Quick Kielbasa Pasta Casserole: Budget-Friendly & Delicious

Cheap Dinner Casserole: A Budget-Friendly Delight

This Cheap Dinner Casserole is a heartwarming, quick-to-make dish that emerged during a challenging financial period when my husband and I had to stretch our dollars. We scoured our freezer for frozen goods and dug into our stash of leftovers to create a meal that is not only thrifty but surprisingly delicious. This casserole is a fantastic way to use up staples you likely already have on hand, making it a perfect choice for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups kielbasa, cooked and sliced (if not pre-cooked, cook first and slice thinly)
• 1 1/2 cups bow tie pasta
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 slices American cheese, torn into pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chives
• Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by spraying a small baking dish with cooking spray. A small loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe, ensuring your casserole cooks evenly.

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2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it well and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.

3. Prepare the Kielbasa: If your kielbasa isn’t pre-cooked, you’ll need to cook it according to your preference. Once cooked, slice it thinly. Add the sliced kielbasa to the pasta in the baking dish.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the finely chopped onion and torn American cheese slices to the pasta and kielbasa mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Season the Dish: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, oregano, and chives. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.

6. Add Topping (Optional): If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.

7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown if you’ve added breadcrumbs.

8. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy, budget-friendly casserole.

This recipe yields a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavors of kielbasa and pasta with the creamy melt of American cheese. It’s a practical meal that can be made in just 20 minutes, perfect for those times when you need something quick, satisfying, and economical. 🍽️✨

Feel free to tweak the recipe with ingredients you have on hand, or add your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch. This Cheap Dinner Casserole is versatile and forgiving, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to clear out your pantry.