15 Tasty Keto Dinner Recipes Under 500 Calories

Keto Dinner Recipes Under 500 Calories you’re in the right place! Keeping your keto meals low in both carbs and calories is a smart strategy for supporting weight loss and maintaining better overall health. The ketogenic diet focuses on high-fat, low-carb meals that shift the body into a state of ketosis—where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. While keto itself is effective for fat burning, portion control and calorie awareness are still key, especially when dinner is your last meal of the day. Sticking to dinners under 500 calories not only promotes fat loss but also helps stabilize energy levels, reduces late-night cravings, and prevents unnecessary overeating. Whether you’re new to keto or looking to tighten your routine, these low-cal dinner ideas make staying on track deliciously easy.

Keto Dinner Recipes Under 500 Calories

1. Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

This savory and low-carb dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner. Juicy chicken breast is pan-seared in garlic butter and served over spiralized zucchini noodles, making it a delicious keto-friendly alternative to pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium chicken breast (about 6 oz), sliced

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium zucchini, spiralized

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Optional: fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 430

• Net Carbs: 6g

• Fat: 28g

• Protein: 35g

• Fiber: 2g

This dish is quick to make and full of rich, garlicky flavor—perfect for a keto dinner under 500 calories.

2. Keto Shrimp Stir-Fry with Broccoli

This light and flavorful stir-fry is a go-to keto dinner that’s both low in carbs and under 500 calories. Juicy shrimp are quickly sautéed with crisp-tender broccoli in a savory, garlic-ginger sauce that’s simple yet satisfying. It’s a perfect one-pan meal that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup large shrimp (peeled and deveined, about 6 oz)

• 1 ½ cups broccoli florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp fresh grated ginger

• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 390

• Net Carbs: 7g

• Fat: 22g

• Protein: 35g

• Fiber: 3g

Light, protein-packed, and full of flavor—this shrimp stir-fry is a delicious way to keep your keto dinner exciting and under 500 calories.

3. Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups

Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delicious low-carb twist on traditional lasagna. Thinly sliced zucchini replaces pasta noodles and is rolled up with a creamy ricotta and meat filling, then topped with marinara and melted cheese. It’s comforting, satisfying, and totally keto-approved.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 1 egg

• ½ cup ground beef or ground turkey (cooked and seasoned)

• ½ cup sugar-free marinara sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 480

• Net Carbs: 6g

• Fat: 32g

• Protein: 34g

• Fiber: 2g

Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—these zucchini roll-ups are a perfect keto dinner choice when you’re craving Italian comfort food without the carbs or calories.

4. Keto Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Keto Turkey Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful option for a low-carb dinner that’s ready in minutes. Ground turkey is sautéed with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then spooned into crisp lettuce leaves for a light and protein-packed meal under 500 calories.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz ground turkey

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos

• 1 tsp rice vinegar

• 1 green onion, chopped

• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

• 4 large butter lettuce or romaine leaves

• Optional: crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 350

• Net Carbs: 5g

• Fat: 20g

• Protein: 30g

• Fiber: 2g

These wraps are light, zesty, and satisfying—perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful keto dinner that keeps the calories in check.

5. Creamy Cauliflower & Cheese Bake

This Creamy Cauliflower & Cheese Bake is the ultimate keto comfort food—warm, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying without the carbs. Roasted cauliflower florets are coated in a rich cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a simple yet indulgent dinner that stays under 500 calories.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cauliflower florets

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup cream cheese

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ¼ tsp paprika (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley or crumbled bacon for garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 420

• Net Carbs: 6g

• Fat: 35g

• Protein: 15g

• Fiber: 2g

Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this low-carb cauliflower bake is perfect for cozy nights when you want something hearty and keto-friendly—without going over 500 calories.

6. Avocado Egg Salad Stuffed Peppers

These Avocado Egg Salad Stuffed Peppers are a refreshing and nutritious keto dinner option, combining creamy avocado with protein-rich eggs, all tucked into crisp bell pepper halves. It’s a light, flavorful meal that’s high in healthy fats and low in carbs—perfect for staying under 500 calories.

