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Keep your wallet and stomach full with these cheap crockpot meals! Your family will devour them and you’ll love that they’re budget-friendly and easy to make too.

Keep your wallet and stomach full with these cheap crockpot meals! Your family will love them and you'll love how easy they are to make.

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Cheap Crockpot Recipes That Won’t Disappoint

Finding meals that are both easy to prepare and easy on the wallet can sometimes be challenging. That is where the crockpot comes into play. Slow cooking is a great way to take inexpensive cuts of meat and make them taste like a million bucksโ€”fall-apart tender and ultra juicy.

The portions also tend to run large in the crockpot, making for lots of leftovers!

1. White Chicken Chili

Look no further than this white chicken chili for a cheap, easy weeknight meal. The simplicity of the recipe doesn’t carry over into the tasteโ€”you’ll get layers of flavor in every bite!

This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect slow cooker weeknight meal! Creamy with plenty of toppings, this soup recipe is the perfect way to end the day!
Easy White Chicken Chili
This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect slow cooker weeknight meal! Creamy with plenty of toppings, this soup recipe is the perfect way to end the day!
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2. Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Stay within your budget and create a mouthwatering meal with this BBQ chicken from the crockpot. Serve it up on sandwiches, wraps, or on its own to make a budget-friendly dinner the whole family will love.

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
Easy Crock Pot BBQ Chicken needs just four ingredients and is super easy! Let the slow cooker do all the work to turn ordinary chicken into flavorful, tender meat that can be used in so many dishes.
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3. Crockpot Chili

This chili recipe may take several hours to cook, but after one bite, you’ll see that it is truly worth the wait. Good things take time, my friend!

Image of easy slow cooker ground beef chili with beans in a white bowl, topped with sour cream and fresh scallions. A silver spoon is dipped in the bowl.
Crock Pot Chili Recipe
In just 4 steps and as little as 4-6 hours, you'll have a Crock Pot Chili the whole family can't help but gather around. Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and the best chili seasoning – Comfort food at its best!
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4. Crockpot Hot Dogs

Who knew you could make hot dogs in a crock pot?! This recipe is a kid-friendly dinner for sure, and everyone will love customizing their dogs with their favorite toppings.

slow cooker hot dogs
Crock Pot Hot Dogs
Crockpot hot dogs are an easy dinner recipe with an abundance of topping options! This easy recipe is perfect for parties to feed a crowd.
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5. Crockpot Pulled Pork

Go low and slow in the crockpot and turn a tough cut of pork into a fall-apart tender sandwich filling.

Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Crock Pot Pulled Pork! A delicious pork loin is slow roasted in the crockpot and topped with a delicious homemade barbecue sauce for an easy meal idea!
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6. Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Serve this takeout-inspired chicken recipe over rice for an inexpensive dinner with lots of big, bold flavors.

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is coated in the most incredible peanut sauce. Serve it over rice for an easy meal, and garnish with green onions and
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7. Slow Cooker Parsnip and Carrot Soup

This slow cooker parsnip and carrot soup makes for a fabulous winter meal paired with a salad on the side. It’s creamy and delicious!

Slow Cooker Parsnip and Carrot Soup
This slow cooker parsnip and carrot soup is deliciously healthy and satisfying. Itโ€™s a perfect combination of earthy, veg.
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Inexpensive Crockpot Meals for the Whole Family

8. Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

If you love the restaurant version of orange chicken, with its sticky, citrusy sauce, you’ll love this slow cooked recipe. Not only is it cheaper, it’s also lighter since the chicken isn’t deep-fried!

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
This slow cooker orange chicken is breaded chunks of chicken tossed in a sweet and savory Asian sauce and cooked in the crock pot. A take out copycat thatโ€™s perfect for a busy weeknight!
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9. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

You’re only four ingredients away from juicy, delicious slow cooker chicken tacos! This one’s a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser.

plate of slow cooker chicken tacos
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos are one of the best easy chicken meals around!ย  With just 4-ingredients tossed into the slow cooker, you can't go wrong!ย 
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10. Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna

Next time you head to the store to buy groceries, pick up some frozen ravioli, jarred sauce, cheese, and ground beef to make this crockpot ravioli lasagna. It’s the easiest way to make lasagna at home!

Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna
This easy 4-Ingredient Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna recipe comes together in 10 minutes and only takes 3 hours in the slow cooker. Made with frozen ravioli, jarred pasta sauce, ground hamburger, and mozzarella cheese – this is truly a lazy day lasagna!
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11. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Lentils are always on the list when I am looking for filling foods that don’t break the bank. The dish may not look the prettiest, but it is super filling and tasty.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Set and forget vegetarian Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is high in plant based protein, fiber and easy to make in the crock pot.
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12. Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Comfort food dinners don’t always have to be unhealthy! Case in point: this slow cooker red beans and rice. The inexpensive dinner doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice! This vegan red beans and rice recipe is so satisfying and perfect for chilly winter days.
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13. Taco Soup

The soup has everything you love about tacos, including ground beef, beans, corn, and more. Don’t forget to top it with cheese and sour cream!

Taco Soup Recipe
Warm up with this easy Taco Soup recipe, perfect for the stovetop or slow cooker! Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and taco seasoning, itโ€™s a quick, hearty dinner that everyone will love. Ready in no time!
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14. Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

It doesn’t get more comforting than cheesy chicken and noodles from the crockpot. The cheap crockpot meal is perfect for an easy winter dinner when you’re craving something cozy.

noodles with chicken on a white plate
Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles
Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles is the perfect winter slow cooker comfort food. Filled with tender shredded chicken and creamy noodles, this easy recipe will be a new regular on your weekly dinner rotation.
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15. Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this creamy black bean soup. It’ll keep you full and satisfied!

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
Packed with vegetables, flavor, protein, and fiber, this ultra-flavorful and low-calorie Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup is an all around winner!
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16. Crockpot Sausage Cheese and Ravioli Dinner

This crockpot sausage, cheese, and ravioli dinner is full of hearty, satisfying ingredients. Sausage makes it filling and adds SO much flavor too.

Crock Pot Sausage Cheese and Ravioli Dinner
The Crock Pot does all the work in this hearty dinner.
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17. Slow Cooker Meatloaf

This meatloaf is topped with a tangy, sweet glaze, and cooking it in the crockpot keeps it tender and juicy. Perfection!

Slow Cooker Meatloaf
When it comes to easy, flavorful and delicious, this Slow Cooker Meatloaf is it. With a delicious tangy sweet glaze, set it and forget it for the perfect weeknight meal.
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Easy and Cheap Crockpot Meals

18. Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese from a crockpot is always better than mac and cheese from a box! One bite of this recipe and you’ll never want to make it any other way.

Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Perfect for pot-lucks and for making ahead – this Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese is sure to please even the pickiest palette!
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19. Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

Talk about a flavor bomb! These slow cooker queso chicken tacos are cheesy, easy, and completely irresistible.

Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos – only 4 ingredients! Chicken slow-cooked in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chiles, and Mexican cheese dip.
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Cheap Crockpot Recipes For A Crowd

20. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast for dinner is always a hit! Swap around your meals and serve up this breakfast casserole to end your day.

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Assemble this Crockpot Breakfast Casserole recipe before you go to bed, turn on the slow cooker, and wake up to a hearty breakfast!
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21. Potato Soup

Stay within your budget and create a meal that the whole family will love with this potato soup. It’s rich, creamy, and super filling. Top it with bacon for some smoky flavor!

Slow Cooker Potato Soup
This Slow Cooker Potato Soup recipe is thick, creamy, flavorful, and made extra easy in the crock pot!
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22. Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Skip the complicated process of making chicken pot pie and make it into soup instead with this cheap and easy recipe. This chicken pot pie soup takes the filling of the chicken pot pie and serves it in a bowl!

Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is total comfort food! Made in your instant pot, crockpot or on the stove – this yummy soup is paleo, whole30 and SO delicious!
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23. Salsa Chicken

This simple dinner is super economical, but it doesn’t taste that way! It’s loaded with big, bold Tex-Mex flavors.

