Ground Beef Casserole Topped with Bacon | Budget Friendly Meal

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheese cuts calories while maintaining flavor.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often cheaper.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: elbow macaroni

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while elbow macaroni is often less expensive.

Cook onion until lightly browned in one tbsp. oil or butter.

Add ground beef and brown.

Pour off half of the grease if using ground beef.

Stir in cooked rice, tomatoes, and seasonings.

Put into 2 ½ qt. casserole.

Top with bacon.

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until bacon is crisp, approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens