11 Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipes For Busy Weeknights

Navigating a low-carb diet on busy weeknights can be tough. The key is using quick-cooking proteins and versatile non-starchy vegetables. This collection provides 11 delicious, easy low carb recipes for dinner, most ready in under 30 minutes, to keep your meals exciting and your health goals on track.

Let’s be honest. After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe or another bland meal of grilled chicken and steamed broccoli. It’s so easy to fall into a food rut, especially when you’re trying to eat healthy. You crave flavor, variety, and comfort, but you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This is the exact struggle that leads so many people to abandon their healthy eating goals.

In my own journey, I’ve discovered that sticking to a low-carb lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious food or precious time. The secret lies in having a go-to list of tried-and-true recipes that are specifically designed for busy people. I’ve curated this collection based on my own real-world testing for speed, ease of cleanup, and, most importantly, family-friendly flavor. These meals will make your weeknight cooking a joy, not a chore.

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11 Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipes For Busy Weeknights (Updated for 2025)

The best easy low-carb dinner recipes for busy weeknights offer variety, use simple ingredients, and often come together in one pan or in under 30 minutes. Here are 11 fantastic options to add to your rotation:

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Cheesy Portobello Chicken Cutlets
Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Keto Taco Casserole
Quick Low-Carb Spicy Chili
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Zucchini Lasagna Bake
Quick Shrimp & Veggie Stir-Fry
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

These recipes cover everything from savory skillets to satisfying casseroles. Each one comes with straightforward instructions and a pro-tip from my own experience to guarantee a delicious result, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your low-carb journey.

1. Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles

This recipe delivers a fast, satisfying, and flavorful low-carb steak dinner that feels truly indulgent without the guilt. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something rich and savory but only have about 20 minutes to spare. The tender, seared steak paired with the light zucchini noodles all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce is a weeknight game-changer.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
* 4 tbsp butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:
1. Pat the steak cubes dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
4. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic butter for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender-crisp.
5. Return the seared steak to the skillet, toss everything together to coat, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Pro-Tip: For the best possible sear on your steak, make sure your skillet is properly hot before adding the meat. Crucially, don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the steak in two separate batches. This simple step prevents the steak from steaming and guarantees that delicious, flavorful crust.

Pin this 20-minute dinner for your next busy weeknight!

2. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

This is the ultimate minimal-effort, minimal-cleanup dinner recipe that is packed with balanced flavor. If you’re looking for a true “set it and forget it” meal, this one-pan wonder is your answer. The smoky kielbasa, sweet bell peppers, and tender-roasted broccoli create a complete and satisfying meal with practically no dishes to wash.

Ingredients:
* 14 oz kielbasa or other smoked sausage, sliced
* 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
* 1 red onion, sliced
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a large, rimmed baking sheet, combine the broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to coat it evenly.
3. Spread the vegetables out into a single, even layer. Arrange the sliced sausage among the vegetables.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes. About halfway through, give everything a flip to ensure even browning. The meal is ready when the vegetables are tender and the sausage is nicely browned.

Pro-Tip: In my experience, the key to perfectly roasted vegetables is giving them space. Make sure they are not overcrowded on the pan. If you have a lot of veggies, don’t hesitate to use two separate sheet pans. This allows the hot air to circulate, roasting them to perfection instead of steaming them.

Save this one-pan wonder for an easy cleanup night!

3. Cheesy Portobello Chicken Cutlets

This is a quick and elegant low-carb chicken recipe that feels like a gourmet meal you’d get at a restaurant, but it’s ready in about 30 minutes. The combination of quick-cooking chicken cutlets, nutty melted Gruyère cheese, and meaty sautéed Portobello mushrooms is simply divine. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple weeknight chicken dinner.

Ingredients:
* 4 thin-sliced chicken cutlets
* 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
* 8 oz Portobello mushrooms, sliced
* 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:
1. Season the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Top each cutlet with a generous amount of Gruyère cheese, then cover the pan for about a minute to let it melt beautifully. Remove the cheesy chicken from the pan.
3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and broccoli florets.
4. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Season with a little salt and pepper.
5. Serve the cheesy chicken cutlets alongside the freshly sautéed vegetables.

Pro-Tip: The secret to this dish is using thin-sliced chicken cutlets. If you can’t find them, you can make your own by pounding regular chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks incredibly quickly and evenly, staying juicy and tender without drying out.

