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Budget-Friendly Keto Meals Under 5 Dollars

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Delicious, easy, and affordable keto meals that cost under $5 per serving, perfect for quick weeknight dinners using simple, widely available ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor and fat) or chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on, deboned and chopped)
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (about 150 g)
  • 1 cup shredded zucchini (about 150 g)
  • 1/2 cup thawed frozen spinach (about 120 g)
  • 1 cup cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen, about 150 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese (full-fat)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (about 50 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Smoked paprika to taste
  • Dried oregano and chili flakes for garnish
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

Instructions

  1. Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces: dice bell peppers, shred zucchini with a peeler, and thaw frozen spinach by pressing out excess moisture.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or chicken thighs and cook until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes for beef, 10-12 minutes for chicken). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Add chopped bell peppers, shredded zucchini, thawed spinach, and cauliflower rice if using. Stir and cook until vegetables are softened but still vibrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top. Cover the pan with a lid and let cheese melt for 2 minutes. Garnish with oregano and chili flakes if desired.
  6. Serve hot with a side of leafy greens or sliced avocado.

Notes

Soften cream cheese in microwave for 10 seconds if lumpy before mixing. Use chicken broth to loosen sauce if too thick. Pat meat dry before cooking for better browning. Drain frozen veggies well to avoid sogginess. Season in layers and taste as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto, budget-friendly, low-cost, easy keto meals, under 5 dollars, low-carb, quick dinner, keto recipes

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/budget-friendly-keto-meals-under-5-dollars-easy-low-cost-recipes/