These frugal, kid-friendly casseroles will make dinnertime just a little bit easier! You’ll find lots of delicious options that are easy to make, use basic ingredients and are healthy too. What’s not to love?
I know that casseroles kind of have a bad reputation with some people because they think that they are boring or that they are made with lots of pre-packaged foods that aren’t healthy.
But I think there is a lot to love about casseroles!
For example, dinner casseroles typically are:
- easy to make
- made with pantry staples that you have on hand
- hearty and filling
- budget-friendly
- great for leftovers that can be used for another meal
And many of them are freezer friendly too, which can be a huge time saver!
But if you are like me, you want to make casseroles that not only fit the above criteria but that are also kid-friendly and healthy too! And that can often feel like a struggle.
Cheap Kid Friendly Casseroles
I hope this collection of 25 frugal casseroles can help make the what-to-have-for-dinner dilemma a bit less frustrating!
There is something for everyone– Mexican flavors, comfort food inspired, pasta casseroles, rice casseroles, potato casseroles. Beef, chicken, sausage, ham.
But they all are easy to make, use mostly simple, from scratch ingredients and will give you a dinner that is cheap, filling, family-friendly and overall, healthy too.
1. Easy John Wayne Casserole via Thrifty Frugal Mom
Simple, kid-friendly and delicious! A favorite at our house.
2. Chili Cornbread Casserole via Belle of the Kitchen
This easy casserole is perfect for cornbread and chili lovers!
Frugal tip: Reduce ground beef to 1 lb. and add an extra can of black beans instead.
3. Dump and Bake Italian Meatball and Rice Casserole via The Seasoned Mom
This super easy recipe takes just 5 minutes to mix together! Yum!
4. Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas via Delicious on a Dime
Who doesn’t like chicken enchiladas? And this recipe adds a healthy twist without compromising taste.
5. Cheesy Chicken Vegetable and Rice Casserole via Budget Bytes
Comfort food at its best… and it even includes veggies!
6. Cheeseburger Casserole via Thrifty Frugal Mom
All the deliciousness of a cheeseburger combined into a cheap and easy casserole that kids love.
7. Easy Tuna Casserole via Spend with Pennies
A classic favorite! And so easy and cheap to make too.
Recipe tip: Make it healthier with homemade cream soup!
8. Cabbage Roll Casserole via Small Town Woman
Enjoy the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but without all the work!
Frugal tip: Reduce the cheeses to 1 cup each.
9. Chicken Parmesan Casserole via The Country Cook
This simple, kid-friendly casserole is not only delicious, but it freezes well too!
10. Sausage and Rice Casserole via Julia’s Simply Southern
This savory casserole is a fun, tasty change from the typical ground beef and chicken recipes!
Recipe tip: Make it healthier with homemade cream soup!
11. Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole via Thrifty Frugal Mom
This shortcut chicken pot pie is super easy to make thanks to a simple homemade biscuit crust. Pure comfort food and a family favorite!
12. Cheesy Ham and Scalloped Potatoes via A Mind Full Mom
An easy homemade cheese sauce takes this delicious casserole to the next level!
13. Chicken Alfredo Bake via Spend with Pennies
This comforting casserole is super tasty and freezes well too!
Frugal tip: Instead of using half and half, just use all milk. The final recipe won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be super delicious and cost less too!
14. Beef Burrito Casserole via Budget Bytes
Your favorite burrito flavors but in casserole form! So good.
15. Chili Con Queso Pasta Bake via Delicious on a Dime
A cheap, healthy casserole that is perfect for anyone that loves con queso dip!
16. Cheesy Ham, Potato and Green Bean Casserole via Thrifty Frugal Mom
This hearty dish combines veggies with a homemade cheese sauce and ham for a meal that the whole family will love!
17. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole via Well Plated
An easy, inexpensive casserole that is made from scratch and makes a healthy, delicious one-pan dinner!
18. Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole via Recipe Girl
This layered casserole is such an easy recipe. And with just ½ lb. of meat, incredibly budget friendly too!
19. Fiesta Chicken Casserole via Together as Family
This casserole is cheap to make full of Mexican-inspired flavors. Sure to be a dinnertime hit!
20. Hamburger Casserole via Spaceships and Laser Beams
A simple, hearty recipe that is perfect for weeknight family dinners!
21. Oven Ready Lasagna via Thrifty Frugal Mom
No need to boil the noodles for this juicy lasagna! So simple and delicious.
22. Baked Penne with Sausage, Zucchini and Feta via Foodal
A tasty, healthy switch-up from your typical pasta casserole that is still super family-friendly.
23. Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole via The Cozy Cook
This easy casserole is so tasty and works well as a make-ahead dish.
24. Teriyaki Chicken Casserole via Life in the Lofthouse
An easy one-pan meal and full of delicious Asian-inspired flavor.
25. Super Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole via Thrifty Frugal Mom
You’ll love this hearty, flavorful casserole. And it’s quick and easy to make too!
Shawn Hoover
I am the cook for a summer day camp and I made the Fiesta Chicken Casserole for our campers last year and it was a huge hit.
Lydia Beiler
That’s wonderful to hear, Shawn! And my hat is off to you for cooking for such a large group. I find it amazing that people enjoy doing that!
shirley S
Fiesta chicken is my favorite casserole on this least. But, the others that I have tried are still amazing.
Lydia Beiler
So glad to hear that you enjoyed some of these recipes, Shirley!
Alexa
These casserole recipes are a lifesaver for busy parents! With these 25 cheap and easy kid-friendly casseroles, dinnertime just got a whole lot more exciting and stress-free! Thank You.
Lydia Beiler
So glad they are helpful, Alexa!
Linda
I love your recipes and I can not pick one so I want them all!!!!
Lydia Beiler
😊 Delighted to hear that, Linda! The great thing is, with all the options, dinners can easily be planned out for weeks!
Margi Kimsey
Great recipes! Can’t wait to make some of them.
Lydia Beiler
I hope you enjoy them, Margi!