Eating low-carb on a budget sounds tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! You don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated recipes to enjoy healthy, satisfying meals.
With a few smart swaps and simple cooking techniques, you can whip up delicious low-carb dishes without spending a fortune.
This list includes 20 meal ideas that cost $15 or less, using affordable ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
Get ready to save money while sticking to your low-carb goals!
1. Egg Roll in a Bowl – $8

Skip takeout and make this simple stir-fry at home! Brown ground pork or turkey in a pan, add a bag of coleslaw mix, and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Cook everything together for a few minutes, and you’ve got a flavorful meal that tastes just like an egg roll—without the wrapper.
2. Cheesy Cauliflower Rice and Chicken – $10
Shred a rotisserie chicken and mix it with cooked cauliflower rice, shredded cheese, and a splash of cream. Heat until the cheese melts, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
This creamy, cheesy dish comes together in minutes and makes a filling dinner.
3. Zucchini Noodles with Meat Sauce – $9
Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are a low-cost alternative to pasta. Cook ground beef with canned tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning for a rich meat sauce.
Serve it over zoodles for a satisfying, low-carb twist on spaghetti night.
4. Cabbage and Sausage Skillet – $8
Slice a head of cabbage and cook it with sliced smoked sausage in a large pan. Add butter, salt, and pepper for flavor. Cabbage is cheap, filling, and full of fiber, making this an affordable and hearty meal.
5. Tuna and Avocado Salad – $7

Mash an avocado and mix it with canned tuna, diced celery, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy it on lettuce wraps or eat it straight from the bowl. This easy meal is packed with healthy fats and protein.
6. Baked Parmesan Tilapia – $10
Tilapia is one of the cheapest fish options. Coat fillets with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, then bake for 15 minutes. Serve with steamed broccoli or a simple side salad for a nutritious meal.
7. Spaghetti Squash Carbonara – $12
Roast a spaghetti squash and mix the strands with cooked bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Stir quickly to create a creamy, low-carb version of classic carbonara.
8. Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Feta – $6
Eggs are one of the most affordable protein sources. Scramble them with fresh or frozen spinach and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a quick, healthy breakfast or dinner.
9. Stuffed Bell Peppers – $11

Fill bell peppers with seasoned ground beef, cauliflower rice, and shredded cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender. This budget-friendly meal looks fancy but takes little effort.
10. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry – $10
Cook diced chicken breast with broccoli, garlic, and soy sauce. Serve it on its own or with cauliflower rice. This meal is a great alternative to takeout and costs half the price.
11. Cauliflower Crust Pizza – $12
Make a pizza crust using riced cauliflower, egg, and cheese. Top with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite low-carb toppings. Bake until crispy for a budget-friendly pizza night.
12. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps – $5
Hard-boil eggs, mash them with mayo and mustard, then wrap in lettuce leaves for a simple, cheap, and satisfying meal.
13. Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry – $9

Ground beef and cabbage are a great low-cost combo. Cook them together with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil for a quick stir-fry.
14. Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables – $13
Chicken thighs are cheaper than chicken breasts but just as tasty. Bake them with your favorite low-carb veggies like zucchini or Brussels sprouts for a flavorful meal.
15. Sausage and Pepper Sheet Pan Meal – $10
Slice sausage and bell peppers, toss with olive oil and spices, then bake on a sheet pan. This meal requires little prep and cleanup but delivers big flavor.
16. Cottage Cheese and Berries – $7
For a quick breakfast or snack, top cottage cheese with a handful of fresh or frozen berries. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and budget-friendly.
17. Meat and Cheese Roll-Ups – $6

Deli meat and cheese make a great low-carb snack or light meal. Roll up turkey or ham with slices of cheese for a simple, no-cook option.
18. Tuna Melt on Portobello Mushrooms – $9
Use portobello mushrooms instead of bread for a low-carb tuna melt. Top mushrooms with tuna salad, cheese, and bake until bubbly.
19. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles – $13
Shrimp might sound expensive, but frozen shrimp is often affordable. Sauté shrimp in garlic butter and serve over zucchini noodles for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
20. Deviled Eggs and Veggies – $5
Hard-boil eggs, mix the yolks with mayo and mustard, then pipe back into the whites. Serve with sliced cucumbers and bell peppers for a cheap, protein-packed snack or meal.
Final Thoughts
Low-carb meals don’t have to cost a fortune. Simple ingredients like eggs, cabbage, canned tuna, and chicken thighs keep grocery bills low while still delivering big flavor.
With these 20 budget-friendly meal ideas, you can stay on track without overspending.
Want more low-carb budget tips? Share your favorite affordable meal in the comments! Saving money while eating well is possible—you just need the right recipes and a little creativity.