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30 Budget-Friendly Crockpot Meals That Save Time & Money

By: Shivani Choudhary
Updated On: November 14, 2024

When life gets busy, and we're all trying to save a few bucks, the crockpot becomes my best friend. It’s like having a personal chef that doesn’t judge when I barely have time to breathe, let alone cook. Using this fabulous kitchen gadget not only saves precious time but also keeps my wallet happy.

Today, I am excited to share with you my favorite 30 budget-friendly crockpot meals that save time & money. These meals are super easy to prepare, packed full of flavor, and perfect for those hectic days when all you want is a hot meal without the fuss.

Budget-Friendly Crockpot Meals

1. Slow Cooker Chili

A hearty and filling dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
  2. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  4. Serve hot.

2. Chicken Taco Soup

A tex-mex favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
  2. Add all other ingredients.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  4. Shred chicken before serving.

3. Beef Stroganoff

Comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet brown gravy mix
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine meat, soup, and onion in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
  3. Stir in sour cream and gravy mix, cook for additional 30 minutes.
  4. Serve over noodles or rice.

4. BBQ Pulled Pork

Perfect for sandwiches.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb pork shoulder
  • 1 bottle BBQ sauce
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season pork and place in the crockpot.
  2. Add onion and pour BBQ sauce over top.
  3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
  4. Shred pork and mix with sauce before serving.

5. Vegetarian Lentil Stew

Packed with plant-based goodness.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups lentils
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
  3. Serve with crusty bread.

6. Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet and savory delight.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
  2. Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ketchup; pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  4. Serve over rice.

7. Potato Soup

Warm and comforting.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • Bacon bits (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Place potatoes, onion, and broth in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and cheese; cook additional 30 minutes.
  4. Top with bacon bits if desired.

8. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Italian classic made easy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1 packet Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • Spaghetti pasta

Instructions:

  1. Mix beef, seasoning, breadcrumbs, and egg; form into meatballs.
  2. Place meatballs in the crockpot and cover with sauce.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  4. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

9. Chicken and Dumplings

Southern comfort without the effort.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can biscuits, cut into quarters
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken, soup, broth, onion, and carrots in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  3. Add biscuit pieces and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
  4. Serve hot.

10. Vegetable Curry

Full of flavors and healthy veggies.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  3. Serve over rice or with naan bread.

11. Beef and Broccoli

Better than takeout.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef strips
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Place beef, soy sauce, broth, and garlic in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 5 hours, add broccoli.
  3. Cook an additional hour.
  4. Serve over rice.

12. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Rich and flavorful.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine tomatoes, onion, broth, and basil in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  3. Blend with cream and cook for another 30 minutes.
  4. Serve with grilled cheese.

13. Pork Carnitas

Fantastic for taco night.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb pork shoulder
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano

Instructions:

  1. Place pork in the crockpot, add remaining ingredients.
  2. Cook on low for 8 hours.
  3. Shred pork and serve in tortillas.

14. Spinach Artichoke Dip

Perfect for parties.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package frozen spinach, thawed
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
  3. Serve with bread or crackers.

15. Teriyaki Chicken

Sweet and savory goodness.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
  2. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and garlic; pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
  4. Serve with steamed rice.

16. Sausage and Peppers

A delight for your taste buds.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage links
  • 3 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Place sausage, peppers, onion, and tomatoes in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  3. Serve on hoagie rolls or over pasta.

17. Corn Chowder

An easy and hearty meal.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups corn kernels
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine corn, broth, onion, and potatoes in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  3. Stir in heavy cream before serving.
  4. Optional: Blend some of the soup for a thicker consistency.

18. Shepherd’s Pie

Classic comfort food.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 can peas
  • 1 packet brown gravy mix
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
  2. Place beef, corn, peas, and gravy mix in the crockpot.
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  4. Top with mashed potatoes, cook for an additional 30 minutes.

19. Chicken and Rice

Simple and satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken, rice, broth, and onion in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  3. Serve hot.

20. Beef Tacos

Quick and flavorful.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • Taco shells and toppings

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain fat.
  2. Place beef, seasoning, and salsa in the crockpot.
  3. Cook on low for 4 hours.
  4. Serve in taco shells with toppings.

21. Macaroni and Cheese

Cheesy and delightful.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve hot.

22. White Chicken Chili

Creamy and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 1 can white beans
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 can diced green chiles
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken, beans, corn, chiles, and broth in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  3. Stir in cream cheese before serving.

23. Eggplant Parmesan

Healthy and hearty.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant, sliced
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Layer eggplant, sauce, and cheeses in the crockpot.
  2. Top with breadcrumbs.
  3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
  4. Serve over spaghetti.

24. Thai Peanut Chicken

Nutty and rich in flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
  2. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic; pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  4. Serve over rice or noodles.

25. Spanish Rice

Great as a side or main dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
  3. Fluff with fork before serving.

26. Ratatouille

A medley of vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 eggplant, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
  3. Serve as a side or over pasta.

27. Mongolian Beef

Sweet and tangy Asian favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef strips
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Place beef, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and onion in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 5 hours.
  3. Serve over rice or noodles.

28. Stuffed Peppers

Hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers, tops removed and gutted
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup rice, cooked
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

  1. Mix beef, rice, and tomatoes, stuff into peppers.
  2. Place stuffed peppers in the crockpot.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  4. Top with cheddar cheese, cook additional 15 minutes.

29. Cajun Chicken Pasta

Spicy and creamy.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp cajun seasoning
  • Pasta of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken, cream, tomatoes, pepper, onion, and seasoning in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
  3. Serve over cooked pasta.

30. Jambalaya

A true southern classic.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb sausage, sliced
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup shrimp
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups rice, uncooked
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp cajun seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Place sausage, chicken, onion, pepper, broth, rice, tomatoes, and seasoning in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  3. Add shrimp and cook an additional 30 minutes.
  4. Serve hot.

Conclusion

These crockpot recipes are my go-to solutions for busy days and tight budgets. So dust off your slow cooker, and dive into these easy, delicious meals that will make dinner stress-free and economical. Enjoy!

Food Lover and Storyteller ????️✨ With a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, Shivani brings her culinary adventures to life through evocative words and tantalizing tastes. Her love for food knows no bounds, and she's on a mission to share the magic of flavors with fellow enthusiasts.
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