Cheap Dinner For Big Family

Ever stare into the abyss of your fridge, knowing you need to feed a small army, but your wallet’s on a strict diet? You, my friend, are not alone. Forget those elaborate, Insta-worthy meals that cost a fortune and take a lifetime. Today, we’re whipping up a dish so easy, so budget-friendly, and so utterly delicious, your family will think you won the lottery (or at least found a really good coupon). Welcome to your new go-to, the “Budget Boss” Cheesy Sausage & Bean Bake!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, feeding a big family shouldn’t require a second mortgage or a culinary degree. This recipe is your new best friend for a few glorious reasons:

• It feeds a whole crew without breaking the bank. Seriously, we’re talking pennies per serving here.
• Minimal effort, maximum flavor. You get to look like a kitchen wizard with hardly any actual magic.
• It’s practically a one-pan wonder, which means less dish duty. Your future self will thank you.
• It’s like a warm, cheesy hug for your tummy, but cheaper and way more filling.
• And the best part? It’s pretty much **idiot-proof**. If I can make this without setting off the smoke alarm, you’re golden.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a grocery list that won’t make you weep. Most of these are pantry staples, so you might already be halfway there, you savvy chef!

• 1-1.5 lbs Ground Sausage: (Mild or spicy, your call, hotshot!) This is the star of our show, or at least the lead singer.
• 2 Cans (15 oz each) Mixed Beans: (Think kidney, black, pinto – whatever’s on sale, no judgment here.) These are your budget-friendly besties. Drained and rinsed, please!
• 1 Can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes: (Undrained! We’re not wasting that liquid gold, are we?)
• 1 Can (15 oz) Corn: (Drained, because nobody likes soggy corn, right?)
• 1 Medium Onion: (Humble, yet ready to bring the flavor party.) Chopped.
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic: (Minced, because bland food is a crime.)
• 1/2 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth: (A splash for extra yum, or water if you’re really scraping by.)
• 1.5-2 cups Shredded Cheese: (Cheddar, Mexican blend, or whatever melty goodness you have.) This is the crown jewel, the cheesy gloriousness.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: (Just a drizzle, we’re not deep-frying here.)
• Spices: 1 tbsp Chili powder, 1 tsp Cumin, 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano, Salt & Pepper to taste. (The flavor posse reporting for duty!)
• Cooked Rice, Tortillas, or Cornbread: (For serving, your trusty sidekick.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! These steps are so easy, you could probably do them blindfolded (but please don’t).

1. Get Sizzling: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (or a big pot) over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Mmm, smells good already!
2. Brown the Star: Add the ground sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s beautifully browned all over. Now, here’s a key tip: **drain any excess fat** – unless you’re feeling wild, but maybe don’t for optimal deliciousness.
3. Spice it Up: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let those spices cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, until they’re fragrant and have mingled nicely with the sausage. This really wakes up the flavors!
4. Pile on the Good Stuff: Dump in the undrained diced tomatoes, the rinsed and drained beans, and the drained corn. Pour in the broth. Give it all a good stir to combine.
5. Let it Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it bubble away for 10-15 minutes. This is where all those amazing flavors get to know each other really well.
6. Cheesy Business: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in about half of your shredded cheese until it’s melted and gooey. Oh yeah!
7. Bake to Perfection (Optional, but Recommended!): If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese. Pop it into a preheated oven at **375°F (190°C)** for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy. If you don’t have an oven-safe dish or just want to skip baking, you can just cover the skillet/pot for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
8. Serve it Up: Spoon this deliciousness over fluffy cooked rice, tuck it into warm tortillas, or serve it with a side of cornbread. Dig in, you culinary genius!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is practically foolproof, there are a few rookie errors we can easily dodge. Don’t worry, I got your back!

• **Forgetting to preheat the oven:** You’re not going to get that glorious golden, crispy cheese crust if you don’t. Rookies often skip this step, but not you, my friend!
• **Skipping the draining of sausage fat:** Unless you want a grease slick instead of a delicious, hearty dinner, give that excess fat the boot. Trust me, it makes a difference.
• **Undercooking your onions:** No one wants crunchy, raw onions in their bake, trust me. Cook ’em until they’re translucent and happy – they’ll add sweetness and depth.
• **Being shy with spices:** Bland food is a sin! **Taste as you go**, and don’t be afraid to add a little more chili powder or salt if it feels like it needs a kick.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for. No worries, this bake is super flexible!

• **Meat:** No sausage? Ground beef, ground turkey, or even a mix of ground pork and beef will work beautifully. For a vegetarian version, ditch the meat entirely and add extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground crumble. Just adjust cooking time, obviously.
• **Beans:** Any canned beans are fair game! Chickpeas, cannellini, even great northern beans. Whatever your pantry whispers, go with it.
• **Veggies:** Got a lonely bell pepper, zucchini, or even some spinach lurking in your fridge? Chop ’em up and toss ’em in with the onion. More veggies, more happy!
• **Cheese:** Any melty cheese is fine. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. Go wild, or stick to what’s cheap and on hand.
• **Spicy Factor:** If you like things with a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat!) with the onions. For the adventurous palate!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got (casual) answers!

1. Q: Can I make this vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Ditch the sausage and use extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground crumble. You won’t miss a beat, and it’ll still be incredibly hearty.
2. Q: How long does this keep in the fridge? A: About 3-4 days in an airtight container. Honestly, it often tastes even better the next day, FYI!
3. Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: You betcha! It freezes beautifully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers, thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat gently. Perfect for future “I don’t wanna cook” nights.
4. Q: My family doesn’t like spicy food. What do I do? A: Easy peasy! Use mild sausage, go light on the chili powder (or omit it if they’re super sensitive), and skip any added cayenne or jalapeños. It’ll still be bursting with delicious, savory flavor.
5. Q: Do I really need to rinse the beans? A: For best flavor, yes! It also helps reduce sodium. A quick rinse under cold water makes a difference, so don’t be lazy – you’ve got this.
6. Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe dish that big? A: No sweat! You can just cook the whole thing on the stovetop from start to finish. After stirring in the first half of the cheese, top with the rest, cover the pot, and let the residual heat melt the cheese for 5-10 minutes. Still amazing!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, friend! A dish that’s easy on the wallet, big on flavor, and guaranteed to silence even the hungriest family members (at least for a little while). Go forth, conquer your kitchen, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your minimal labor. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!