Let’s be honest, we’ve all had those days. You get home from work or school, the kids are hungry, and the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove for an hour. I’ve been there—staring at a half-empty fridge, wondering how to make a decent meal without spending a fortune.
That is exactly why I fell in love with my slow cooker. It’s like having a little helper in the kitchen that does all the hard work while you’re out living your life. Plus, if you’re looking for cheap crockpot meals for easy budget dinners, you are in the right place!
Today, I’m going to share my favorite “set it and forget it” recipes that are easy on your wallet and totally delicious. We’re talking about simple ingredients, low stress, and flavors that your whole family will actually eat.
Why Slow Cooker Meals are a Lifesaver for Families
If you’re wondering why everyone is obsessed with crockpots, here’s the deal: they save you two of your most precious resources—time and money.
When you cook low and slow, you can use cheaper cuts of meat (like pork shoulder or beef chuck). The slow cooker breaks down the tough fibers, making the meat super tender and juicy. Believe it or not, the “cheap” meat often ends up tasting better than the expensive stuff!
Also, using your crockpot helps you avoid the temptation of ordering expensive takeout. When a warm meal is already waiting for you at home, your bank account will definitely thank you.
1. The Legendary 3-Ingredient Salsa Chicken
I’m starting with this one because it is honestly the easiest meal on the planet. I suggest keeping these ingredients in your pantry at all times for “emergency” dinners.
-
What you need: 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, 1 jar of your favorite salsa, and a packet of taco seasoning.
-
How to do it: Put the chicken in the crockpot, sprinkle the seasoning on top, and pour the salsa over it.
-
Cook time: Low for 6-8 hours or High for 4 hours.
-
The Secret: Once it’s done, shred the chicken with two forks. It soaks up all that salsa juice!
How to serve it: You could try putting this in soft tortillas for taco night, or pile it on top of a big bowl of rice. If you want to be a bit fancy, add some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. It’s pretty much foolproof.
2. Cozy Poor Man’s Stew
The name might sound a bit funny, but this is a classic cheap crockpot meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s packed with veggies and ground beef, making it a very filling dinner for a small price.
-
What you need: 1 lb ground beef (browned first), 4 potatoes (cubed), 3 carrots (sliced), 1 onion, and a can of tomato soup with a bit of water.
-
How to do it: Toss everything into the pot. I usually add a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to make the flavors pop.
-
Cook time: Low for 7-8 hours.
Personally, I love this recipe because potatoes and carrots are some of the cheapest items in the produce aisle. Plus, the ground beef goes a long way when you mix it with all those hearty vegetables.
3. Creamy Ranch Pork Chops
Pork chops can sometimes get dry if you cook them in a pan, but in the slow cooker? They turn out so soft you can cut them with a spoon. This is one of those easy budget dinners that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
-
What you need: 4-6 pork chops, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, and 1 packet of dry Ranch dressing mix.
-
How to do it: Lay the chops in the bottom, mix the soup and ranch together, and spread it over the meat.
-
Cook time: Low for 6 hours.
Imagine coming home to the smell of savory ranch and creamy gravy. You might want to serve this over mashed potatoes or even some simple boiled noodles. Trust me, your kids will lick their plates clean!
4. Vegetarian Lentil & Vegetable Soup
If you really want to save money, going meatless once or twice a week is the way to go. Lentils are incredibly cheap and full of protein. Even if you aren’t a vegetarian, I think you’ll really like how savory this is.
-
What you need: 1 bag of dried brown lentils, 1 box of vegetable broth, diced celery, carrots, and a can of crushed tomatoes.
-
How to do it: Rinse the lentils first (make sure there are no tiny stones!), then dump everything in.
-
Cook time: Low for 8 hours.
Fun fact: Lentils expand a lot, so this recipe makes a massive amount of food. You’ll probably have enough for lunch the next day, which saves you even more money. Talk about a win-win!
5. Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
This is a “set it and forget it” favorite in our house. It’s great for game days or just a busy Tuesday.
-
What you need: A pack of Italian sausages (choose mild if the kids don’t like spice), 2 sliced bell peppers, 1 sliced onion, and a jar of marinara sauce.
-
How to do it: Put the sausages in first, then pile the veggies on top, and cover with sauce.
-
Cook time: Low for 6 hours.
When you’re ready to eat, just pop a sausage and some peppers into a hoagie roll. If you want to get really wild, add a slice of provolone cheese on top and melt it in the oven for a minute. Right? It’s so good!
My Top Tips for Crockpot Success
Before you start throwing things in the pot, let me share a few things I’ve learned over the years. These little tricks will help you get the best results every single time.
Don’t Peek!
I know it’s tempting to lift the lid and see how things are looking, but try to resist! Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it can add 20 minutes to your cooking time. Just let the machine do its thing.
Layering Matters
Hard vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and turnips take longer to cook than meat. Make sure to put them at the very bottom of the crockpot so they are closer to the heat source.
Use Liners for Easy Cleanup
If you hate washing dishes (and who doesn’t?), you might want to buy crockpot liners. They are plastic bags made for slow cookers. When you’re done, you just lift the bag out and throw it away. Simple as that!
Don’t Overfill
Usually, you want your crockpot to be between half-full and two-thirds full. If it’s too full, it might overflow or not cook evenly. If it’s too empty, the food might burn.
How to Save Even More Money on Groceries
Since we are talking about easy budget dinners, let’s look at a few ways to keep that grocery bill down:
-
Buy Generic: Honestly, the store-brand canned beans or soups usually taste exactly like the name brands but cost half as much.
-
Shop the Sales: If pork chops are on sale this week, that’s what we’re having! Plan your crockpot meals around what’s discounted.
-
Frozen Veggies: Did you know frozen vegetables are just as healthy as fresh ones? They are often cheaper and you don’t have to worry about them wilting in the fridge.
-
Bulk Grains: Buy large bags of rice or pasta. They last forever and make a great base for almost any slow cooker meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I put frozen meat in the crockpot?
Actually, it’s usually recommended to thaw your meat first. If the meat is frozen, it takes a long time to reach a safe temperature, which could allow bacteria to grow. To be safe, I suggest taking your meat out of the freezer the night before.
Is it okay to leave the crockpot on while I’m at work?
Yep! That’s exactly what they are designed for. As long as your crockpot is on a flat, heat-safe surface and isn’t pushed right up against a wall, it’s perfectly safe to leave running while you’re out.
My food always comes out watery. What am I doing wrong?
Slow cookers trap steam, which turns into water. If your meal looks too thin, you can try whisking a little cornstarch and water together and stirring it in during the last 30 minutes. That will thicken your sauce right up!
Can I overcook food in a slow cooker?
Yes, you actually can. If you leave chicken in for 12 hours on high, it might become “mushy.” Try to follow the recommended cook times for the best texture.
To Sum It Up
At the end of the day, cooking shouldn’t be a source of stress. These cheap crockpot meals are designed to give you a break while still making sure your family eats a healthy, homemade dinner.
You don’t need to be a professional chef to make these happen. All you need is a few basic ingredients, a slow cooker, and a little bit of planning. You’re not alone in the struggle to balance a budget and a busy schedule, and I truly believe these recipes can help.
So, which one are you going to try first? Maybe the Salsa Chicken for an easy taco Tuesday? Or the Poor Man’s Stew for a chilly evening? Whatever you choose, I know it’s going to be great.
What do you think? If you have a favorite budget-friendly slow cooker recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Happy cooking, and don’t forget to enjoy that extra free time you just saved yourself!