5 Affordable and Simple Casseroles to Add to Your Weekly Meals

Looking for a fast, easy, and wallet-friendly dinner that everyone will love? Nicole McLaughlin, also known as NicoleMcMom, has just what you need. She's on a mission to discover the ultimate meal, making her the perfect expert to curate these quick, budget-conscious casserole recipes. Check out the five easy dishes that should be on your dinner list right now:

1. King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Treat yourself to some Tex-Mex flavor with a King Ranch Chicken Casserole. With easy-to-find ingredients like canned soups and pre-made tortillas, this dish is as simple to prepare as it is to devour. Nicole prefers her casseroles extra thick and creamy, so she cuts down on the chicken broth (using just one cup instead of two — though feel free to adjust to your liking). She also swaps bell peppers for poblano peppers to add a bit of extra heat.

2. Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Casserole

3. Cabbage Roll Casserole

Cabbage Roll Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls without all the fuss. It's a perfect, easy-to-make casserole for busy nights when you still want something delicious and filling.

This easy-to-make Cabbage Roll Casserole comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights. While it's optional, Nicole likes to add a pinch of allspice to the ground beef for a hint of Mediterranean flavor. She also enjoys topping this casserole with Greek yogurt or labneh and a sprinkle of fresh dill. If you have leftover cabbage, it makes a great addition to a stir-fry or a quick homemade coleslaw the next day.

4. French Onion Mac and Cheese

Nicole's French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese casserole is the ultimate indulgence. Seriously, French Onion Mac and Cheese is the unexpected fusion we never knew we craved. She brings the familiar flavors to life by deglazing the pan with beef broth and a splash of sherry (if you don’t have sherry, red wine vinegar works just as well). Though Gruyère is the classic choice for French onion soup, Nicole swaps in Swiss cheese to keep it budget-friendly. Serve it as a hearty main or a perfect side to steak for a meal that feels like fine dining.

5. Easy Breakfast Casserole with Biscuits and Gravy

Start your day off right with this irresistible Easy Breakfast Casserole with Biscuits and Gravy. It's also perfect for breakfast-for-dinner! Nicole loves this recipe because, after preparing the gravy, everything else comes together right in the casserole dish. Simply crack the eggs into the dish, scramble them, layer the rest of the ingredients, and bake — it couldn't be easier. For a pop of color and flavor, top with fresh chives.