25 Cheap and Easy Kid Friendly Casseroles (2024)

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 Casserolevia Budget Bytes

Comfort food at its best… and it even includes veggies!

7. Easy Tuna Casserolevia 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 CasseroleviaThe 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 Casserolevia 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 Potatoesvia 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 Casserolevia Budget Bytes

Your favorite burrito flavors but in casserole form! So good.

15. Chili Con Queso Pasta Bakevia 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 Casserolevia 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 Casserolevia Well Plated

An easy, inexpensive casserole that is made from scratch and makes a healthy, delicious one-pan dinner!

18. Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserolevia Recipe Girl

This layered casserole is such an easy recipe. And with just ½ lb. of meat, incredibly budget friendly too!

19. Fiesta Chicken Casserolevia Together as Family

This casserole is cheap to make full of Mexican-inspired flavors. Sure to be a dinnertime hit!

20.Hamburger Casserolevia Spaceships and Laser Beams

A simple, hearty recipe that is perfect for weeknight family dinners!

21. Oven Ready Lasagnavia Thrifty Frugal Mom

No need to boil the noodles for this juicy lasagna! So simple and delicious.

22. Baked Penne with Sausage, Zucchini and Fetavia Foodal

A tasty, healthy switch-up from your typical pasta casserole that is still super family-friendly.

23. Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserolevia 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 Casserolevia Thrifty Frugal Mom
You’ll love this hearty, flavorful casserole.And it’s quick and easy to make too!

Other Ideas that You’ll Enjoy:

• $400 Budget Meal Plan for Our Family of 6
• 30 Easy Meatless Meals cheap and quick ideas
• 40 Foods to Freeze to Save Money and Time
• 35 Foods to Make From Scratch and Quit Buying
• $350 Month Budget Menu Plan for Our Family of 6