11 Delicious, Healthy and Cheap Crock Pot Recipes
Easy and cheap Crock Pot recipes are exactly the kind of comfort food we need. Making one of these slow cooker meals is a great way to satisfy those cravings without breaking the bank.
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We love our Crock Pot, it keeps our sides warm at Thanksgiving and our dips and wings hot during the Super Bowl. But they’re not just for holidays, they save regular weeknights too.
Crockpot recipes check all the boxes: prep time is minimum, they do all the work while you’re at work, and when dinner time rolls around there’s a hearty meal waiting for you. Answering our every prayer on busy weeknights.
I consider it an extra bonus if they’re budget-friendly as well. These slow cooker recipes are just that. They all feed a family of four for less than 5 bucks a person (some much less) but are still every bit as hearty and delicious as you’d expect from your favorite slow cooked dinner, with very little effort. The easiest way to save money is to cook at home!
Who doesn’t love a soul-satisfying dinner recipe that cost next to nothing? Here’s 11 slow-cooker recipes that will help you save money and save your sanity. When times are tough, remember, vegetables, beans, pasta, and rice are your friends.
If you are a slow cooker fan like me, I’ve got 13 healthy crockpot chicken recipes for you to browse as well.
11 Cheap Crock Pot Recipes
1. Caldo de Pollo Crock Pot Recipe from ¡Hola! Jalapeño
A simple recipe for chicken soup but with a Mexican twist from the addition of jalapeños, marjoram, and mint. The broth on this soup is incredible thanks to using a whole chicken instead of boneless pieces. Plus using a whole chicken is a lot more meat for your money. Let the chicken cook low and slow then shred it removing the skin and bones as you go.
2. Saucy Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook
This easy recipe for crockpot meatballs is a winner! My dear friend Katie shared this recipe and I love that they are on the healthier side thanks to using ground turkey and the sauce comes together quickly with a few pantry favorites like canned tomatoes, dried oregano, and fennel seeds. Believe me everyone at the table will be happy. Serve with my roasted cauliflower with pickled cherry peppers and some crusty bread.
3. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches from Spoon Fork Bacon
Sandwiches just make the best weeknight dinners especially when they’re made with tender bbq pulled pork and crunchy slaw. Using tougher cuts of meat like pork shoulder aren’t only more flavorful but also less expensive. The slaw has fresh pineapple which is such a nice sweet touch. Thank you Teri and Jenny for creating one of our favorite easy slow cooker recipes!
4. Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup from ¡Hola! Jalapeño
Take classic chicken tortilla soup and then add a creamy tang of sour cream and you have a slow cooker dinner made in heaven. This version of chicken tortilla soup is a family fave, a tad bit spicy, creamy, and warming. Top the bowls fried tortilla strips or just crush up some tortilla chips—so easy and so good. Leftovers are amazing too, making this perfect for meal prep.
5. Slow Cooker Korean Chicken with Mango Salsa from Yes to Yolks
Winter is the season for warm and cozy chicken dinners but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be bright and cheery. Molly slow cooks the chicken in a mixture of gochujang, ginger, honey, and soy. Use chicken thighs for this easy meal, they’re more flavorful and cost less! The mango salsa adds a bit of sweetness and fresh flavor.
6. Crock Pot Borracho Beans {Frijoles Borrachos} from ¡Hola! Jalapeño
Pinto beans are made for crock pots. The low and slow cooking creates tender, fluffy beans. This is one of my go-to recipes for an easy bean side dish, burrito filling, enjoy as a soup, the options are endless for cheap meal ideas. The bacon gives it a smoky kick but you could leave it out for a vegan recipe. Don’t skip the beer though, it adds such good malty flavor.
7. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese from Britney Breaks Bread
This may be a cheap slow cooker meal made from simple ingredients, but it feels very special—Britney’s good like that. It has the perfect amount of spice from buffalo sauce and pepper jack cheese plus cheddar to mellow it out. This crockpot mac calls for rotisserie chicken but you could cook your own chicken thighs to cut down on the cost.
8. New Orleans Red Beans and Rice from Cooks With Soul
Big batches of rice and beans are the way to go when having friends over. They’re cozy and totally affordable and this recipe is particularly delicious with smoked ham hocks, red kidney beans, green pepper, and Creole seasoning. Marrekus and Krysten always bring the southern comfort food!
9. Slow Cooker Cajun BBQ Chicken from My Diary of Us
Another delicious Cajun recipe from Leigh Ann, this crockpot chicken makes awesome sandwiches or even just served with rice, mashed potatoes or as a filling for baked sweet potatoes. The recipe also suggests serving the chicken on top of a crunchy salad or as tacos with pico de gallo.
10. Vegan Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Another one of our favorite easy crockpot meals. This simple dinner is full of bell peppers, tender chickpeas, sweet potatoes, beets, and lots of warm spices. It is a healthy soup that tastes even better the next day.
11. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham & Potatoes
This is an easy dish to make ahead and have all week for lunches and busy nights. Slow-cooker split pea soup is a great way to use up leftover ham and is a delicious dinner with a side of cornbread.
More Inexpensive Recipes You’ll Love!
In case you’re looking for some more cheap eats, here are few:
