10 Easy Keto Recipe Ideas for Beginners [Low-Carb, High-Fat]

Finding the right Keto recipe can be difficult when thousands of Keto recipes exist online. Some are too complicated, others lack nutrition data, and many are not budget-friendly. If you are looking for clearly structured, beginner-friendly Keto recipes with precise macros, simple ingredients, and tested instructions, you are in the right place. Let’s learn how to make 10 easy, healthy, and beginner-friendly dishes to enter ketosis, burn fat, and balance macros.

10 Easy Keto Recipe Ideas for Beginners [Low-Carb, High-Fat]
Highlights

What Makes a Recipe Truly Keto-Friendly?

Not every low-carb dish is Keto-friendly. A real Keto recipe should keep net carbs low enough to support ketosis while providing enough fat and moderate protein. Understanding these principles helps you evaluate recipes and choose the ones that help you balance macronutrients.

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Core Keto Macro Targets

Each person’s age, gender, activity level, health status, body needs, and health goals are factors that influence the daily macronutrients they need to take from their meals.

Keto recipe ideas must align with your macro goals, meaning the foods you eat should help you meet macronutrient needs. So, eating on a Keto Diet is not just about satisfying hunger.

While each individual has specific macronutrient needs, you can use the following ratio as a general rule.

Typical Macro Range

  • Net Carbs: 5-10% of daily calories
  • Fat: 65-75% of daily calories
  • Protein: 20-30% of daily calories

Use this free Carnivore Macro Calculator that helps you find the right balance of macronutrients based on your age, gender, and activity level, whether you are on a Keto or Carnivore Diet.

A proper Keto recipe usually avoids sugar, grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables. Instead, it focuses on meats, eggs, full-fat dairy, low-carb vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils.

Ingredients Commonly Used in Keto Recipes

  • Eggs
  • Chicken, beef, pork, seafood
  • Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil
  • Cheese, heavy cream, butter
  • Cauliflower, zucchini, spinach, broccoli
  • Almond flour, coconut flour

By using recipes that contain these nutritious food sources, you can maintain ketosis without sacrificing flavor.

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Keto Pantry Essentials: Stock These Once, Cook Easily Forever!

A well-stocked pantry makes following keto effortless. Instead of hunting for specialty items every time you cook, keep these essentials on hand.

Protein Sources

  • Chicken thighs and breasts
  • Ground beef
  • Salmon and tuna
  • Eggs

Fats and Oils

  • Olive oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Butter or ghee

Learn More: Cooking with Avocado Oil vs Olive Oil for Keto Diet Foods

Low-Carb Baking and Cooking

  • Almond flour
  • Coconut flour
  • Baking powder
  • Sugar-free sweeteners, such as erythritol and monk fruit)

For More Flavor

  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Keto soy sauce or coconut aminos

Having these ingredients ready allows you to prepare most Keto dishes in under 30 minutes. Now that we have all we want, let’s start cooking!

Learn More: 28-Day Keto Meal Plan + Plans Based on Your Caloric Needs

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10 Best Keto Recipe Ideas for Breakfast

Keto recipe ideas for breakfast focus on protein and fat to keep you full and full of energy until your next meal. Unlike regular high-carb breakfasts, Keto breakfasts prevent blood sugar spikes and mid-morning crashes.

Most Keto breakfasts are made using eggs, cheese, and healthy fats. So, they are quick, versatile, and great for meal prep. Let’s learn about two yummy and nutritious Keto breakfasts.

Keto Cheesy Spinach Omelet

To make a serving of this delicious cheesy spinach omelet, you need only about 10 minutes for preparing and cooking.

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • ½ cup fresh spinach
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the eggs and heavy cream.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add spinach and sauté for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour the eggs and cook until set.
  5. Add cheese, fold, and serve hot.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 350 kcal | Fat:28 g | Protein: 20 g | Net Carbs: 3 g

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Keto Bacon Egg Muffins

Keto bacon muffins are super yummy, yet quick and easy to make. While making muffins seems like a lot of work and baking skills, you can easily make 6 muffins in about 30 minutes, using the following ingredients and instructions.

Ingredients:

  • 6 eggs
  • 6 slices of bacon
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook and crumble the bacon.
  3. Whisk eggs and cream.
  4. Add bacon and cheese.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove from the oven and enjoy!

Nutrition Per Muffin:

Calories: 180 kcal | Fat: 14 g | Protein: 11 g | Net Carbs: 2 g

Easy Keto Lunch and Dinner Recipe Ideas

Keto lunches and dinners should be satisfying, simple, and repeatable. Meals made with high-quality protein sources and vegetables keep carbohydrates low while providing high levels of nutrients.

Let’s learn about 4 Keto recipe ideas, which can be used to make yummy and nutritious Keto-friendly lunches and dinners.

Learn More: 3 Keto Low Carb Sausage Balls + Carnivore Alternatives

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Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

In about 30-35 minutes, you can make 4 servings of this mouth-watering garlic butter chicken thighs using the ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season chicken thighs with paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
  3. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add butter.
  4. Mince garlic, add it to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden.
  6. Flip the thighs and move the skillet to the oven.
  7. Let it bake for 18-22 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Spoon garlic butter sauce over chicken before serving.

You can garnish the dish with parsley or serve it with cauliflower mash or green beans.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 420 kcal | Fat: 32 g | Protein: 28 g | Net Carbs: 2 g

Keto Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

If you have about 25-30 minutes and want to make a different Keto dish, prepare the following ingredients and use the instructions to make 4 servings of this Keto beef and broccoli stir fry.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb flank steak
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Slice the flank steak, add the slices to the skillet, and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. When cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add sesame oil to the skillet.
  4. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender and crispy.
  5. Return beef to the pan.
  6. Pour in soy sauce and toss to coat the beef.
  7. Cook another 2-3 minutes. Then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  8. Enjoy!

