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    Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · 2 Comments

    Budget Friendly Casseroles

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    Pin split image with text showing different budget friendly casserole recipes.

    These budget friendly casseroles are perfect for family dinners and can be made with just a few simple ingredients! Many can even be prepared in advance and frozen, so all you have to do is pop them in the oven! Beat the stress of weeknight meals with these easy and inexpensive dinner ideas!

    Easy and Inexpensive Casserole Recipes

    I love a good casserole recipe because there are tons of different variations, many of which can be made on a budget! They are perfect for busy school nights, too, especially if you plan ahead and freeze them.

    If you're craving Mexican cuisine, there's a casserole for that. Some classic Southern cooking? There's a casserole for that too! Take a look at a few of my favorite cheap and delicious family-favorite casseroles below!

    Square split image showing different budget friendly casserole recipes.
    Jump to:
    • Easy and Inexpensive Casserole Recipes
    • 1. Chili Dog Casserole
    • 2. Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
    • 3. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
    • 4. Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
    • 5. Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
    • 6. Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
    • 7. Ritz Chicken Casserole
    • 8. Chicken Divan Casserole
    • 9. Green Bean Potato Sausage Casserole
    • 10. Beef Enchilada Casserole
    • 11. Ground Beef Casserole
    • 12. Mexican Cornbread Casserole
    • 13. Chicken Stuffing Casserole
    • 14. Tuna Noodle Casserole
    • 15. Doritos Casserole
    • Best Tips For Making Inexpensive Casserole Dinners
    • 📋 Recipe
    • Budget Friendly Casseroles: Chili Dog Casserole (+More Easy Family Dinners!)
    • Ingredients US CustomaryMetric
    • Instructions
    • Equipment You May Need
    • Notes
    • 💬 Comments
    * indicates required

    For more easy and delicious casserole recipes, be sure to check out my collection of casseroles that can be made with 5 ingredients or less! I also have some super simple breakfast casseroles that are pretty inexpensive, too!

    1. Chili Dog Casserole

    With just four ingredients, this chili dog casserole is always a hit with the kids! All you need is some hot dogs, crescent rolls, chili (leftover chili or canned chili works great), and cheese!

    Chili Dog Casserole
    This chili dog casserole is a simple, weeknight dinner that combines buttery crescent rolls with beefy hot dogs, hearty chili, and cheese! It only needs 4 ingredients and is on the table and ready to eat in about 30 minutes! It's tasty, budget-friendly, and oh-so-good.
    Check out this recipe
    Wide close up image of chili dog casserole.

    2. Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

    Your family will love this simple baked pasta casserole loaded with classic pizza ingredients. The pasta is tossed with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and cheese before being baked into warm, melty, pizza-flavored goodness!

    Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
    Pepperoni pizza casserole with pasta and cheese is the perfect, easy casserole dish for busy weeknights that the whole family will love! This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients like egg noodles, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and cheese! You can add your favorite pizza toppings to customize the pasta dinner as your favorite pizza!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of pepperoni pizza casserole served on a white plate.

    3. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs

    This is my favorite after-spaghetti night dinner to make with all of our leftover spaghetti and meatballs! If you don't have leftovers, you can still make your spaghetti and meatballs from scratch, which is relatively inexpensive as-is.

    Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
    Baked spaghetti and meatballs is an easy casserole with layers of spaghetti coated in sauce, cheese, and meatballs! This tasty comfort food dinner can be loaded with cheesy goodness to please your entire family. Plus, it's the perfect use of leftovers from a spaghetti dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    Large square closeup image of baked spaghetti and meatballs in a clear casserole dish baked with fresh baby mozzarella and garnished with genovese basil leaves.

    4. Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    Chicken tater tot casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting casserole that always hits the spot. It's ready to eat in just 30 minutes, and it's a great way to use up leftover chicken!

    Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
    Chicken tater tot casserole is a comfort food favorite that combines crispy tater tots, chicken, and creamy sauce in one easy-to-make dish! It's perfect for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared ahead of time and baked in the oven when ready to eat (or freeze it for later!) With how simple and delicious it is, it's sure to become a new go-to recipe!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of chicken tater tot casserole.

    5. Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    This crockpot chicken enchilada casserole is one of my favorite back-to-school dinners because I can set it and forget it and go about my day! With only a handful of ingredients, it takes almost no prep time at all!

    Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
    Crockpot chicken enchilada casserole is an easy family dinner that has all the classic components of chicken enchiladas! This casserole is loaded with shredded chicken, corn tortillas, melted cheese, enchilada sauce, black beans, and black olives. It's the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe for busy weeknights!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of crockpot chicken enchilada casserole.

    6. Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

    With perfectly seasoned ground beef, crispy hashbrowns, tender veggies, and lots of cheese, this one-pan meal doesn't need a single side dish! It's a great dinner for busy families because you can assemble and refrigerate it 24 hours before, then just pop it in the oven!

    Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
    This hamburger hashbrown casserole is super easy to prepare and makes a great family dinner any day of the week! It's loaded with perfectly seasoned ground beef, veggies, hashbrowns, and of course, lots of melted cheese! You can even assemble your casserole the night before to save yourself some extra time!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image showing hamburger hash brown casserole.