Want a 30-minute gourmet meal? Pin this recipe!

4. Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus

This recipe is a light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful low-carb meal that is almost effortless to prepare. It’s my go-to when I want something nutritious and packed with Omega-3s. The combination of flaky salmon, tender-crisp asparagus, and a bright kick from lemon and herbs is a classic for a reason.

Ingredients:
* 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
* 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tsp dried dill
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1 lemon (half sliced, half for juice)
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. On the baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out in a single layer.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub them with the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil, minced garlic, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the seasoned salmon on the same baking sheet next to the asparagus. Top each fillet with a few slices of lemon.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it’s cooked through and flakes easily, and the asparagus should be tender. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon half over everything before serving.

Pro-Tip: The number one rule for delicious salmon is don’t overcook it! It’s perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Cooking it on the same sheet pan as the asparagus is a fantastic trick—it infuses everything with flavor and means you have one less dish to wash.

Pin this healthy and delicious sheet pan dinner!

5. Egg Roll in a Bowl

This deconstructed stir-fry gives you all the savory flavor of an egg roll without the carbs from the wrapper, and it’s ready in just 15 minutes. This is one of the fastest keto recipes out there. It’s a perfect solution for takeout cravings, combining savory ground pork (or chicken), crunchy cabbage, and aromatic ginger and garlic into a satisfying one-skillet meal.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground pork or chicken
* 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for strict keto)
* 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground pork over medium-high heat, using a spoon to break it apart. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the entire bag of coleslaw mix. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage has wilted down to your desired tenderness.
4. Pour in the soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and the sesame oil. Stir to combine everything well and serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: I love to customize this bowl for extra texture and flavor. Topping it with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo takes it to the next level. This dish is also absolutely fantastic for meal prep—it holds up well in the fridge for a few days.

Craving takeout? Pin this 15-minute healthy alternative!

6. Keto Taco Casserole

This is a comforting, family-friendly low-carb meal that will satisfy any craving for tacos or cheesy pizza. It’s essentially a crustless taco bake, layering seasoned ground beef with a creamy salsa mixture and topping it all with gooey, melted cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Ingredients:
* 1.5 lbs ground beef
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup salsa (look for a low-sugar brand)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
* Optional: chopped bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Once cooked, drain the grease thoroughly.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, cream cheese, and salsa. Keep stirring until the cream cheese has completely melted and everything is well combined. If you’re using extra veggies like bell peppers or onions, stir them in now.
4. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 baking dish.
5. Top with the shredded cheese, covering the entire surface.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Serve hot with your favorite low-carb toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Pro-Tip: For better control over ingredients, I recommend making your own low-carb taco seasoning. It’s easy to do and helps you avoid the hidden sugars and fillers in many store-bought packets. A simple mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder works perfectly.

Your new favorite Taco Tuesday recipe is here! Pin it now.

7. Quick Low-Carb Spicy Chili

This recipe provides a warm, hearty, and comforting low-carb chili that doesn’t use any high-carb beans. It’s packed with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and warming chili spices, making it the perfect meal for a cool evening. You get all the classic chili flavor you love in a completely keto-friendly form.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
* 2 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tsp cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and bell pepper over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve hot with your favorite keto-friendly toppings, such as shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh avocado.

Pro-Tip: The real key to a deeply flavorful chili is letting it simmer. While it’s delicious after 30 minutes, if you have some extra time, letting it go for an hour or even longer on very low heat will make it taste even more amazing as the flavors deepen.

Cozy up with this bean-free chili recipe. Save it for later!

8. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

This is a classic, protein-packed salad that is naturally low-carb and wonderfully refreshing. By skipping the high-carb croutons, you’re left with a perfect meal combining juicy, smoky grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing. It’s a light yet completely satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
* 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup low-carb Caesar dressing (check labels for sugar content)

Instructions:
1. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and the shaved Parmesan cheese.
4. Add the sliced grilled chicken to the bowl.
5. Drizzle with your favorite low-carb Caesar dressing and toss everything together to combine. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Pro-Tip: For the absolute best flavor and texture, I always use freshly shaved Parmesan from a solid block instead of the pre-grated kind in a canister. The difference is remarkable. To make the salad even more filling, try adding a sliced hard-boiled egg or some crispy bacon bits.

Pin this classic, healthy salad for a quick dinner or lunch!

9. Zucchini Lasagna Bake

This recipe allows you to enjoy all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the high-carb pasta noodles. Thin planks of zucchini stand in for the pasta, layered with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying Italian-inspired bake the whole family will love.

Ingredients:
* 3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch planks
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 cup low-sugar marinara sauce
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 egg
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, brown the ground beef, drain the fat, and stir in the marinara sauce.
2. Place the zucchini slices on a layer of paper towels and sprinkle them with salt. This helps draw out excess moisture. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat them dry.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
4. To assemble, spread a thin layer of meat sauce in an 8×8 baking dish. Arrange a layer of zucchini planks, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients.
5. Top the final layer with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle generously with the shredded mozzarella.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro-Tip: From personal experience, salting and drying the zucchini planks is the most crucial step to prevent a watery lasagna. Don’t skip it! For even better results, you can quickly grill or bake the zucchini planks for a few minutes on each side before assembling the lasagna.

All the comfort, none of the carbs! Save this Zucchini Lasagna recipe.

10. Quick Shrimp & Veggie Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice

This is a fast, versatile, and healthy stir-fry that fits perfectly into a low-carb diet. It uses quick-cooking shrimp and a mix of colorful vegetables, all brought together with a simple, savory low-carb stir-fry sauce. Served over fluffy cauliflower rice, it’s a complete meal that tastes like your favorite Asian takeout but is much healthier.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 bag frozen cauliflower rice
* 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, sliced bell peppers, snow peas)
* 1 tbsp avocado oil
* For the sauce: 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos), 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
2. Heat the avocado oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add your mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Remove them from the skillet.
3. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing, until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss to combine and heat through.
5. While the stir-fry finishes, heat the cauliflower rice in the microwave according to the package directions. Serve the hot stir-fry over the cauliflower rice.

Pro-Tip: The trick to a great stir-fry is high heat and fast cooking. Be careful not to add the sauce too early, as the soy sauce can burn over high heat. I always add it at the very end and toss just long enough to heat it through and coat all the delicious ingredients.

Get your stir-fry fix! Pin this quick and healthy recipe.

11. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

This is an incredibly fast, simple, and elegant low-carb meal that is perfect for a last-minute dinner decision. In just 15 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table. The combination of plump shrimp, bright green asparagus, and a rich garlic butter sauce is simple yet sophisticated.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
* 4 tbsp butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* Juice of half a lemon
* Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they become tender-crisp.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the top and toss with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Pro-Tip: Be very careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they cook extremely quickly! I pull them off the heat the second they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is the number one reason for tough, rubbery shrimp, and this dish is all about that tender, juicy texture.

Dinner in 15 minutes? Yes, please! Pin this recipe now.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Easy Low-Carb Dinners

To make your low-carb weeknight cooking a consistent success, keep these simple strategies in mind. This is your quick-reference guide to delicious and easy meals.

Embrace One-Pan Meals: Sheet pan and skillet recipes are your best friends. They mean less prep, less cleanup, and more flavor as all the ingredients cook together.
Veggie Swaps are Key: Get creative with vegetable substitutes. Use zucchini noodles for pasta, cauliflower rice for rice, and sliced bell peppers or portobellos as a base for toppings.
Prioritize Quick-Cooking Proteins: Stock up on proteins that cook in minutes. Shrimp, thin-cut chicken breasts, ground meats, and pre-cooked sausage are perfect for busy nights.
Flavor with Fats and Herbs: Don’t be shy with flavor. Healthy fats like butter and olive oil add richness and satiety, while garlic, fresh herbs, and spices prevent meals from ever feeling bland or boring.
Prep Ahead When Possible: A little prep goes a long way. Chopping vegetables, mixing a sauce, or browning ground meat over the weekend can turn a 25-minute recipe into a 10-minute assembly job on a Tuesday night.

Final Thoughts

Eating low-carb during a busy week doesn’t have to be a repetitive cycle of boring salads and plain chicken. As you can see, it’s entirely possible to enjoy incredible flavor and variety without spending your entire evening in the kitchen.

With these 11 recipes in your back pocket, you have a full arsenal of quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinners that the whole family can enjoy. You can reclaim your weeknights, feel great about what you’re eating, and still completely crush your health goals.

What’s your go-to quick low-carb dinner? Share your favorites in the comments below

11 Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipes For Busy Weeknights

11 Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipes For Busy Weeknights (Updated for 2025)