If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, try this amazing Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken for a meal the whole family will love!
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is an easy slow cooker dish that you can make with ingredients you probably already have on hand!
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24. Crockpot Lasagna

Ditch the complicated process of making lasagna and go the simple route with this crockpot lasagna recipe. You can customize it with your favorite lasagna fillings!

crock pot lasagna
Crock Pot Lasagna
Crock Pot Lasagna means no need for an oven! Lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and cheese made all in the slow cooker. A classic pasta dish ready anytime!
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25. Buffalo Chicken Soup

You’ve had buffalo chicken in dip, wraps, and wings, but have you ever had it in soup? Well, the time has come to give it a try! This recipe is always a winner.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Soup
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Soup: This soup is lighter than buffalo wings with all the robust flavor and it can also be made on the stovetop!
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26. Cocktail Meatballs

You don’t have to throw a party to whip up a batch of cocktail meatballs. They make a great dinner any day of the week, especially piled atop mashed potatoes!

Cocktail Meatballs
Whether you call them cocktail meatballs or grape jelly meatballs, thereโ€™s one word for this recipe: delicious!
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27. Crockpot Turkey Breast

Cooking a whole turkey for dinner is expensive and time-consuming. Go for the simple version, and cook up a turkey breast in your crockpot instead!

slow cooker turkey breast with carrots and celery in a slow cooker
Crockpot Turkey Breast
Say goodbye to dry turkey and hello to this juicy Crockpot Turkey Breast recipe! It turns out perfect every single time. So easy too!
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28. Creamy Crockpot Chicken

There is no lack of flavor with this creamy crockpot chicken. The low and slow cooking in the crockpot allows the chicken to hit its peak both in flavor and texture.

Creamy Crockpot Chicken
This creamy crockpot chicken is easy, delicious, and always a hit with the family! With minimal effort, youโ€™ll get maximum flavor thanks to the slow cooker.
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29. Frozen Meatballs in a Crockpot

The simple and cheap dinner will taste like it was simmering away on the stovetop all afternoon thanks to the crockpot.

How to Make Frozen Meatballs in a Crockpot
Wondering how to make frozen meatballs in aย crockpot? Weโ€™ve got you covered! Hereโ€™s what you need to know.
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30. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

These crockpot chicken fajitas will be a hit with the whole family. The juicy chicken can be topped however you like, making it a win for even the pickiest eater at the table.

Three tortilla shells stuffed with crockpot chicken fajitas.
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
This crockpot chicken fajitas recipe takes a Tex-Mex favorite and makes it even easier by cooking it in a slow cooker! Itโ€™s a kid-friendly dinner that can be customized to your familyโ€™s tastes, so everyone will love it.
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31. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Create a restaurant-worthy meal in your kitchen with this crockpot chicken Alfredo recipe! The rich Alfredo sauce pairs perfectly with juicy white meat chicken.

A plate of crockpot chicken alfredo with a piece of garlic bread on the side.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
This crockpot chicken Alfredo pairs a rich, creamy sauce with juicy slow cooked chicken breast and pasta for a satisfying dinner.
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32. Crockpot Cabbage Rolls

These crockpot cabbage rolls will hit the spot with their flavorful rice and meat filling. It’s a cheap crockpot recipe that tastes even better the next day!

Three slow cooker cabbage rolls on a plate.
Crockpot Cabbage Rolls
Heartyย crockpotย cabbage rolls are the kind of satisfying dinner we all crave on cold winter days! With a rice-and-meat filling and flavorful tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite.
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33. Crockpot Pizza Casserole

The crockpot casserole recipe combines the flavor and toppings of your favorite pizza with ziti pasta to create a kid-friendly dinner you’ll love too!

A wooden spoon lifting a scoop of pizza casserole from a crockpot.
Crockpot Pizza Casserole
Crockpot pizza casserole combines pasta with ground beef, pepperoni, a zesty tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese for a crowd-pleasing dinner!
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34. Crock Pot Spaghetti

Crock pot Spaghetti is both easy on the wallet and on preparation. Thanks to the low and slow cooking time, the flavors meld together beautifully for a delicious comfort food dinner.

Crock Pot Spaghetti
Crock Pot Spaghetti tastes just as good as regular spaghetti but requires way less effort! Simplify your life, and use this quick method to make everyoneโ€™s favorite meal with minimal fuss.
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35. Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

When these slow cooker crack chicken sliders are on the menu, everyone will be asking for seconds! And maybe even thirdsโ€”as the name suggests, they’re pretty darn addictive.

Three slow cooker crack chicken sandwiches.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken combines tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce with a savory Ranch seasoning packet, warm spices, bacon, and cheese for an irresistible dinner!
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More Cheap and Easy Crockpot Ideas

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

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