Ingredients:

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• ½ ripe avocado, mashed

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise (sugar-free)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp chopped red onion (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 large bell pepper, halved and seeded

• Optional: paprika or chopped herbs for garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 400

• Net Carbs: 5g

• Fat: 32g

• Protein: 14g

• Fiber: 6g

This dish is creamy, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying—a great no-cook keto dinner that’s as quick to make as it is delicious to eat.

7. Keto Taco Bowls with Ground Beef

These Keto Taco Bowls with Ground Beef deliver all the bold flavors of a classic taco night—without the carbs. Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado, this easy low-carb dinner is both hearty and under 500 calories. Plus, it’s totally customizable!

Ingredients:

• 6 oz ground beef (80/20)

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp cumin

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup shredded lettuce

• ¼ cup chopped tomatoes

• ¼ avocado, sliced or diced

• 1 tbsp sour cream

• 1 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese

• Optional: jalapeños, green onions, or fresh cilantro

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 470

• Net Carbs: 6g

• Fat: 35g

• Protein: 30g

• Fiber: 3g

This bowl is flavorful, filling, and hits all the right textures—making it the perfect keto-friendly alternative to your usual taco Tuesday.

8. Grilled Salmon with Asparagus

Grilled Salmon with Asparagus is a simple, elegant, and nutrient-dense keto dinner that’s rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber—all while keeping your calorie count in check. The salmon is perfectly seasoned and grilled to flaky perfection, paired with crisp-tender asparagus for a clean, low-carb meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 salmon fillet (about 5 oz)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup asparagus spears, trimmed

• Optional: lemon wedges or fresh dill for garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 480

• Net Carbs: 4g

• Fat: 34g

• Protein: 35g

• Fiber: 2g

This dish is quick to prepare, packed with omega-3s, and loaded with flavor—perfect for a light yet satisfying keto dinner under 500 calories.

9. Keto Chicken Alfredo with Shirataki Noodles

This Keto Chicken Alfredo with Shirataki Noodles offers all the creamy goodness of traditional Alfredo but with a low-carb twist. Tender chicken is coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan, served over Shirataki noodles—a keto-friendly pasta alternative with zero carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz), sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 package Shirataki noodles (or zucchini noodles as an alternative)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 490

• Net Carbs: 4g

• Fat: 38g

• Protein: 34g

• Fiber: 2g

Rich, creamy, and comforting, this Keto Chicken Alfredo is a perfect way to indulge in a favorite pasta dish while staying within your carb limit and under 500 calories.

10. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

These Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a delicious and satisfying keto dinner option. Large Portobello mushroom caps are filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional stuffed dishes.

Ingredients:

• 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 2 mushrooms):

• Calories: 350

• Net Carbs: 7g

• Fat: 30g

• Protein: 12g

• Fiber: 3g

These stuffed mushrooms are rich in flavor and low in carbs, making them the perfect keto dinner when you’re craving something indulgent without going over 500 calories.

FAQ

1. Can I make these keto dinner recipes vegetarian?

Yes! Many of these recipes can easily be modified to be vegetarian. For example, you can swap meat for plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or legumes in some of the dishes. Just be mindful of the carb content in plant-based options, as some may have higher carbs than others.

2. Are these keto dinner recipes suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! These keto dinner recipes are simple and beginner-friendly. Most recipes only require basic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, making them great for those new to the keto diet or cooking in general.

3. Can I prep these keto dinners ahead of time?

Yes! Many of these meals can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. You can chop vegetables, cook meats, or even assemble entire dishes like casseroles and salads ahead of time, making it easier to stick to your keto goals during the week.

4. How can I make these keto meals more filling?

If you find these meals too light, you can add more healthy fats to increase satiety. Try adding avocado, extra olive oil, or nuts to boost the fat content. You can also increase portion sizes of protein or low-carb vegetables to keep you feeling full longer.