Cheap Dinners for a Family
As a mom of three, my life can be quite chaotic, but I’ve found that the kitchen is a sanctuary. Whenever the world feels overwhelming, I pull out my pots and pans and create something nourishing and comforting. One dish that has transformed our dinnertime routine is a delightful, budget-friendly Casserole.
It’s those nights when I dish up this warm, cheesy comfort food that I see the smiles on my kids’ faces. It’s a beautiful reminder that I can whip up Cheap Dinners for a Family that not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the soul. This casserole is a go-to for us, packed with ingredients that stretch the budget while keeping my family happy and healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole embodies everything I love about Cheap Dinners for a Family. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and filled with wholesome ingredients. This dish leverages staples you might already have lurking in your pantry.
The leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day, making it even more budget-friendly. What’s more, it’s versatile—feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what your family enjoys or what you have on hand. Plus, the satisfaction of sitting down together at the dinner table, enjoying a homemade meal, is priceless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 pound |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 2 cups |
| Can of cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Two cups uncooked pasta (like penne or rotini) | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Optional: Bread crumbs | ½ cup |
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about planning Cheap Dinners for a Family is the ability to swap out ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Meat: Try using ground chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Any frozen vegetables work well—broccoli, corn, or peas.
- Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be a healthier choice.
- Soup: Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or any other cream-based soup.
- Cheese: Mix it up with whatever you have—pepper jack, gouda, or even vegan cheese can work beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet, stirring them in with the meat for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and mix it into the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded cheese. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle some bread crumbs over the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your family dinner!
Pro Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, consider sautéing onions and garlic before adding your meat.
- If you want a creamier dish, add an extra half can of soup or a splash more of milk.
- Use any leftover cooked meat you have; it saves time and reduces waste in your kitchen.
- Feel free to double the recipe; it freezes well and makes for quick future meals!
Storage & Reheating Tips
This casserole lasts in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop it into the oven at 350°F until heated through or use the microwave for quicker service. If it’s dried out a bit, adding a splash of milk can help restore moisture.
What to Serve With This Recipe
To make your Cheap Dinners for a Family even more satisfying, serve this Casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread. A simple garden salad works wonders, adding freshness and crunch. You could also serve some steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you bake it cold.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Assemble it without baking, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can substitute with another cream soup or make a simple homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk.
Can I add spices to give it more flavor?
Definitely! Spice it up with paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning for a flavor kick. Experimenting with spices makes these Cheap Dinners for a Family even more personalized!
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
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Print
Cheap Dinners for a Family
A delightful, budget-friendly casserole packed with wholesome ingredients, perfect for family dinners.
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 pound Ground beef or turkey
2 cups Frozen mixed vegetables
1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup
2 cups Uncooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
2 cups Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 cup Milk
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Onion powder
To taste Salt and pepper
½ cup Optional: Bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet, stirring them in with the meat for about 5 minutes until they begin to softe
- Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and mix it into the meat and vegetable mixture
- Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded cheese. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle some bread crumbs over the cheese
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving
Notes
You can swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: N/A
