As the evenings draw in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty, home-cooked casserole. While many believe that creating a satisfying meal requires a high budget, these easy-to-make recipes will challenge that notion. Prepare yourself for the ultimate budget-friendly casserole recipes for your weeknight dinners.
1. Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Kick things off with this inexpensive, flavorful, and filling casserole. This recipe combines protein-rich chicken, nutrient-packed vegetables, and a satisfying cheesy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of shredded chicken
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
Method: Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the rice, chicken, vegetables, and chicken broth in a large casserole dish. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until everything is well combined. Cover the casserole with cheese and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
2. Budget-Friendly Tuna Pasta Bake
This budget-friendly casserole uses staple pantry items to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 1 box of pasta
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 2 cups of white sauce
- 1 cup of grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method: Cook pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 375 degrees and heat the white sauce in a separate pan. Add the tuna and peas to the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and stir well. Combine the pasta and sauce mixture in a casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
3. Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Casserole
Our next budget-friendly casserole takes advantage of economical and nutrient-rich lentils, paired with a medley of vibrant vegetables. This meatless casserole is filling and satisfying, even for the carnivores in your family!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of lentils
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method: Begin by sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the vegetables and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and enough water to cover the mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 45 minutes until the lentils are tender.
4. Easy Sausage and Bean Casserole
This easy sausage and bean casserole is a hearty, comforting recipe that uses budget-friendly ingredients. The combination of sausages and beans provides a high protein meal, perfect for active families.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of sausages
- 2 cans of beans (like kidney or cannellini)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method: Brown the sausages in a pan with olive oil. Add onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent. Add diced tomatoes and beans, then season with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish and bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
5. Low-Cost Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a filling, flavorful dish that’s easy to put together and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 2 cups of egg noodles
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method: Start by cooking the noodles according to package instructions. Mix the cooked noodles with tuna, cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas, and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Chicken and Rice Casserole on a Budget
Chicken and rice is a tried-and-true combo, and this casserole recipe takes it to the next level. Using budget-friendly chicken thighs and pantry staples, this is a meal your family will ask for again and again.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method: Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the rice and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice, season with salt and pepper, and transfer to a preheated oven. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or satisfaction. These casserole recipes are testament to that, offering comfort, flavor, and affordability in one delicious package. Enjoy!