    7. Ritz Chicken Casserole

    Crunchy, cheezy, and flavorful, this Ritz chicken casserole is everything you could want in a meal! All it needs is 7 simple ingredients and about 30 minutes in the oven.

    Ritz Chicken Casserole
    This Ritz chicken casserole is an incredibly easy dish loaded with cooked chicken, a creamy mixture, and buttery Ritz cracker topping! It's quick to make for busy weeknights or any family dinner. All you need is 7 simple ingredients and you'll have a hearty meal that the whole family will love!
    Check out this recipe
    Wide image of Ritz chicken casserole.

    >>>>See all of my recipes HERE<<<<

    8. Chicken Divan Casserole

    Chicken Divan casserole is a classic family dinner that has stood the test of time. It's a simple yet delicious combination of chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of chicken (or cream of mushroom) soup, and plenty of cheese that is baked to golden perfection.

    Chicken Divan Bake
    This quick and easy Chicken Divan Casserole can be put together with leftovers and thrown in the oven, yet it is such an amazing comfort food recipe! Pull apart a rotisserie chicken or pan fry some chicken meat for a delicious, classic family meal!
    Check out this recipe
    Square image of a serving of chicken divan casserole.

    9. Green Bean Potato Sausage Casserole

    You've got your meat, veggies, and potatoes, so what else do you need? This hearty casserole can be served as a side dish, too, but it is definitely satisfying enough to work as a main course.

    Green Bean Potato Sausage Casserole
    This green bean potato sausage casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and filling variation of a classic holiday side dish! It is packed with green beans, potatoes, sausage, bacon, onion, and tasty spices. In fact, it is a complete meal and could even be served as the main course!
    Check out this recipe
    Square image of green bean potato and sausage casserole in baking dish.

    10. Beef Enchilada Casserole

    All the flavor of beef enchiladas in one easy (and inexpensive) casserole! You can make your own enchilada sauce or just pick up a few cans on your next grocery run.

    Beef Enchilada Casserole
    This beef enchilada casserole is an easy meal packed with tasty Tex-Mex flavors that the whole family will love! My hearty beef enchilada casserole recipe features layers of flour tortillas filled with ground beef, cheese, chiles, onions, tomatoes, and homemade enchilada sauce! It's a delicious and filling meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight family dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    Square image of beef enchilada casserole sliced on a plate.

    11. Ground Beef Casserole

    A super meaty and cheesy pasta casserole that kids and adults will both enjoy. Just toss the ingredients in a baking dish, mix them up, let it bake for 25 minutes, and then dinner is ready to go!

    Ground Beef Casserole
    A quick and easy ground beef casserole with cheese and pasta is the perfect last-minute family dinner for days you are on the go! This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients like ground beef, cheddar cheese, marinara, and penne pasta. Mix the ingredients and bake for 25 minutes then you will have a deliciously cheesy ground beef casserole that both children and adults will enjoy!
    Check out this recipe
    Closeup square image of ground beef casserole on a white plate.

    12. Mexican Cornbread Casserole

    Taco seasoning is one of those things I like to keep on hand because it can be used in so many wonderfully easy recipes like this one! The taco-seasoned ground beef is layered between two sheets of fluffy cornbread with corn, tomatoes, and cheese, then baked for a tasty Mexican-inspired meal.

    Mexican Cornbread Casserole
    This easy Mexican Cornbread Casserole is so filling and full of flavor, you’re going to want to make it for dinner every week! Perfectly seasoned ground beef with tomatoes and chiles is topped with gooey melted cheddar and sandwiched between two layers of fluffy cornbread, it’s delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    Mexican cornbread casserole closeup image of the cut square.

    13. Chicken Stuffing Casserole

    Boxed stuffing is a great way to bulk up casseroles, and you certainly don't have to wait for the holidays to enjoy it! Mix in some cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and frozen veggies, and you have a well-rounded meal that bakes up in no time.

    Chicken Stuffing Casserole
    Chicken stuffing casserole is the perfect combination of tender shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, creamy sauce, and flavorful stuffing! Since this recipe is so easy to make, you can easily enjoy it any time of the year (no need to wait for the holidays)! It's a perfect quick family meal for weeknight dinners that everyone will love!
    Check out this recipe
    Closeup on the plated chicken stuffing casserole.

    14. Tuna Noodle Casserole

    I don't know about you, but cheesy tuna noodle casserole always brings on a wave of nostalgia from childhood. I'm happy to report that it is still just as tasty to this day, and I can see why Mom and Grandma loved making it so much (it couldn't be easier)!

    Tuna Noodle Casserole {Quick and Easy, Super Cheesy Recipe}
    This Quick and Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe is a fantastic supper for nights when you're short on time! Tuna Noodle Casserole is a family favorite comfort food filled with pasta, tuna, peas, a cream sauce, and topped with shredded cheese and optional crunchy topping!
    Check out this recipe
    Square image of tuna casserole topped with cheese on a grey background.

