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To make a Budget Friendly Husband Casserole, you need simple ingredients. Here is what you will need: - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 can (15 oz) mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1 cup cooked rice (can be instant or leftover) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping) Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish tasty and filling. The ground beef or turkey gives the casserole its hearty base. The mixed vegetables add color and nutrients. Using cooked rice helps bind everything together, while the cream of mushroom soup adds richness and creaminess. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, making it gooey and delicious. The garlic and onion powders offer a burst of flavor, while salt and pepper enhance everything. Finally, crushed tortilla chips on top give a nice crunch. These ingredients make cooking easy, fun, and budget-friendly. You can find them at any grocery store without breaking the bank. Enjoy creating a delicious meal that your family will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and melts the cheese perfectly. 2. Browning the meat: In a large skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Season with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cook until no pink remains. 3. Mixing ingredients: Next, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add 1 can of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn) to the meat. Stir them together until well mixed. Then, add 1 cup of cooked rice and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir until every ingredient is evenly coated. 1. Transferring to baking dish: Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and pour the meat and veggie mixture into it. Spread the mixture out evenly across the dish. 2. Adding cheese and topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Then, add a layer of crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping. 3. Baking time and temperature: Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The casserole should be heated throughout. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. - Adding flavor variations: You can spice up this casserole by adding different seasonings. Try adding chili powder for heat or Italian herbs for a fresh taste. You can also mix in some salsa for a fun twist. - Using leftover ingredients: If you have leftover meat or veggies, use them! This dish is great for using up what you have. Just chop them up and mix them into the casserole. It keeps your meal budget-friendly and reduces waste. - Affordable ingredient swaps: Swap ground beef for turkey or even beans for a vegetarian option. You can use frozen mixed veggies instead of canned ones. They often cost less and taste fresh. Instant rice is also a good choice if you're short on time. - Bulk cooking options: Make a large batch and freeze half for later. This meal works well for meal prep. You can double the recipe and save time on busy days. Just reheat when needed, and you have a tasty meal ready to go. Pro Tips Use Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice from a previous meal, this is a great way to use it up and add extra flavor to your casserole. Mix Up the Protein: Feel free to swap the ground beef or turkey with cooked chicken or even a plant-based protein for a different twist. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique taste. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake! {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this casserole. Ground turkey or chicken works well. For a meatless option, try canned beans like black beans or kidney beans. They add great texture and protein. Switching up the vegetables can also create a new dish. You can use frozen broccoli or green beans instead of mixed vegetables. Fresh veggies like bell peppers or zucchini add color and flavor. Make it your own by using what you have at home! To boost flavor, add spices or herbs. Try paprika or cumin for warmth. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro bring a bright taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite seasonings! Using different cheese options can also change the taste. Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick. You could even use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor. The choice is yours! To keep your Budget Friendly Husband Casserole fresh, store leftovers properly. Let the casserole cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe dish or wrap individual portions in plastic wrap. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three months. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quick meal. Just make sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. This helps keep the texture and flavor just right. Enjoy your meal! To make this casserole vegetarian, swap the ground beef or turkey for a meat alternative. You can use lentils, beans, or even extra mixed vegetables. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. This keeps the dish hearty and filling without meat. Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Be sure to cook it before adding it to the casserole. This way, the rice will blend well with the other ingredients. If you need a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken soup or homemade white sauce. You can also blend cooked mushrooms with cream or plant-based milk. This will give you a similar texture and flavor in your casserole. We covered a tasty casserole recipe using ground meat, veggies, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping and baking. Tips on saving money and making flavorful swaps help you enjoy this dish. Remember, you can store leftovers and reheat them easily for future meals. Experiment with variations to keep it exciting. With a bit of creativity, you can make this dish your own. Happy cooking!

Budget Friendly Husband Casserole

A hearty and economical casserole perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully cooked and crumbled.
  • Drain any excess fat and add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
  • Add the cooked rice and cream of mushroom soup to the mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
  • Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips over the cheese for an added crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Optional: Provide hot sauce on the side for a spicy kick!
Keyword budget-friendly, casserole, easy dinner