Slow-Cooker Split Pea SoupWhen I have leftover ham in the fridge, I always like to make this soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow-cooker, turn it on, and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I like to make this slow-cooker split pea soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
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Vegetarian Red Bean ChiliFor a vegetarian red bean chili that meat lovers would like, this recipe is healthy and tastes great. It takes just a few minutes to prepare, then the chili simmers in the slow cooker leaving me free to do something else. I top bowls with shredded cheddar cheese.—Connie Barnett, Athens, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Beef and BroccoliI love introducing my kids to all kinds of flavors. This Asian-inspired slow-cooker meal is one of their favorites, so I serve it often. —Brandy Stansbury Edna, Texas
Buffalo Chicken ChiliThis Buffalo chicken chili is rich in the best way. The cream cheese, blue cheese and tangy hot sauce join forces for a dinner recipe everyone will love. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Pulled Pork SandwichesLet the slow cooker do the work for you and enjoy these tangy, tasty pulled pork sandwiches with minimal hands-on effort required.
Slow-Cooker Ranch ChickenSlow-cooker ranch chicken is perfect for busy weeknights! Tender chicken coated in a velvety sauce is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when it's topped with the decadent combo of bacon and cheddar cheese.
Slow-Cooker Chicken TacosOur fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Lipton Onion Soup Meat LoafOur Lipton onion soup meat loaf recipe uses a clever shortcut to add plenty of flavor with minimal prep time. Make it in the slow cooker for an easy dinner.
Slow-Cooker Chicken and RiceThis slow-cooker chicken and rice is healthy, budget-friendly and quick to prepare.
Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ ChickenI live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma
fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Slow-Cooked Beef Vegetable SoupConvenient frozen veggies and hash browns make this meaty soup a snap to make. Simply brown the ground beef, then stir everything together to simmer all day. It's wonderful served with bread and a salad. —Carol Calhoun, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Beef and BarleyI like to serve this to company. I'm not sure where the recipe originated for this country-style dish, but I have had it for years and rely on it when I'm hosting a meal for a group. —Linda Ronk, Melbourne, Florida
Slow-Cooker Stuffed PeppersMake dinner a breeze with slow-cooker stuffed peppers. These flavorful peppers are filled with a delicious combination of South American inspired ingredients, making them a hit with the whole family.
Poor Man’s SteakPoor man's steak combines ground beef with crackers to create a comforting steak dinner that fits any budget. We'll give tips for how to make this poor man's steak recipe in the slow cooker, in the oven or on the stovetop.
For all your slow-cooker groceries, here's what experts recommend about
grocery shopping on a budget.
Soy Garlic ChickenPrepare this soy garlic chicken in about 10 minutes after lunch, and by the time dinner rolls around, you'll have a true treat of an entree ready.
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour MeatballsEnjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with these easy-to-make slow-cooker sweet and sour meatballs. Featuring a delicious sauce for Crockpot meatballs, this dish is sure to become a regular.
California Tamale PieWith black beans, corn and gooey Monterey Jack, California tamale pie brings bold flavor to your weeknight routine.
Kielbasa and SauerkrautYou'll love this hearty kielbasa and sauerkraut meal on cold winter nights. The tender apples, kraut and smoked sausage give it a heartwarming old-world flavor, and it's a bonus that the prep time is short.
Cabbage Barley SoupMy neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian soup was the clear winner. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Pork Tenderloin with MushroomsEnjoy a hearty, comforting meal with this pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, delivering a tender and flavorful dish on busy weeknights.
Sweet Orange ChickenThis orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Shredded Buffalo ChickenThis easy shredded buffalo chicken recipe slow-cooks your favorite buffalo wing sauce with ranch dressing and chicken breasts. Make them as spicy (or not) as you like.
Zippy Bean StewThis bean stew is a staple for my co-workers and me once the weather turns cool. Although this is a low-fat dish, it definitely doesn't taste like it! —Debbie Matthews, Bluefield, West Virginia
Sweet Potato Lentil StewYou'll want to make enough for second helpings of this aromatic and zesty Sweet Potato Lentil Soup that will satisfy your comfort food craving while delivering a mega dose of healthy veggies.