    15. Doritos Casserole

    You're going to want to grab a few bags of nacho cheese Doritos so you can make this casserole weekly! If you keep ground beef in the freezer, all you'll need is some cheese, corn, tomatoes, beans, and taco seasoning!

    Doritos Casserole
    This quick and easy nacho cheese Doritos casserole is a family favorite dinner that combines hearty ground beef with crunchy Doritos and more! It's incredibly easy to make, layered with gooey deliciousness, and never fails to please!
    Check out this recipe
    Dorito casserole on table in 9x13 pan.

    Best Tips For Making Inexpensive Casserole Dinners

    Making budget-friendly casseroles is a delicious and cost-effective way to feed your whole family! Here are some tips to help you create tasty casseroles without breaking the bank:

    1. Use Inexpensive Proteins: Aim for casseroles that call for inexpensive proteins like canned tuna, canned chicken, ground turkey, chicken thighs, or even beans.
    2. Bulk up with Vegetables: Make a heartier dish that goes further by adding lots of inexpensive vegetables. Things like carrots, corn, bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes are all great choices.
    3. Buy in Bulk: Try to buy staple ingredients in bulk, like rice, pasta, and canned goods. In the long run, it will save you money, and you won't have to worry about last-minute grocery trips.
    4. Substitute with Frozen Produce: Opt for frozen vegetables if fresh vegetables are too expensive. They are usually more affordable and retain their nutritional value!
    5. Repurpose Leftovers: Turn leftovers into a new casserole. Leftover cooked chicken, vegetables, and pasta can be transformed into a delicious dish with a little creativity!

    Casseroles are the perfect way to reduce your weeknight dinner stress! If you have any family favorite inexpensive casseroles you love, let me know in the comments below so I can give them a try!

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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    5 from 2 reviews

    Budget Friendly Casseroles: Chili Dog Casserole (+More Easy Family Dinners!)

    These budget friendly casseroles are perfect for family dinners and can be made with just a few simple ingredients! Many can even be prepared in advance and frozen, so all you have to do is pop them in the oven! Beat the stress of weeknight meals with these easy and inexpensive dinner ideas!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 426kcal
    Prep 5 minutes minutes
    Cooking 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes minutes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

    Ingredients
     

    • 8 oz crescent rolls
    • 8 hot dogs
    • 30 oz chili (either canned or homemade)
    • 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
    Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5) and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
    • Lay out your 8 oz crescent rolls and place one of the 8 hot dogs on the wide end of each triangle. Roll up the crescent rolls towards the narrow end and then place them into your baking dish.
      8 oz crescent rolls, 8 hot dogs
    • Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5) for 15 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and pour 30 oz chili around the hotdogs. Sprinkle 3 cups cheddar cheese over the entire dish.
      30 oz chili, 3 cups cheddar cheese
    • Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until hot and the crescent rolls are golden.
    • Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

    Equipment You May Need

    9x13 baking pan
    Grater Set
    Measuring Cups

    Notes

    • You can make this casserole using canned chili, leftover chili, or some fresh homemade chili! Try out my Dutch oven chili, homemade chili, or Texas chili.  
    • Baking the crescent rolls with the hotdogs before adding the chili will help to keep the bottoms of the rolls from getting soggy or being undercooked.
    • Use your favorite type of hotdogs (or even bratwurst) for this recipe. 
    • To store: Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
    • To reheat: Reheat your chili dog casserole either in the microwave or back in the oven. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 426kcal (21%) | Carbohydrates: 30g (10%) | Protein: 18g (36%) | Fat: 28g (43%) | Saturated Fat: 13g (81%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 63mg (21%) | Sodium: 817mg (36%) | Potassium: 441mg (13%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 9g (10%) | Vitamin A: 1437IU (29%) | Vitamin C: 153mg (185%) | Calcium: 325mg (33%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    budget friendly casseroles, chili dog casserole, chili dog casserole ingredients, chili dog casserole with crescent rolls, dinner casseroles, easy casseroles, easy chili dog casseroles
    Course Casseroles, Dinner Recipes, Entrees, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ararat says

      August 26, 2023 at 4:35 am

      Merhaba Angela,
      Sitenizi tesedüfen buldum. çok güezel ve akici bir türkçe ile anlatiyorsunuz. Ben türkiyede büyüdüm ama Zürichte (Switzerlan) yasiyorum.
      "Hello Angela,
      I found your site by accident. You explain in a very beautiful and fluent Turkish. I grew up in Turkey but live in Zurich (Switzerlan)."

      Reply
      • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

        August 26, 2023 at 9:45 am

        Teşekkür ederim! Çeviri araçlarından biraz yardım alıyorum ancak siteyi birden fazla dilde sunmaktan çok mutluyum.
        "Thank you! I get some help from translating tools, but I am very happy to offer the site in multiple languages."

        Reply

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    Hi there, I'm Angela! I'm an avid vintage cookbook collector, recipe creator, animal lover, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, and creative recipes as well as great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to make sure that cooks of any experience level can be successful. Enjoy!

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