You can also add garlic, ginger, or chili flakes for more flavor.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 390 kcal | Fat: 25 g | Protein: 32 g | Net Carbs: 5 g

Learn More: 10+ Best Healthy Low Carb Meals for Keto and Carnivore Diet

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Creamy Tuscan Salmon

Use the following ingredients and ingredients to make 4 servings of creamy Tuscan salmon in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and stir.
  6. Add sun-dried tomatoes.
  7. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  8. Return salmon to the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Spoon sauce over salmon and serve. You can also add spinach or basil.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 460 kcal | Fat: 36 g | Protein: 34 g | Net Carbs: 4 g

Keto Zucchini Lasagna

Zucchini lasagna is a popular dish among those on a Keto Diet. Let’s learn how to make 6 servings in about an hour.

Ingredients:

Zucchini Layers:

  • 3 medium zucchini
  • 1 tsp salt

Meat Sauce:

  • 1½ pounds ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1½ cups low-carb marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Cheese Filling:

  • 1½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg (optional, for firmer texture)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips.
  3. Lightly salt the zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat it dry.
  4. Brown ground meat (beef or sausage) in a skillet; drain fat.
  5. Add low-carb marinara sauce and simmer 5 minutes.
  6. Get a baking dish and layer zucchini, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
  7. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly.
  10. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 410 kcal | Fat: 30 g | Protein: 28 g | Net Carbs: 5 g

Learn More: 5 Keto Side Dishes + 10 Carnivore and Low Carb Side Dishes

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Keto Snacks and Sides

Keto snacks help you prevent overeating, remove cravings, and stick to the diet. Here are two easy recipes to make: Keto cheese crisps and avocado tuna salad.

Keto Cheese Crisps

To make 6 servings of Keto cheese crisps (about 2 crisps per serving), you need about 10 minutes and the following ingredients and instructions.

Ingredients:

1½ cups shredded cheese (choose one or mix: Cheddar, Parmesan, Monterey Jack)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Place 1½ tablespoons of shredded cheese into 12 small piles, spacing 2 inches apart.
  4. Flatten each pile into a thin circle.
  5. Bake for 5-7 minutes until bubbly and golden around the edges.
  6. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes until firm and crisp. Transfer to the rack.
  7. Enjoy!

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 110 kcal | Fat: 9 g | Protein: 7 g | Net Carbs: 1 g

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Avocado Tuna Salad

In only 20 minutes, you can make 2 servings of avocado tuna salad using the ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients:

  • 2 (5-oz) cans tuna
  • 1 large ripe avocado
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp celery
  • 1 tbsp red onion
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder or Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Drain the tuna and dice the avocado.
  2. Chop celery and red onion.
  3. Flake tuna with a fork in a bowl.
  4. Add avocado and gently mash slightly.
  5. Stir in mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, onion, salt, and pepper.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve chilled in lettuce cups or immediately with a fork.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 320 kcal | Fat: 26 g | Protein: 20 g | Net Carbs: 2 g

Learn More: 5 Best Keto Tuna Salad Recipes + Secrets, Tips, & Variations

Keto Desserts

Yes, you can enjoy desserts on a Keto Diet using low-carb sweeteners. Here are two Keto recipe ideas to make a chocolate mug cake and cheesecake bites.

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Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

You can make 1 serving of this Keto chocolate mug cake in only about 5 minutes. Here are the ingredients and instructions.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp almond flour
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp granulated erythritol or monk-fruit sweetener
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix almond flour, cocoa powder, sweetener, baking powder, and salt in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. Add egg, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
  3. Microwave for 60-70 seconds until set.
  4. Let it cool for 1 minute before eating.

You can also top it with whipped cream or sugar-free chocolate chips.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 280 kcal | Fat: 24 g | Protein: 7 g | Net Carbs: 3 g

Learn More: 6 Best Keto Cookies + 7 Christmas Cookies with Easy Recipes

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Keto Cheesecake Bites

In 2 hours and 10 minutes, you can make 12 servings of Keto cheesecake bites using the following ingredients and instructions.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • ¼ cup powdered erythritol or monk-fruit sweetener
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • A pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or ¼ cup finely chopped nuts

Instructions:

  1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add sweetener, vanilla, heavy cream, almond flour, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
  3. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm.
  4. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions and roll into balls.
  5. Roll in cocoa powder or nuts if you like.
  6. Chill for 2 hours until set.

You can top it with crushed nuts or sugar-free chocolate drizzle.

Nutrition Per Bite:

Calories: 150 kcal | Fat: 13 g | Protein: 4 g | Net Carbs: 2 g

Learn More: Sugar Free Chocolate: How to Make Low-Carb Keto Chocolate?

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FAQs

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Keto recipes.

How Many Carbs Should I Eat on a Keto Diet?

It differs from person to person, but most people eat 20-50g net carbs per day.

Are All Low-Carb Recipes Keto-Friendly?

No, Keto foods require higher fat and controlled protein.

Can I Meal Prep Keto Recipes?

Yes, most chicken, beef, and casserole recipes store well for 3-5 days.

Is Keto Safe Long Term?

For most healthy adults, Keto is safe when balanced and nutritious.

What Sweeteners Are Keto-Friendly?

Erythritol, monk fruit, and stevia are Keto-friendly.

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