Cheap crock pot: 45 Cheap Crock-Pot Meals for Busy Nights I Taste of Home

45 Cheap Crock-Pot Meals for Busy Nights I Taste of Home

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.

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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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How do you save money on groceries? Share your tips with us!

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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, Georgia

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This is a fabulous slow-cooker ranch chicken recipe that we have passed around to all our friends, especially those who have young children. It’s wonderful for a cold winter night or a hot summer day when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Serve it as a weeknight family dinner or for a large group. —Sonya Stark, West Jordan, Utah

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My husband and I really enjoy this delicious meat loaf made with onion soup mix. You only need five ingredients to assemble this easy entree before popping it in the slow cooker. —Rhonda Cowden, Quincy, Illinois

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Convenient frozen veggies and hash browns make this meaty soup a snap to mix up. 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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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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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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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 Virginia

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For all of your slow-cooker groceries, here’s what experts recommend about grocery shopping on a budget.

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Because I’m a full-time mom and help my husband on our ranch, I’m always looking for simple yet hearty meals for the slow cooker. My family really likes this one. —Colleen Faber, Buffalo, Montana

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For a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York

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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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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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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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“This moist pork tenderloin in a savory gravy is the best you’ll ever taste,” promises Donna Hughes of Rochester, New Hampshire. Prepared with canned soups, it couldn’t be easier to assemble.

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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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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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This slow cooker dump dinner is one of my go-to’s. The lighter chicken is a nice alternative to pulled pork. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin

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When my husband packs these saucy slow-cooked meatballs in his lunch, all his work buddies wish they had their own! It’s comfort food at its easiest. — Christina Logan, Gun Barrel City, Texas

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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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I fell in love with the spicy aromas in this sweet potato lentil stew. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas

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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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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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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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This recipe is creamy, warm, satisfying and fairly inexpensive—and it needs just a few ingredients! Who could ask for more on a cold winter evening? I will admit, though, that I have been known to make it during summer, too. —Jason Kretzer, Grants Pass, Oregon

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These flavorful tostadas are super easy and family-friendly. You won’t believe how tender and juicy the chicken comes out. Just load the tostadas with your favorite fresh toppings, and you’ll have one simple, sensational meal. —Lisa Kenny, Houston, Texas

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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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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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In our house, this recipe is a win-win. It’s easy for me to whip up and easy for my family to devour…the crusty bread for dipping doesn’t hurt, either. —Linda Haglund, Buffalo, Minnesota

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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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You only need five ingredients to fix this thick and flavorful stew. It’s so easy to make and always a favorite with my family. I top bowls of it with a sprinkling of shredded cheese. —Teresa D’Amato, East Granby, Connecticut

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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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The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania

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My husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooker chuck roast recipe is terrific. You’ll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Here’s a real sensation: Asian-style slow-cooker chicken thighs and rice. They always go over big with my family. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin

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This easy turkey recipe is sure to be popular in your home. Everyone will love the taste, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. —Heidi Vawdrey, Riverton, Utah

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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, Indiana

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These are the best cheap dinner ideas that you’ll want to try out.

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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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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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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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My 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

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Originally Published: May 13, 2022

Rachel Seis

As deputy editor for Taste of Home magazine, Rachel has her hand in everything you see from cover to cover, from writing and editing articles to taste-testing recipes to ensuring every issue is packed with fun and fabulous content. She’ll roll up her sleeves to try any new recipe in the kitchen—from spicy Thai dishes (her favorite!) to classic Southern comfort food (OK…also her favorite). When she’s not busy thinking of her next meal, Rachel can be found practicing yoga, going for a run, exploring National Parks and traveling to new-to-her cities across the country.

40+ Budget Friendly Slow Cooker Recipes

Want to maximize your time AND money? Slow cookers and Crock Pots are your friend. Make big batches of delicious soups, stews, or slow-cooked meats to stash in your freezer or eat all week. These slow cooker recipes will keep your fridge stocked with little effort or expense.

Best Slow Cooker Recipes

Want to maximize your time AND money? Slow cookers to the rescue. These slow cooker recipes will keep your fridge stocked with little effort.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

$14.08 recipe / $1.41 per cup

Use your slow cooker to make this incredible Beef Stew full of aromatic rosemary and garlic, fork-tender beef, and colorful vegetables.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

$9.48 recipe / $1.19 serving

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is an easy way to cook the most tender and juicy pork ever. It’s great on tacos, sandwiches, burritos and more.

Slow Cooker Meatball Subs

$19.43 recipe / $2.43 each

These Slow Cooker Meatball Subs are extra tender and flavorful thanks to a low and slow simmer in marinara sauce.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

$8. 34 recipe / $2.09 serving

Seasoned chicken breast and tangy BBQ sauce are slow cooked until tender and delicious. Perfect for sandwiches, nachos, pizza, and more.

Slow Cooker Cabbage and Sausage

$7.80 recipe / $1.30 serving

Slow cooker cabbage and sausage is an easy, hands-free way to make a delicious, filling, and cozy meal. Perfect for meal prep!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

$4.40 recipe / $0.63 per cup

Let the slow cooker do all the work for you when you make this big batch of freezer-friendly homemade spaghetti sauce.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

$12.65 recipe / $1.58 serving

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is tender, juicy, tangy, and rich all at the same time! Perfect for sandwiches, nachos, salads, pizza, and more.

Slow Cooker Chili Rubbed Pulled Pork

$4.51 recipe / $0.75 serving

Chili Rubbed Pulled Pork is a tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that can be used for tacos, nachos, burritos, salads, and more!

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

$2. 99 recipe / $0.50 serving

Slow cooker mashed potatoes are the perfect hands-off method for making rich and creamy mashed potatoes for the Holidays!

Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

$9.88 recipe / $1.65 serving

This super easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew is simple, comforting food at its best. And the leftovers are even better the next day!

Easy Slow Cooker White Bean Soup

$3.36 recipe / $0.56 serving

This Slow Cooker White Bean Soup practically makes itself! Just throw everything into the pot and press go for a thick, flavorful, and filling vegan soup.

A set of pots cheap in Engels: 500-items: free shipping, 58% off [click here]

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