• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe

Lavender & Macarons

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Follow us:

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Contact
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
  • Follow us:

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Food & Drink

    Published: May, 2024. Updated: May, 2024 by Iryna Bychkiv | This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here

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

    6 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    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

    Lentil Pasta on a plate.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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)

    Mushrooms stroganoff with spaghetti on a blue plate.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Polish Pickle Soup in a white bowl with a spoon on the side.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Chicken ragu pasta in a big enameled pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Hearty white bean stew sprinkled with parsley.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Curried Cauliflower Tomato Soup in a white bowl.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Chicken Rice Pilaf in a pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Plant-based creamy pasta in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Vegetable stew in a cast iron skillet.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Kielbasa, potatoes and vegetables on a sheet pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Vegan Mushroom bean soup in a white bowl on a white background.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Chicken Mustard Meatballs with a spoon in a pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Korean beef and rice in a light bowl with chopped carrots and sliced cucumbers on a light grey background.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Creamy Turkish Lentil Soup in a grey bowl on a dark blue background.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Veggies on a plate. Close up.
    Photo credit: Always Use Butter

    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 mushroom, fresh veggies and some sauce on a wooden board.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Chicken Paprikash in a dutch oven close up.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Spring Minestrone Soup in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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)

    Chicken Contadina with tomatoes in a pan. A close up view.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Beef Sloppy Joe on burger buns on a wooden board.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    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

    Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli in a pan.
    Photo credit: My Everyday Table

    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

    Smoked Sausage with Peppers & Onions in a skillet.
    Photo credit: Kasey Trenum

    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

    Ground Beef Goulash pasta on a plate.
    Photo credit: Pear Tree Kitchen

    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

    Savoury Bacon, Onion and BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas cut on a wooden board.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella

    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

    Cheesy Shrimp Casserole with Velveeta.
    Photo credit: Feels Like Home

    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.

    Iryna Bychkiv
    Website

    Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
    Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.

    More Food & Drink

    • Chicken cordon bleu casserole in a dish.
      19 Winning Potluck Dishes to Share With Your Church Family
    • Crockpot chicken cacciatore.
      19 Summer Crockpot Meals That Practically Cook Themselves (Seriously!)
    • Smoked salmon pasta on a grey plate.
      15 Smoked Salmon Recipes So Delicious, They'll Disappear in a Flash
    • Shrimp with polenta in a rustic bowl.
      17 Lip-Smacking Shrimp Recipes: Easy To Make And Always Delicious
    6 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    The photo of Iryna Bychkiv, the writer and owner of a culinary website - Lavender & Macarons.

    I'm Iryna - a healthy food writer, photographer, and taster behind Lavender & Macarons. Here, you'll find healthy, clean recipes that are easy to prepare, made with wholesome ingredients, and approved by picky eaters. More about Iryna...

    New Recipes👇

    • Cottage cheese toast on a grey plate.
      Cottage Cheese Toast
    • Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin on a white plate.
      Cream Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
    • Woman's hands are holding a plate with Ukrainian Easter bread - Paska.
      Paska Recipe (Ukrainian Easter Bread)
    • Lemon farro salad with roasted zucchini in a white bowl on a dark gray background.
      Lemon Farro Salad with Roasted Zucchini and Feta

    Footer



    Home

    About

    Contact

    Privacy Policy

    Disclaimer

    Terms of Use

    Copyright © 2024 Lavender & Macarons LLC | Healthy, Clean Recipes

    Stock images by Depositphotos

    6 shares