I have 2 daughters who definitely keep me moving and grooving at home, and I want to cook meals that are simple and tasty and give me plenty of energy to keep up with our daily chaos.
I love creating slow cooker meals because they’re so simple to throw together. Lately, though, I’ve been focusing on dishes that are higher in protein and make that the star of the show.
High-protein low-carb dinner ideas give us the good stuff so we can tackle our chaotic days with a good amount of energy.
I tried recipes that are easy to whip up, don’t require tons of ingredients or cooking time, and make us feel satisfied without the usual bread, pastas, or rice that we’re used to.
If you’re looking for protein-packed dinners that still fit into a low-carb lifestyle, these 20 ideas will help you serve up something delicious every night.
Key Takeaways
- High-Protein, Low-Carb Benefits: These meals help maintain muscle, support weight loss, and keep energy levels stable.
- Tasty and Satisfying: High-protein, low-carb dishes can be flavorful and filling without cravings for carb-heavy foods.
- Meal Planning for Easy Cooking: Meal prepping takes the win, with proteins and low-carb veggies that can be prepped and made ahead to have on busy nights.
- Sustainable Approach: Focus on balance, with moderate carbs, quality proteins, and healthy fats to stay satisfied and energized.
- Some Of My Top Meals: Try Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter, Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs, and Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa for high-protein, low-carb inspiration.
20 High-Protein Low-Carb Dinner Ideas
Beef Recipes
Stir-fry can be an easy dinner to toss together with meat and veggies, perfect for a protein-rich diet! This recipe is packed with yummy tender beef and crunchy broccoli that will satisfy every tummy at the table. Swap the usual rice for cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb while still enjoying the savory sauce and take-out feel.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 364 kcal
- Protein – 23 g
- Carbs – 7 g
2. Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Who can resist the call of a juicy steak?? A bright chimichurri sauce takes a classic steak to the next level with little effort, and adding some grilled veggies on the side makes for a balanced low-carb high-protein meal.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 1050 kcal
- Protein – 50 g
- Carbs – 5 g
Ditch the tortilla carbs and use crunchy romaine or iceberg lettuce as your taco shell. Fill them with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and whatever toppings you and your kids like to make a low-carb swap on taco night.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 307 kcal
- Protein – 20 g
- Carbs – 4 g
Have you tried zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles yet? Either one can help you enjoy the creamy, hearty flavors of beef stroganoff without the carbs. The beef and mushrooms provide plenty of protein in this rich dish.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 482 kcal
- Protein – 47 g
- Carbs – 3 g
Pork Recipes
5. Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter
I really enjoyed trying this new garlic herb butter on our pork tenderloins. It came out great—even though I usually vote for slow-cooker pork dinners! I served it over mashed cauliflower to keep the carbs low while enjoying a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 237 kcal
- Protein – 24 g
- Carbs – 1 g
Slow-cooked pulled pork is a great way to get tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. By swapping a keto BBQ sauce or a low-sugar sauce, you can make it even better for your health goals.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 315 kcal
- Protein – 43 g
- Carbs – 3 g
7. Pork Chops with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Pork chops are an inexpensive meat to add protein to your diet, and when they’re paired with a creamy mustard sauce, they become an elegant, low-carb dinner option. Pair with sautéed spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts for a filling, nutritious meal.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 405 kcal
- Protein – unlisted
- Carbs – 4 g
Double up on the protein by wrapping pork up in some bacon for a protein-packed dinner that feels indulgent without the carbs. Serve it with roasted cauliflower or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 604.5 kcal
- Protein – 30 g
- Carbs – 3 g
Chicken Recipes
9. Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs cooked with lemon and garlic make for a zesty, protein-packed meal. Pair them with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a fresh, low-carb dinner.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 217.73 kcal
- Protein – 20.28 g
- Carbs – 2.13 g
Skip the tortillas and make chicken fajitas in a bowl instead. Serve seasoned, grilled chicken with peppers, onions, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream for a meal that satisfies you and packs in lots of flavor.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 554 kcal
- Protein – 31.3 g
- Carbs – 8.3 g
11. Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole combines my husband’s favorite buffalo chicken with the low-carb goodness of cauliflower bites. It’s cheesy, spicy, and packed with protein, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 372 kcal
- Protein – 19 g
- Carbs – 5 g
Swap out the typical breadcrumbs to get a low-carb chicken parm that leaves you wanting more! For a breadcrumbs swap, you can use almond flour, coconut flour, or crushed pork rinds to coat the chicken breasts. Top with marinara and mozzarella cheese for a cheesy, flavorful meal.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 382.2 kcal
- Protein – 53.1 g
- Carbs – 6.5 g
Seafood Recipes
Shrimp is my favorite seafood pick with plenty of protein, and cooking it in garlic butter makes it even better. I’ll serve it over crunchy zucchini noodles or with pan-roasted vegetables (like pan-roasted Brussels Sprouts!) for a light, low-carb dinner.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 186 kcal
- Protein – 15.3 g
- Carbs – 2.2 g
14. Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
Grilled salmon is a dietician’s dream fish, packed with omega-3 fatty acids and so much protein. Adding in this rich avocado salsa adds the flavor that makes you feel like dieting isn’t so bad. On the side, you can have some cauliflower rice, a simple salad, or grilled veggies (broccoli is my favorite with salmon).
Per Serving:
- Calories – 528 kcal
- Protein – 25 g
- Carbs – 13 g
15. Baked Cod with Parmesan Crust
Cod is a mild, flaky fish that’s easy to cook for a busy weeknight dinner. Add a parmesan crust for extra flavor and protein, then serve with roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed spinach.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 303 kcal
- Protein – 37 g
- Carbs – 2 g
Use fresh or canned tuna to make a high-protein, low-carb tuna salad. Skip the bread and serve it in lettuce wraps for a crunchy, refreshing meal.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 3144 kcal
- Protein – 19 g
- Carbs – 8.5 g
Vegetarian Protein-Packed Recipes
Eggs contain a fair amount of protein, and when scrambled with fresh veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms, they make a filling and low-carb meal any time of day.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 228 kcal
- Protein – 14 g
- Carbs – 6 g
18. Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
For a plant-based option, tofu stir-fry is full of protein and flavor. Add a rich, low-carb peanut sauce and serve it over a bed of stir-fried veggies for a satisfying dinner.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 504 kcal
- Protein – 21 g
- Carbs – 19 g
19. Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Swap out pasta for cauliflower florets to create a creamy, cheesy keto-friendly mac and cheese. This dish is packed with flavor and filling enough to be a main course. Add some extra cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a boost of protein and flavor, keeping it fully vegetarian and low-carb.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 408 kcal
- Protein – 15.4 g
- Carbs – 4.6 g
Easy stuffed bell peppers are filled with a delicious mix of cauliflower rice, cheese, and spices, making them a perfect vegetarian, high-protein, and low-carb option. Bake them until tender, then top with sour cream or avocado for extra flavor.
Per Serving:
- Calories – 493 kcal
- Protein – 30.2 g
- Carbs – 6.4 g
FAQs
What are some easy and good high-protein low-carb foods?
Good high-protein low-carb foods include meats like chicken, beef, pork, and fish, as well as eggs, tofu, and Greek yogurt. These foods are packed with protein but don’t come with the high carbohydrate content found in grains, pasta, or bread.
Should I cut out all carbs or just some carbs?
You don’t need to cut out all carbs—carbs aren’t the enemy! It’s all about moderation and choosing the right types of carbs.
Complex carbs (think whole grains, vegetables, and legumes) provide essential energy, fiber, and nutrients your body needs to function properly.
Instead of eliminating carbs entirely, focus on reducing some carbs (like white bread and sugary snacks) and having them with less meals/snacks.
Keeping some carbs in your diet will help keep you full and energized while maintaining a balanced, sustainable approach to healthy eating.
Are high-protein low-carb diets good for weight loss?
Yes, high-protein low-carb diets can be beneficial for weight loss as they help maintain muscle mass while reducing body fat. Protein also helps keep you full longer, which may prevent overeating.
What’s the easiest low-carb dinner to make?
Some of the easiest low-carb dinners include grilled chicken with veggies, shrimp stir-fry, or even a simple omelet with cheese and vegetables. These meals require minimal prep and cook time.
Can I meal prep high-protein low-carb dinners?
Yes, many high-protein, low-carb dinners are perfect for meal prep. You can cook a batch of chicken, beef, or tofu at the start of the week and pair it with low-carb vegetables for quick meals throughout the week.
What is the 40-40-20 meal plan?
The 40 40 20 meal plan is a macronutrient-focused eating strategy where 40% of your daily calories come from protein, 40% from carbohydrates, and 20% from fats.
This type of meal plan is popular among bodybuilders and health professionals because it balances the right amount of carbs to provide energy and satisfaction while keeping protein intake high to support muscle repair and growth.
The plan encourages you to eat carbs in moderation because they can fill you up and keep your energy levels stable, but having a balance of carbs and proteins is the goal to provide the most nutrition possible.
Final Thoughts
So, what meals are you excited to try off of my list?
I’ve tried many recipes in my day, and for this list, I picked high-protein, low-carb dinner ideas that my kids approved!
With a little effort and some planning, your whole family can enjoy fun and flavorful dinners at home that are not only better for your waistline but also lighter on your wallet.
From juicy steaks to comforting casseroles, these recipes make healthy eating feel effortless.
