Looking to save money while still enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals? Your crockpot might just be your best kitchen companion. With minimal prep and affordable ingredients, slow cookers are perfect for creating hearty meals without breaking the bank. In this article, we’re sharing 5 cheap crockpot recipes that are budget-friendly, full of flavor, and easy enough for any night of the week.
Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for two, or just want to meal prep for the week, these recipes will help you eat well without overspending. Let’s dive into these delicious and cost-effective crockpot meals!
1. Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Why It’s Cheap:
Chicken thighs are often less expensive than breasts, and rice is one of the most budget-friendly pantry staples.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add rice, broth, and cream soup to the bottom of the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place chicken on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve warm and enjoy a creamy, filling dish that stretches your dollar.
2. Slow Cooker Pinto Bean Chili
Why It’s Cheap:
Beans are the ultimate cheap protein. A few canned or dried beans can go a long way, especially when combined with tomatoes and spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans pinto beans (or 1½ cups dried beans, soaked overnight)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water or broth
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine and cover.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips.
Budget Tip: Buy dry beans in bulk and soak them yourself to save even more money.
3. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Why It’s Cheap:
Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is one of the cheapest cuts of meat and perfect for slow cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2–3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt, pepper, and paprika
- Hamburger buns for serving
Instructions:
- Season the pork with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place sliced onions in the bottom of the crockpot, then place the pork on top.
- Pour in BBQ sauce and broth.
- Cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until pork is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred pork using two forks and stir into the sauce.
- Serve on buns with coleslaw or pickles for a satisfying, affordable sandwich.
4. Crockpot Lentil Soup
Why It’s Cheap:
Lentils are inexpensive, high in protein, and perfect for soups that last for days.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups dried lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until lentils are soft.
- Optional: Use an immersion blender to make it partially creamy.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Bonus: This soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch and store leftovers for later.
5. Cheesy Crockpot Potatoes and Sausage
Why It’s Cheap:
Potatoes are incredibly affordable, and pairing them with a small amount of sausage adds flavor without a big cost.
Ingredients:
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Optional: Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Layer potatoes and sausage in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream, milk, cheese, and seasonings.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes and sausage.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Tips for Saving Money on Crockpot Recipes
Here are a few ways to stretch your dollar even more while using your crockpot:
- Buy in bulk: Stock up on beans, rice, and canned goods when they’re on sale.
- Use store brands: They’re often just as good as name brands but at a lower price.
- Freeze leftovers: Double your batch and freeze half for another meal.
- Shop seasonal produce: Veggies like carrots, onions, and potatoes are cheap year-round.
- Plan your meals: Use one protein (like chicken thighs) in multiple dishes throughout the week.
Final Thoughts on Cheap Crockpot Recipes
Eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With these 5 cheap crockpot recipes, you can enjoy delicious, filling meals while sticking to your budget. Crockpots do the heavy lifting, making dinner easier and more affordable than ever. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just want simple meal prep, these recipes are guaranteed to save you time and money.
Try one (or all) of these recipes this week and see just how satisfying budget-friendly slow cooking can be!