Slow-Cooker Stuffed ShellsThere's no need to precook the shells in this simple pasta dish. It's almost like magic when you open the lid and find the deliciousness waiting in the slow cooker. Add garlic bread and you're golden! —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Chicken StroganoffThis slow-cooker chicken stroganoff takes just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, but it's still rich and comforting. If you need a reason to dust off your slow cooker, this is it.
Chicken TostadasA couple of smart shortcut ingredients, specifically taco seasoning and canned tomatoes with green chiles, make these chicken tostadas a snap to assemble.
Meatball TortelliniI combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana
Slow-Cooker Ham and Potato SoupDeliciously comforting and incredibly convenient, this slow-cooker ham and potato soup combines tender potatoes and savory ham in a creamy broth, making it the perfect hassle-free meal for any busy day.
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & PeasSome amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Citrus-Herb Pork RoastThe genius combination of seasonings and citrus in this tender roast reminds us why we cherish tasty recipes. It's nice to serve with hot noodles to soak up any extra citrus gravy. —Laura Brodine, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Slow-Cooker Chuck RoastPacked with tender beef and vegetables and served in a rich gravy, this slow-cooker chuck roast is a hearty, delicious dinner any night of the week.
Conga Lime PorkDinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken ChiliMy friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas
Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot RoastThis dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Italian Beef SandwichesWith only a few ingredients, this roast beef is a snap to throw together. And after cooking all day, the meat is wonderfully tender. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah
Coney Island Hot DogsHot dogs might be an American classic, but each of us has our own regional favorite that we’ll defend against all others. Make this Coney Island hot dogs recipe and you’ll be rooting for Detroit. It’s the meat sauce that sets this tasty hot dog apart.
Teriyaki Chicken ThighsSlow-cooker teriyaki chicken thighs could not be more packed with flavor, nor could this recipe be much easier to prepare. So pull out the crockpot and get your taste buds ready.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla SoupDon't be shy about loading up the spices and shredded chicken into your slow cooker. Chicken tortilla soup tastes amazing as leftovers the next day. Your family will thank you for this one! — Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Slow-Cooker Beef StewThis slow-cooker beef stew recipe certainly satisfies when it's chilly outside. Each spoonful delivers tender bites of beef, creamy potatoes and chunky vegetables in a rich mustard-seasoned broth.
Country Rib SandwichesPerfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida
Sweet-and-Sour Beef StewThis chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
Shredded Beef au JusMy mom found this recipe in a farm journal soon after she and my dad got married. The tender beef has been a family favorite for years, and my dad often requests it. —Danielle Brandt, Ruthton, Minnesota
Cheap Slow-Cooker Recipes FAQ
What is the best meat to use for budget family dinners?
The best meats for budget family dinners are inexpensive and versatile, like chicken thighs, ground beef and large roasts of tough meat, like pork shoulder. Even within these categories, there will be ways to save a little more, like choosing bone-in meat over boneless or buying a
whole chicken and cutting it up yourself. Compare the price across different ground meats, since leaner grinds can cost more per pound. If there is a sale on your favorite cut of meat, buy some extra and freeze it to use another time.
What cost-saving, slow-cooked dishes are easy enough for a beginner?
Chili, pulled pork and chicken with rice are all cost-saving, slow-cooked dishes that are easy enough for beginners. These types of recipes need minimal prep or chopping, and the ingredients are easy to find at any supermarket. If you’re new to using a slow cooker, remember a few
helpful slow-cooker tips: keep the lid on, don’t overfill it and layer the ingredients properly for even cooking.
What easy slow cooker ideas are good for freezing?
Soups, stews, shredded meats and casseroles are excellent slow cooker meals to make and freeze for later. These dishes thaw and reheat easily on busy nights and only need a simple side, like a steamed vegetable or some crusty bread, to make a complete dinner. For best results when
freezing food, portion the cooled dish into airtight containers or freezer bags and label with the date. To save on freezer space, lay bags flat until frozen and then stack on top of each other or side by side, like books on a shelf.
