Casseroles are a staple in many households, known for their simplicity and ability to feed a crowd. They are also a great way to stretch ingredients and make delicious meals on a budget. In this collection, we’ll explore five cheap and easy casserole recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a large group without breaking the bank. These recipes are versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite ingredients. Let’s dive in and discover how you can create these comforting and budget-friendly dishes in your own kitchen.
1. Classic Tuna Casserole
Ingredients:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Stir in the cooked egg noodles, tuna, peas, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with crushed potato chips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the chips are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Tuna: Canned tuna is an affordable source of protein and adds a savory flavor to the casserole.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This pantry staple adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole, making it a comforting and filling meal.
- Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are a classic choice for casseroles, providing a soft and chewy texture that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Frozen Peas: Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness to the casserole, as well as additional nutrients.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds richness and a sharp flavor to the casserole, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
- Potato Chips: Crushed potato chips are used as a topping for the casserole, adding a crunchy texture and salty flavor.
2. Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crushed crackers (optional)
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice and water or chicken broth.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, onion, bell pepper, corn, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- If using, sprinkle the crushed crackers over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the casserole is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Cooked chicken adds protein and flavor to the casserole. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to make this dish even more budget-friendly.
- Rice: White rice is an inexpensive and filling ingredient that pairs well with the other ingredients in this casserole.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Like in the tuna casserole, cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and flavor to this dish.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the casserole, helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds richness and a cheesy flavor to the casserole, making it even more delicious.
- Vegetables: Diced onion, bell pepper, corn, and peas add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the casserole.
These two casserole recipes are just the beginning of what you can create with a few simple ingredients and a little creativity. Experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and seasonings to create your own budget-friendly and delicious casseroles.
