Are you looking for a budget-friendly and delicious main dish to serve up for dinner? Look no further than casserole recipes that are guaranteed to please, and all for under $10!Casseroles are a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, and they are easy to make and can often be prepared ahead of time. Whether you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to your next potluck, these cheap casserole recipes under $10 will not disappoint. When it comes to budget-friendly main dishes, casseroles are a great option. Not only are they relatively inexpensive to make, but they can also feed a large family. From Mexican to Italian to classic American flavors, there's something for everyone.
Here's a look at some of the best cheap casserole recipes under $10 you can make.
Mexican Casserole Recipes
Mexican-style casseroles are always a hit with the family. One easy and affordable recipe is this Chicken Fajita Casserole. All you need is boneless skinless chicken breasts, fajita seasoning, bell peppers, red onion, salsa, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese. Layer the ingredients in a 9x13 inch baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.
Serve with sour cream and tortilla chips for an easy and delicious Mexican-inspired meal. For a vegetarian option, try this Mexican Quinoa Casserole. It's made with quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and spices. Layer the ingredients in a baking dish and top with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes and serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Italian Casserole Recipes
For an Italian-style casserole, try this Spinach and Ricotta Pie.
All you need is frozen spinach, ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and pour into a greased baking dish. Top with extra mozzarella cheese and bake for 25 minutes. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. Another delicious Italian casserole is this Eggplant Parmesan Casserole.
You'll need eggplant slices, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Italian herbs. Bake for 25 minutes and serve with fresh basil on top.
Asian Casserole Recipes
Asian-style casseroles are also great budget-friendly meals. Try this Teriyaki Chicken Casserole made with boneless skinless chicken breasts, teriyaki sauce, broccoli florets, carrots, mushrooms, and sesame seeds. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and pour into a greased baking dish.
Top with extra sesame seeds and bake for 25 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles. For a vegetarian option, try this Thai Fried Rice Casserole. It's made with cooked white rice, eggs, red bell pepper, carrots, peas, green onions, and Thai sweet chili sauce. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with extra sweet chili sauce on top.
Classic American Casserole Recipes
For classic American-style casseroles that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, try this Cheesy Potato Casserole. All you need is potatoes (fresh or frozen), cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, shredded cheese, and bacon bits. Layer the ingredients in a greased baking dish and top with cheese and bacon bits. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with extra shredded cheese on top. Another delicious classic casserole recipe is this Tuna Noodle Casserole. All you need is egg noodles (or use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free option), canned tuna in water (or use canned salmon for a non-seafood version), cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of celery soup if desired), frozen peas and carrots (or use fresh if desired), mayonnaise (or use vegan mayonnaise for a vegan option), and shredded cheese. Top with extra cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with extra mayonnaise on top.
Budget-Saving Tips
To save even more money when making casseroles, consider using canned vegetables instead of fresh (which can be more expensive).
You can also shop in bulk at your local warehouse store to get the best deals on ingredients like rice and pasta. You can also make extra casseroles to freeze for later. To do this properly make sure to cool the casserole completely before freezing it in an airtight container or zipper baggie. When you're ready to enjoy it again just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Finally, don't forget about vegan and vegetarian options! You can easily make vegan versions of many casseroles by swapping out the meat for plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh or opting for dairy-free cheeses like vegan mozzarella shreds. With these cheap casserole recipes under $10 you can have delicious meals your whole family will love without breaking your budget.
Budget Saving Tips
When cooking a casserole on a budget, there are some easy ways to save money without sacrificing flavor. One of the best ways to save is to shop in bulk for ingredients.Buying in bulk often means lower costs per unit for certain items, and it also allows you to have the ingredients on hand when you need them. Additionally, canned vegetables are often less expensive than fresh and can be used to add flavor and nutrition to your casserole. Canned beans, corn, and diced tomatoes can be a great way to add fiber and nutrients without breaking the bank. Another great way to save on a casserole is to use leftovers. If you have cooked vegetables, meats, or grains, they can be easily added to your casserole.
