridge, keeping its crunch without getting soggy. It works well on its own or paired with other sides for variety. Makes weeknight cooking feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Stir Fry with Chicken

Baked Cabbage Steaks Using Air Fryer

Roasted cabbage wedges topped with herbs and seasonings.
Baked Cabbage Steaks using Air Fryer. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Thick, roasted layers give Baked Cabbage Steaks Using Air Fryer a deep, caramelized flavor. The edges crisp up just enough to keep each bite textured while the inside stays soft. It works as a main dish or a hearty side, depending on how it’s served. A different way to enjoy cabbage with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cabbage Steaks using Air Fryer

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Cast iron skillet with cream cheese sausage balls arranged around a bowl of white dip, garnished with chopped herbs.
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Soft inside with a slight crisp on the outside, Cream Cheese Sausage Balls bring bold flavors to the table. The mix of creaminess and spice makes them great for a meal or a quick snack. They hold their shape well, making them easy to prep in batches. Filling option that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Curry Chicken With Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Deep flavors and a thick texture make Curry Chicken With Onion a strong choice for a quick dinner. The onions soften and blend into the sauce, keeping everything smooth and rich. It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Keeps its bold flavors even after sitting in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle

A white plate filled with asparagus pasta and sauce.
Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Fresh take on pasta, Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle swaps out traditional noodles for a lower-carb option. The texture stays light but firm, making it feel like a real pasta dish. It pairs well with different sauces and proteins, so it’s easy to change up. Brings variety to low-carb meals without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Pasta Tagliatelle

Caprese Chicken Recipe

Caprese Chicken Recipe.
Caprese Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Simple ingredients come together in Caprese Chicken Recipe, blending fresh flavors with hearty protein. The chicken stays juicy, and the topping adds just enough contrast to keep things balanced. It pairs well with different sides, making it a flexible meal. Fresh way to mix up weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Chicken Recipe

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