How about a good, inexpensive casserole?

Alton Brown?

Yup. And his take was basically what others have said, a casserole is a main ingredient, a starch, and some sort of binder. Just use basic pantry staples and leftovers, whatever is hanging around.

Alton Brown is very popular on the Dope. His show, Good Eats, just closed after 14 seasons, although he will be making a few specials.