24 Tasty Ways to Eat Well for Less: Affordable Dinners We Love

Eating healthy and delicious meals doesn't have to be expensive! We all know how tempting it can be to grab fast food, but with a little planning, you can make amazing dinners at home that are kind to your wallet.

This post is bursting with 24 tasty dinner ideas that are easy on the budget, so you can discover a world of flavor without breaking the bank!

Lentil Pasta

This Lentil Pasta has the perfect combination of hearty and healthy. The rich, flavorful sauce, the texture of the lentils against the soft pasta, and the hint of spice from the red pepper flakes all come together to create a dish that's truly irresistible. The finishing touch of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, making every bite a delight. Get the recipe.

Mushroom Stroganoff (So Creamy)

No more bland mushroom pasta! This incredibly delicious Mushroom Stroganoff recipe packs a serious flavorful punch. It's so creamy and satisfying, perfect comfort food for long winter days. Get the recipe.

Polish Dill Pickle Soup

Dill Pickle Soup is my all-time favorite soup recipe for busy weeknights. It requires merely 30 minutes of your time and provides you with a hearty and satisfying bite. This easy soup is savory and creamy and kids love it too. Perfect for lunch or dinner, especially in cold winter weather. Get the recipe.

Chicken Ragu Pasta

This simple chicken ragu pasta may be easy to make and use everyday ingredients, but there's nothing basic about its flavor. This yummy, savory, and quick-to-make dinner idea is bound to become a favorite family meal. Enjoy this homemade pasta with ground chicken in just half an hour. Get the recipe.

White Bean Stew

No time for a complex meal? No problem. This White Bean Tomato Stew is a simple and satisfying dish that doesn't skimp on flavor. It's healthy, hearty and absolutely delicious. Plus, it's made with the ingredients you're likely have on hands. Get the recipe.

Curried Cauliflower Tomato Soup

This rich Curried Cauliflower Tomato Soup is packed with comforting flavors and good for you ingredients. It's easy to make and is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Get the recipe.

Chicken Rice Pilaf

I don't often post recipes from my native Ukraine, but when I do, I make sure they are the best and the most delicious ones. This Chicken Rice Pilaf is one-pot comforting meal, perfect for any occasion. Get the recipe.

Creamy Pasta with Spinach

This creamy pasta is satisfying, delicious, and incredibly easy to make! The creamy, rich coconut sauce perfectly coats the penne pasta, while the roasted chickpeas provide a pleasant crunch. The garlic and spinach add a layer of freshness, making every bite absolutely delicious! Get the recipe.

Eggplant Potato Stew

This thick and hearty Eggplant Potato Stew Recipe features chewy eggplants, tender potatoes, and aromatics full of flavor. Made with plenty of veggies in just under an hour, it's the ultimate vegan stew. Get the recipe.

Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies

This Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies is a quick and fuss-free dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Just dump all of the ingredients on a cooking tray and bake. This recipe can be made with regular sausages and any vegetables you have in your fridge. Get the recipe.

White Bean Mushroom Soup

This White Bean Mushroom Soup is super easy to make, comforting and satisfying. Made with fresh vegetables and pantry staples, this is an easy vegan soup packed with plant-based protein and lots of flavor. Get the recipe.

Baked Mustard Chicken Meatballs

These baked mustard chicken meatballs feature lightly seared balls of ground chicken, rice, and spices baked in a creamy mustard sauce. The recipe makes plenty of meatballs to satisfy your hungry family and guests. Get the recipe.

Easy Korean Beef and Rice

If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, then try this Korean beef and rice! It’s the perfect combination of flavors for a meal that’s going to become a new family favorite! With a few pantry staples, you can make a delicious meal from start to finish in just 15 minutes! Get the recipe.

Turkish Lentil Soup

This traditional Turkish Lentil Soup also called Mercimek çorbası is a uniquely fragrant, cozy and satisfying soup perfect for chilly days. You can make it in no time and enjoy for lunch or hearty dinner. Get the recipe.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Veggies

Need a quick and easy dinner? These chicken drumsticks are baked in the oven with loads of veggies for a hands-off, weeknight friendly meal the whole family will love. This is a sheet pan dinner you don't want to miss! Get the recipe.

Shawarma with Fresh Veggies and Yogurt Sauce

Shawarma with fresh vegetables and homemade garlic yogurt sauce is a real crowd-pleaser. This traditional Middle Eastern recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for dinner or a party. Get the recipe.

Chicken Paprikash

This Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is a one winning dinner recipe. It is simmered in fingerlickin sour cream sauce and loaded with comforting flavors. So good, you'll be making it again and again. Get the recipe.

Spring Minestrone Soup

It's Spring Minestrone Soup. Easy, one pot vegetable soup that's bursting with fresh green vegetables. Perfect for lightened up lunch or dinner. Get the recipe.

One Pot Contadina (Country-Style Chicken)

Fall-off-the-bone chicken is smothered in a rich vegetable-infused sauce. This One Pot contadina, or country-style chicken, is an easy Italian recipe for a hearty weeknight meal. Simple ingredients - insanely delicious result. Get the recipe.

Super Easy Sloppy Joes Recipe

This super easy sloppy joes recipe requires only 5 ingredients and will be ready in 15 minutes! It’s the perfect weeknight meal for those busy days when you want to whip up something the whole family will love! Get the recipe.

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

This orecchiette pasta with sausage and broccoli has all of the components you need for a quick and easy meal AND it comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. It has got protein, it has veggies, it has got major flavor, and it has pasta, which always seems to help any situation. Get the recipe.

Smoked Sausage with Peppers & Onions Skillet

This Keto Sausage with Peppers & Onions Skillet recipe is SO delicious! It can be made in one skillet for the perfect healthy, busy weeknight meal! Get the recipe.

Easy Ground Beef Goulash Recipe

Kid-friendly, Quick, and easy Beef Goulash made with ground beef is great for any busy night of the week when you want something satisfying yet fast that the whole family will enjoy. Get the recipe.

Bacon, Onion and BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas

This easy BBQ chicken pizza can be made in under 30 minutes, so it’s great for a busy weeknight supper. You can buy a flatbread base and then all you need to do is add the toppings and cook it. Served as it is or with a green salad or other side dish, this is really filling. It is so easy to make flatbread pizza at home! Get the recipe.

More From Lavender & Macarons

Make your meals a breeze with our 19 Throw-and-Go Casseroles collection. These recipes are perfect for busy folks who want tasty dishes without the fuss. From easy pasta bakes to yummy breakfast casseroles, we've got something for everyone. 19 Throw-and-Go Casseroles Anyone Can Make.