What are some easy and inexpensive casserole recipes for busy weeknights?

The secret to making a cheap and flavorful casserole is to use inexpensive protein sources like ground beef, chicken thighs, or canned tuna, paired with budget-friendly staples like pasta, rice, and canned beans.

Casseroles are the perfect meal-prep dish - you can make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy the leftovers throughout the busy work week.

Using frozen vegetables instead of fresh can significantly cut down the prep time and cost for casserole recipes.

Repurposing leftovers, such as cooked chicken or roasted vegetables, is an easy way to transform them into a new casserole dish.

Slow cookers are a game-changer for hands-off casserole cooking - just assemble the ingredients in the morning and come home to a hot, ready-to-serve meal.

Swapping high-priced ingredients like parmesan for cheaper alternatives like cheddar cheese can slash the cost of casserole recipes without sacrificing flavor.

Many classic casserole recipes can be made gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free options or using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Casseroles are a great way to sneak in extra servings of vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini, which can boost the nutrition without changing the taste.

Topping casseroles with a crunchy element, like crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or fried onions, adds textural contrast and elevates the overall dish.

Spices and herbs are key to making budget-friendly casserole ingredients taste more elevated and exciting.

Casseroles freeze beautifully, so you can double the recipe and stash extra portions in the freezer for quick reheat-and-serve meals on busy nights.

Mixing different types of cheeses, like cheddar and mozzarella, can create a more complex and satisfying cheese sauce for casseroles.

Using a combination of fresh and canned ingredients, such as fresh onions and canned diced tomatoes, can balance flavors and textures in casserole dishes.

Casseroles are the perfect canvas for using up odds and ends in the fridge, like leftover cooked vegetables or small amounts of cheese.

Many casserole recipes can be adapted to be made in the Instant Pot or air fryer, further streamlining the cooking process.

Casseroles are a great way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters, as the combination of ingredients can often mask the taste of unfamiliar foods.