8 Easy and Frugal Low-Carb Meals Under $5 a Serving
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Eating low-carb doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little planning, you can make satisfying, nutrient-dense meals that fit your budget and help you stick to your health goals. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just looking for simple dinners, these low-carb meals cost under $5 per serving and are easy to prepare on a busy weeknight.
Check out some of my kitchen favorites on Amazon.
Table of Contents
1. Egg & Veggie Scramble
Why it’s frugal: Eggs are one of the cheapest sources of protein. WIth prices back down from a year ago they are back on the low carb budget menu.
How to make it:
- Whisk eggs with a splash of cream or milk. Even mayo as an addition to beaten eggs is easy to make an elegant tasting microwave friendly version of an omelet.
- Sauté leftover veggies (zucchini, spinach, peppers) in a pan.
- Pour in eggs, cook until fluffy, and top with shredded cheese
Cost tip: Buy a dozen eggs on sale + frozen veggies = multiple meals for pennies per serving.
2. Cabbage & Ground Beef Skillet
Why it’s frugal: Cabbage stretches out a pound of meat into multiple servings.
How to make it:
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Add shredded cabbage and sauté until tender.
- Season with soy sauce or your favorite spices.
Cost tip: Cabbage is inexpensive and low-carb—great for stir-fries and skillets.
3. Tuna Patties with Side Salad
Why it’s frugal: Canned tuna is protein-packed and shelf-stable.
How to make it:
Serve with a simple side salad of lettuce, cucumber, and olive oil.
Cost tip: Buy tuna in bulk packs for the best savings.
Mix canned tuna with egg, almond flour (or breadcrumbs if not strict low-carb), and spices.
Form patties and pan-fry until golden.
You may also like my recipe for low carb tuna loaf here.
4. Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Sauce
Why it’s frugal: Zucchini is cheaper than boxed low-carb pasta.
How to make it:
Add leftover chicken or sausage for protein.
Cost tip: 2 medium zucchini feed two people for under $2.
Spiralize zucchini into noodles (zoodles).
Heat in a skillet with a splash of cream, garlic, and Parmesan.
5. Chicken & Vegetable Soup
Why it’s frugal: A single chicken breast plus broth and vegetables makes a whole pot of soup. Or opt for chicken quarters when on sale for under $1 per pound.
How to make it:
Ladle into bowls for a light, filling meal.
Cost tip: Buy chicken in family packs and freeze extras for later.
Simmer chopped chicken with broth, onion, celery, and spinach.
Add herbs and spices for flavor.
6. Egg Roll in a Bowl
Why it’s frugal: All the flavors of takeout egg rolls without the wrappers.
How to make it:
- Brown ground pork or turkey in a skillet.
- Add shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Cost tip: Use coleslaw mix to save time and money.
7. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Why it’s frugal: Cauliflower is versatile, filling, and can be cheaper than rice.
How to make it:
Bake until bubbly and golden.
Cost tip: Frozen cauliflower bags are affordable and store well.
Steam cauliflower florets.
Mix with sour cream, shredded cheese, and seasonings.
8. Taco bowls
Why it’s frugal: stretch ground beef with riced cauliflower or mushrooms pulsed in the food processor
How to make it:
brown beef and vegetables, then season with your favorite taco seasoning or chili powder blend.
Cost tip: Keep an eye on ground beef sales and markdowns (I find great ground beef deals at Kroger and Amazon Fresh all the time for under $4.29 a lb)
Steam cauliflower florets.
Mix with sour cream, shredded cheese, and seasonings.
You may like this post on high protein breakfast ideas
Tips for Eating Low-Carb on a Budget
Buy in bulk: eggs, chicken, frozen veggies, and cheese are all cheaper in large packs.
Use affordable proteins: tuna, eggs, and ground meat go far.
Cook once, eat twice: make double portions to save on time and money.
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