This can help reduce waste and save you money while also creating something new. You can also use up any extra vegetables in the fridge by adding them to the casserole. Finally, don’t forget that there are many budget-friendly recipes out there. Look for recipes that call for inexpensive ingredients such as potatoes, pasta, or rice. You can also look for recipes that use cheaper cuts of meat such as chicken thighs or ground beef.
How to Make a Casserole
Making a casserole is a great way to save time and money while still enjoying a delicious, hearty meal.Here are some tips and step-by-step instructions for creating an easy and budget-friendly casserole that your family is sure to love.
Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients you need to make your casserole. Depending on the recipe, this could include things like potatoes, vegetables, cheese, meat, and/or canned goods. Be sure to check the prices on these items to make sure they fit within your budget.Assembling
Once you have all your ingredients, it's time to assemble the casserole. Start by preheating the oven to the temperature specified in your recipe.Grease the baking dish you plan to use with butter or cooking spray, and then begin layering your ingredients in the dish. Be sure to season each layer with salt, pepper, and other spices before adding additional layers.
Baking
Once you have finished layering all of your ingredients, cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake the casserole in the oven for the amount of time specified in the recipe. When finished cooking, let it cool before serving.Freezing
If you have leftovers or want to save some for later, you can freeze them for up to three months.To freeze, place the cooled casserole in an airtight container or wrap it with plastic wrap. Label it with the name and date before placing it in the freezer.
Types of Casseroles
Casseroles are a popular dish for busy families who want to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. There are all sorts of casseroles to choose from, and each one offers a unique flavor and texture.Lasagna Casserole
- Lasagna casseroles are a classic Italian favorite, featuring layers of lasagna noodles, sauce, and various fillings like cheese, meat, and vegetables.Potato Casserole - Potato casseroles combine potatoes with other ingredients like cheese, bacon, and vegetables. These dishes are usually creamy and comforting, perfect for chilly nights.
Taco Casserole
- Taco casseroles are a great way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos without having to assemble individual tacos. These dishes usually combine ground beef, cheese, and taco seasoning in a delicious casserole dish.Enchilada Casserole - Enchilada casseroles are a Mexican favorite that features layers of enchiladas, sauce, and cheese. Some variations also include beans or other fillings.
Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
- Macaroni and cheese casseroles are a classic American favorite. These dishes combine macaroni noodles with cheese, milk, butter, and other ingredients for a creamy and delicious meal. These are just a few of the different types of casseroles you can make for your family on a budget. With so many options available, you're sure to find something that everyone will love.Vegan and Vegetarian Options
If you're looking for vegan and vegetarian casserole recipes under $10, look no further! There are plenty of delicious and budget-friendly recipes that are suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.Whether you're looking for a hearty, vegan-friendly lasagna or a light and fresh summer vegetable casserole, there's something to satisfy everyone's tastes. For those looking for gluten-free options, there are also many delicious recipes to choose from, such as a quinoa and vegetable bake or a lentil and sweet potato casserole. Vegan casseroles don't have to be boring – they can be packed with flavor and texture just like non-vegan recipes. Try adding ingredients like tofu, tempeh, and seitan to create hearty dishes that are sure to satisfy the whole family.
You can also add beans, grains, and fresh vegetables for added flavor, nutrition, and texture. You can even add vegan cheese to give your casseroles an extra cheesy kick. Vegetarian casseroles can also be incredibly flavorful. Try adding ingredients like mushrooms, eggplant, squash, artichoke hearts, asparagus, and more.
You can even mix and match different vegetables to create unique flavor combinations. Add a few spices to give your casserole that extra depth of flavor. For gluten-free casserole recipes, try incorporating ingredients like quinoa, buckwheat, millet, cornmeal, and more. You can also add gluten-free noodles or rice instead of regular pasta. Be sure to check the labels of all the ingredients you use to make sure they are certified gluten-free.
Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, there are plenty of delicious casserole recipes that won't break the bank. With these tasty dishes on the menu, your family will be delighted with dinner every night!Casseroles are a great option for budget-friendly main dishes that can please even the pickiest of eaters. With these cheap casserole recipes under $10, you can make delicious meals without breaking the bank. Plus, many of these recipes can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
These recipes offer various types of casseroles, budget-saving tips, vegan and vegetarian options, and instructions on how to make a casserole.
