Best cheap keto meals under 5 dollars

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a spoonful of butter or oil.
2. Sauté sliced cabbage or zucchini until softened and lightly browned.
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3. Add your protein of choice—canned tuna, scrambled eggs, or browned ground beef—and fold it into the vegetables.
4. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Let everything cook together for a few minutes until flavors combine.
6. If using cheese, sprinkle a small amount on top and let it melt.
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7. Adjust seasoning and add a splash of lemon juice if desired.
8. Serve hot as a complete meal or divide into portions for later.
9. For a crisp finish, let the mixture sit untouched for 2 minutes before serving.
10. Pair with leafy greens for extra volume without extra cost.

Optional Notes

• Use leftover veggies to reduce cost further.
• Add a spoon of mayo to canned tuna meals for richness.
• Freeze extra cooked chicken or beef for fast future meals.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Variations

• Make a cabbage-and-egg stir-fry topped with melted cheese.
• Combine tuna, spinach, and garlic butter for a fast skillet meal.
• Use zucchini noodles instead of sliced zucchini for a pasta-style dish.
• Switch ground beef for ground turkey to reduce cost even more.
• Add chili flakes for a spicy version.

Substitutions

• Replace butter with olive oil if you prefer dairy-free.
• Swap cabbage for frozen cauliflower rice when on sale.
• Use canned chicken instead of tuna for a different flavor.
• Substitute paprika with taco seasoning for a stronger profile.
• Replace lemon juice with vinegar if that’s what you have.

Extra Tips

• Keep a rotating stash of low-cost proteins in your freezer.
• Mix canned proteins with sautéed veggies for ultra-fast meals.
• Double recipes to lower per-meal cost.
• Use cast-iron pans for better browning and flavor.

Storage Guide

Refrigerate cooked meals in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil. Most dishes also freeze well for up to 2 months, especially ground-meat mixes.

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