As a mom and a busy wife, I’m always on the lookout for ways to save money without sacrificing the quality and taste of our meals. Balancing a budget while ensuring my family gets nutritious, delicious food can be a challenge, but it’s totally doable. Today, I’m excited to share a budget-friendly recipe that costs less than $15 (at Walmart): Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole. This dish is not only cost-effective but is also packed with essential nutrients, thanks to the inclusion of broccoli.

Budget-Friendly Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole. (Andrea Mathis / Beautiful Eats & Things)

Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and vitamin K, which is essential for bone health. Additionally, broccoli provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and satiety.

Money-saving tips

• Buy in bulk: Purchasing ingredients like rice, cheese and spices in bulk can save you money in the long run. These items have a long shelf life and can be used in multiple recipes.
• Use leftovers: If you have leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal, use it in this casserole. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and save money.
• Use frozen veggies: Frozen vegetables, like the broccoli florets used in this recipe, are often cheaper than fresh ones and can be just as nutritious. Plus, they’re convenient and reduce prep time.

Feeding a family on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on taste or nutrition. This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is a testament to that. It’s a delicious, hearty meal that’s light on the wallet and packed with nutrients. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your household, just as it has in mine.

Budget-Friendly Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole. (Andrea Mathis / Beautiful Eats & Things)

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Click here for a printable version.

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 15-ounce can low-sodium cream of chicken soup
• 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
• 16-ounce bag frozen baby broccoli florets
• 1¼ cups light sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1½ tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Spray a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, add in the chicken, cream of chicken soup, rice, broccoli, sour cream, ½ cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix together until combined.
4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and broccoli is tender. Serve warm and enjoy.

Recipe notes

Nutrition information (about 1 serving): calories 351, carbohydrates 30 grams, protein 26 grams, fat 13 grams, saturated fat 7 grams, fiber 1 gram, sugar 3 grams, sodium 422 milligrams.

Andrea Mathis is a registered dietitian and owner of Beautiful Eats & Things. For more great recipes, visit beautifuleatsandthings.com.