Looking for meals that make everyone happy without breaking the bank? These 17 cheap eats are the answer, and they’ve got my family hooked! They’re simple, easy on the budget, and perfect for satisfying any craving. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy weekend, these dishes are bound to make you and your family feel like gourmet champions. Who knew being frugal could taste so good?
Vegetable Casserole
With Vegetable Casserole, you can transform simple garden veggies into a meal that’s both cost-effective and delicious. This dish makes use of the season’s bounty, ensuring fresh ingredients are at the heart of your dinner table. It’s perfect for those who love a hearty, warm meal without spending too much. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever produce you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole
Eggplant Casserole
Eggplant Casserole brings a rich, comforting taste with every forkful, and it doesn’t break the bank. It’s a great option for using up eggplants when they’re abundant and inexpensive. The layering of eggplant with other ingredients gives this casserole a fulfilling texture. This dish is ideal for both a weeknight dinner and as a way to impress guests.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Hashbrown Casserole
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly comforting, Hashbrown Casserole is a must-try for a low-cost feast. It offers the perfect blend of potatoes and cheese, creating a dish that’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. One pan of this casserole can serve many, stretching your dollar further. It’s also a versatile base to add your own twist with extra toppings or mix-ins.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Planning ahead for breakfast can be a game changer, and Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast is here to make mornings smoother. Whip it up the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it the next day for a stress-free start. This casserole is not only a time-saver but also ensures you have a substantial meal without much morning effort. It’s a favorite among families who value both their time and budget.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Easy Walking Taco Casserole
Easy Walking Taco Casserole combines the fun of tacos with the convenience of a casserole. Layering chips, meat, and cheese, this dish is a portable pleasure that’s easy on the wallet. It’s an ideal pick for those looking for a playful twist to their usual dinner routine. Serve it up at parties or on a busy weeknight for a meal that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Easy Walking Taco Casserole
Asparagus Casserole
Step into spring with the fresh flavor of Asparagus Casserole. This dish leverages the peak season of asparagus to create a cost-effective, nourishing meal. It is creamy and can be thrown together quickly for a fulfilling family dinner. And it pairs well with a variety of proteins or can be enjoyed on its own for a lighter option.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole
When you’re craving comfort food, The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole offers that burger joint taste without the takeout cost. It’s packed with ground beef, onions, cheese, and all the familiar burger condiments. Families appreciate the simplicity and the fact that it’s a meal kids get excited about. Plus, this casserole is perfect for feeding a large group affordably.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole
Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
Simplicity meets comfort in this Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a filling start to their day without spending too much. Packed with protein from the eggs and carbs from the potatoes, this casserole gives you the energy you need. It’s also perfect for brunches where you want to feed many without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Egg and Potato Breakfast Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic that proves you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for cost. It’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and saving you time. Chicken and rice offer a familiar and fulfilling base, suitable for any day of the week. It’s also great for combining leftovers, ensuring you get the most out of your ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Best Tuna Casserole
Dig back into time-tested comfort with our Best Tuna Casserole, an affordable and filling option that’s a hit among all ages. It combines pantry staples like canned tuna and noodles, turning them into a warm and hearty meal. Often garnished with a crispy topping, this casserole has a nice contrast in textures. Plus, it’s a smart way to use up those stray cans of tuna sitting in the pantry.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole
Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast is a breeze with this straightforward and budget-friendly Breakfast Casserole. It’s piled with eggs, meat, and cheese, providing a solid start to any morning. The versatility lets you throw in veggies or different herbs to switch things up. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you full until lunch without costing too much time or money.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole
Curried Green Bean Casserole
Add a twist to your side dish game with Curried Green Bean Casserole. This dish incorporates the warmth of curry spices, ensuring you’re not skimping on taste even when you’re saving pennies. It’s a unique side that can spice up any meal, and it’s just as enjoyable on its own. Plus, it’s a smart way to jazz up an often-overlooked vegetable like green beans.
Get the Recipe: Curried Green Bean Casserole
Cowboy Casserole
Hearty and full of personality, Cowboy Casserole takes simple, inexpensive ingredients and turns them into a filling feast. This is the dish you turn to when you’re after something that will feed and please the crowd without much cost. Laden with beans, ground beef, and a layer of cornbread, each bite is a nod to rustic, simpler cooking. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
A modern take on a holiday classic, Vegan Green Bean Casserole makes plant-based eating accessible and affordable. It relies on mushroom soup and crispy fried onions to recreate the traditional flavors. This dish is a win for those looking for vegan options without having to scour specialty stores. It’s a comforting side or main that proves plant-based doesn’t mean pricey.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Taco Casserole
For those nights when you can’t decide between Mexican and homestyle cooking, Taco Casserole bridges the gap. Combining ground meat, beans, and taco seasoning, each layer adds to its heartiness. Topped with cheese and baked until bubbly, it’s a surefire hit for potlucks or family dinners. Plus, it’s a practical way to stretch ingredients for a complete meal solution.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Wild Rice Casserole
If you’re after something a little different, give Wild Rice Casserole a go. It’s filled with the nutty taste of wild rice, which pairs beautifully with mushrooms and almonds. This dish is a testament to hearty grains being both economical and elegant. It’s an especially smart choice for those looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole dismantles the classic dish and reconstructs it in an easy, money-saving format. You get all the traditional flavors, like tender chicken, peas, and carrots, but in a scoopable form. It turns a familiar favorite into a casual, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. And it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken, making sure nothing goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole