I have my typical salad “formula”, stir-fry and sheet pan meal “formula”, and to-go lunch “formula” – but I’ve received a lot of requests for other types of hot meals!

As you probably know, I’m on the low-carb train. While carbohydrates are NOT BAD (no food is bad), I do think it’s really helpful, and that the research shows that it’s the most helpful, to manage your weight or lose weight by following a generally low-carb diet.

Here are some delicious, low-carb, sugar-free (mostly) and very easy-to-make hot meals that can work for a keto diet, or any other low-carb diet!

9 Filling Low-Carb Recipes for Fall & Winter

Low-Carb Chili

Makes 4 servings

Chili is definitely a comfort food and one of the best winter recipes, so it’s great it can be made low-carb! This Instant Pot recipe will show you how to cook it yourself, but what’s great about it is that it can even be made in a slow cooker, so if you have it and love using it, definitely make some low-carb chili! Plus, it’s grain-free for added health benefits.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 28oz cans diced tomatoes in tomato juice

• 1 lb 90% lean ground beef or turkey (or you can use grilled tofu if you prefer!)

• 4 cups baby carrots, chopped, or 2 cups baby carrots, chopped + 2 cups pre-diced mirepoix (you can make this yourself if you like – it’s just a mixture of celery, carrots, and onion!); I like to buy pre-diced mirepoix because, as you know, I’m ultra lazy and I value my time!

• Chili seasoning, salt & pepper to taste

• Top with 1/8 cup shredded cheese per portion

• Oil spray

DIRECTIONS

1. Spray a Pan with an oil spray, and add mirepoix and protein (beef/ turkey); stir-fry for ~10 minutes (you’ll know when it’s done when it smells like heaven!)

2. Combine all ingredients in the Pot and cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes

3. Add seasonings to taste, top with cheese

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Pecans

Makes 2 servings as a meal by itself, or 4 servings as a side dish

INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz washed Brussels sprouts, sliced in half

• 7 strips of bacon, cooked, and crumbled or sliced into bits

• 1/3 cup roasted, salted pecans

• An oil spray

• Salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F

2. Line cookie sheet with tin foil, spray tin foil with an oil spray (like olive oil spray)

3. Bake Brussels sprouts for 25 minutes

4. Add bacon & pecans, stir everything around. May need to spray with an oil spray if Brussels sprouts are looking very crispy

5. Bake for another 7-10 minutes to desired crispiness!

Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

Makes 4 servings

Perfect for any weeknight meal, this healthier and keto version of mac & cheese will definitely satisfy your comfort food cravings.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups 2% milk

• 1 cup elbow noodles (uncooked)

• 1 cup cauli rice

• 1 cup shredded cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring 2 cups of 2% milk to boil

2. Add in 1 cup elbows, cook for 7 minutes

3. Add in 1 cup riced-cauliflower (I buy pre-riced to make it easy!), cook for add’l 3 minutes

4. There should be a little extra milk – that is GOOD!

5. Add in 1 cup of your choice of shredded cheese – I’m using cheddar here

6. Stir for an add’l 3 minutes, and you’re DONEZO!

Zucchini “Boats”

Makes 2 servings

This quick and easy keto recipe is amazing if you don’t want to spend a lot of time making lunch, but you still want to eat something delicious since most of the cooking time for this recipe is in the oven (so you won’t be doing much yourself). The parts that you’ll be doing are really quick and easy, so it’s an amazing keto-friendly meal idea to make for busy people.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 medium zucchinis, cut in half lengthwise and width-wise

• 1/2 pound 90% lean ground beef or turkey

• Salt, pepper oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese to taste

• 14.5oz canned diced tomatoes

• 2/3 cup shredded cheese to top

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F

2. Using a small spoon, hollow out the centers of the zucchinis

3. In a pan, stir-fry ground turkey or beef until no longer pink; add in canned tomatoes and stir

4. Add mixture to hollowed-out zucchinis

5. Top with salt, pepper, and cheese

6. Bake for 30 minutes in a glass casserole dish or on a baking sheet (line baking sheet with tin foil)

Chicken & Vegetable Soup 

One of the best chicken recipes for colder months, especially for busy weeknights, is definitely Instant Pot chicken soup! It’s the definition of comfort food, warm and cozy, and everyone loves it. So here’s an amazing keto-friendly Instant Pot chicken & veggie soup recipe that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pre-cooked chicken breasts, chopped

• 1 container low-sodium chicken broth

• 3 cups baby carrots, chopped, or 3 cups pre-diced mirepoix (you can make this yourself if you like – it’s just a mixture of celery, carrots, and onion!); I like to buy pre-diced mirepoix because, as you know, I’m ultra lazy and I value my time!

• Oil spray

DIRECTIONS

1. Stir-fry carrots or mirepoix with an oil spray on medium heat for about 10 minutes

2. In a pot, add broth, chicken, and veggies, cook on medium heat for 15 minutes

Eggplant (or Zucchini) Lasagna 

Makes 4 servings

Veggie lasagna is not only keto friendly, but it’s also grain free. So if you’re keto or gluten free, and you miss your favorite dish, here is a great recipe that will make this comfort food fit your new diet!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb 90% lean ground beef or turkey

• Salt, pepper, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese to taste

• 1 (28 oz can) crushed tomatoes

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced 1/8″ thick (be careful!)

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F

2. In a medium sauce pan, brown meat. Add salt, pepper, oregano. Add tomatoes.

3. Slice zucchini into 1/8″ thick slices (be careful please!!)

4. In a 9×12 casserole dish layer zucchini, ricotta, tomatoes & meat mixture. When adding meat and tomatoes, do NOT add excess liquid – use a slotted spoon to add mixture to casserole.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; at this 30 minute mark, take out of the oven, uncover foil, and drain excess liquid in the sink

6. Bake for an additional 20 minutes

Egg & Cauliflower Rice Stir-fry 

Makes 1 serving

Perfect for any busy weeknight meal, this quick and easy keto recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups pre-riced cauliflower

• 2 eggs

• 1 bell pepper

• 1/2 avocado

DIRECTIONS

1. Stir fry cauliflower in an oil-sprayed pan – make sure the cauliflower rice gets a little brown & crispy. Do not add extra water!!

2. After you stir fry the cauliflower rice, add in the chopped pepper & eggs – they just need a minute to cook!

3. Top with 1/2 avo

Easy Chicken Parm 

Makes 2 servings

This grain-free, hassle-free recipe is a perfect solution for your busy weeknights. And if you’re an Instant Pot enthusiast, you can adapt this recipe to your favorite kitchen gadget for even more convenience.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pre-cooked chicken breasts (I like the lemon pepper ones from Trader Joe’s!)

• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes

• 2 slices pepperjack cheese

• Oil spray

DIRECTIONS

1. Spray a pan with an oil spray

2. Add chicken and tomatoes, cook in covered pan on medium heat for ~7 minutes

3. Top with cheese, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes (on medium heat, covered)

2-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken or Harissa Chicken

Makes 4 servings

This grain-free, no-fuss recipe is a real time-saver on busy evenings. So whether you’re using your Crockpot or Instant Pot, you’re in for a delicious and effortless meal.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound chicken breasts (about 4 chicken breasts), uncooked (skinless, boneless)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 1/2 cups chunky salsa

DIRECTIONS

1. Place chicken in crockpot and cover with salsa

2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is done

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