When your schedule's full and your wallet's empty, meal planning can be a challenge. These cheap Crock-Pot meals come together with inexpensive ingredients and pantry staples for a hearty meal for less.
44 Budget-Friendly Slow-Cooker Recipes
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Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
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 Chili
For 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, GeorgiaCheck these mouthwatering crock pot appetizers which is super easy to make and perfect for a party or a Sunday afternoon get togethers.
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Buffalo Chicken Chili
This 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
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Slow-Cooker Ranch Chicken
Slow-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.Here’s a look at our most popular slow-cooker recipes from 2023.
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Lipton Onion Soup Meat Loaf
Our 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.
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Slow-Cooked Beef Vegetable Soup
Convenient 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
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Beef and Barley
I 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
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Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers
My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Poor Man's Steak
These flavorful "steaks" fit into everybody's budget. A special friend shared the recipe, and I think of her each time I make it. - Susan Wright, Mineral Wells, West VirginiaFor all of your slow-cooker groceries, here’s what experts recommend about grocery shopping on a budget.
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Soy Garlic Chicken
Prepare 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.
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Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Enjoy 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.
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California Tamale Pie
When I serve California Tamale Pie, I know I’ll see smiles on the faces of everyone at the table. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy the taste and texture of classic tamales, without the time and hassle. —Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
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Polish Kraut with Apples
The combination of apples, sauerkraut and smoked sausage gives this hearty dinner an old-world flavor. I enjoy this, and it's so easy to make. —Caren Markee, Cary, Illinois
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Cabbage Barley Soup
My 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
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Pork Tenderloin with Mushrooms
Enjoy 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.
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Chunky Chicken Cacciatore
This healthy pasta recipe is so versatile! Look in your fridge for anything else you want to throw in, like red pepper, mushrooms, extra zucchini—you name it. And if you're a vegetarian, go ahead and leave out the chicken. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, Utah
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Sweet Orange Chicken
This 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
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Shredded Buffalo Chicken
Hot wings meets pulled chicken in this easy Crock-pot chicken recipe. Your favorite buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing and chicken breasts are slow-cooked for a mouthwatering shredded Buffalo chicken recipe that can be made as spicy (or not) as you like and served in a myriad of ways.
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Zippy Bean Stew
This 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
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Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
You'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.
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Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
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Slow-Cooker Stuffed Shells
There'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
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
This 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.
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Chicken Tostadas
A couple of smart shortcut ingredients, specifically taco seasoning and canned tomatoes with green chiles, make these chicken tostadas a snap to assemble.
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Meatball Tortellini
I 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
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Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I 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
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Slow-Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Deliciously 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.
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Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & Peas
Some 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
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Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
The 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
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Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Let the slow cooker do the work for you and enjoy these tangy, tasty pulled pork sandwiches with minimal hands-on effort required.
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Slow-Cooker Chuck Roast
Packed 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.
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Conga Lime Pork
Dinner 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
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Creamy Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili
My 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
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Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot Roast
This dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Mexican Chicken Chili
Corn and black beans give this satisfying chili a Mexican flair the whole family will love. Adjust the cayenne if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio
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Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
My mom made the best Italian beef. I’ve added to it over the years, but it’s still her recipe. She made these Italian beef sandwiches for family reunions, and there were never leftovers. —Mary McVey, Colfax, North Carolina
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Chili Coney Dogs
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
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Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Slow-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.
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Don’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
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Zesty Beef Stew
Preparation couldn't be simpler for this hearty no-fuss stew! I created this dish when I didn't have some of my usual ingredients for vegetable beef soup. My husband says it's the best I ever made! —Margaret Turza, South Bend, IndianaThese are the best cheap dinner ideas that you’ll want to try out.
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Country Rib Sandwiches
Perfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida
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Bacon-Beef Barley Soup
Here’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan
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Sweet-and-Sour Beef Stew
This chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
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