Making a cheap casserole doesn’t mean making a meal no one wants to eat. Some of your favorite meals are easily adapted into cheap and delectable dishes even the choosiest family member will love.

Sunday Pork Chops

A variation on the traditional chicken and dressing of the south, this version uses small pork chops (boneless or regular) and stove top stuffing instead. Rub the pork chops with a little salt and pepper, then pour a can of your favorite cream soup (typically mushroom or chicken) over the top and add your stuffing mix (pre-soak the bread crumbs in water to soften before baking). The result: baked pork chops smothered in creamy sauce and flavored dressing, perfect with a side of veggies or salad.

Sticky Chicken and Rice

Plain or pre-boxed chicken and rice can by dry, clumpy, or flavorless, but you can fix a home-cooked chicken and rice casserole that melts in your mouth. Cut your chicken breasts into large chunks (cutting meat into chunks instead of serving individual pieces can cut back on the amount usually cooked). Bread them, then fry or bake until done; during this time, boil a package of plain white rice. Make a sauce by combining regular honey and dried garlic in a saucepan, measuring to taste. Heat, taste, then pour over rice and top with crispy chicken.

Mexican Hamburger

Create a taco-like casserole by frying ground beef with a little garlic, onion, and chili powder to taste. Add canned corn, diced peppers, black olives, and one can tomato sauce, along with any extra seasonings, then pour into a casserole dish. Boil peeled and sliced potatoes or use instant mashed potatoes, whip until fluffy, then layer over the top of your meat. Sprinkle a little cheddar cheese, then bake until crispy and flaky on top.

Baked Spaghetti

Try this Italian favorite for a quick and spicy family meal. Layer dried pasta in the bottom of your casserole dish and top with a jar of spaghetti sauce. Add fried Italian sausage, pre-baked meatballs, or tomato slices, then sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese and bake until cheese is brown and bubbly along the edges. Serve with a side of garlic toast and salad.

These savory dishes are only a few of the combinations you can create without breaking the grocery budget. A quick and easy casserole can be both inexpensive and delicious, so don’t hesitate to add them to your weekly menu.