Let me guess—you want dinners that basically cook themselves, don’t cost a fortune, and don’t force you to Google “What can I make with one onion and a questionable bag of rice?” Yeah, I feel that in my soul. I depend on cheap and easy crockpot meals more than I depend on coffee, and trust me, that’s saying something. If you want meals that taste good, save money, and keep you from losing your mind after a long day, you’re in the right place. 🙂

Why Cheap & Easy Crockpot Meals Just Make Sense

Ever wonder why crockpot meals feel like a cheat code for adulthood? Because they are. Slow cookers save time, money, and sanity, and they don’t judge you for eating dinner in sweatpants.

I use my crockpot whenever life gets chaotic—which is basically always. It keeps things simple, predictable, and delicious. And honestly, who doesn’t want that?

Why Crockpot Meals Save You Money

• They stretch ingredients into multiple servings.
• They use cheaper cuts of meat without sacrificing flavor.
• They reduce food waste because everything goes in the pot.
• They prevent last-minute takeout orders, which drain your wallet faster than you expect.

Seriously, ever looked at your bank account after a week of “quick takeout”? Yeah… not cute.

How to Choose Cheap, Flavorful Crockpot Meals

I learned a few simple tricks that make every crockpot meal cheaper and tastier.

Stick to Budget-Friendly Ingredients

Use items like:

• Beans
• Rice
• Pasta
• Potatoes
• Frozen veggies
• Chicken thighs or drumsticks
• Ground turkey or beef

These ingredients cost less but still deliver comfort food vibes. Ever tasted a slow-cooked potato? A masterpiece.

Season Like You Mean It

Budget meals still need bold flavor. Salt, garlic, paprika, chili powder—use them. A bland crockpot meal is a crime IMO.

25 Cheap & Easy Crockpot Meals That Save Time and Money

Below you’ll find 25 meals that require minimal ingredients, minimal effort, and minimal cash. Choose your favorites and watch your grocery bill shrink.

1. Crockpot Chicken & Rice

The classic comfort combo.
Throw in chicken, broth, rice, and seasoning. It comes out creamy, cozy, and perfect for leftovers.

Why it saves money: Rice stretches everything.

2. Slow Cooker Chili

Ground beef (or turkey), beans, tomatoes, and spices.
You toss it all in, walk away, and brag about your cooking later.

Bonus: It freezes beautifully.

3. BBQ Pulled Chicken

Chicken + BBQ sauce + onion.
Shred it and pile it on buns, baked potatoes, or tortillas.

Cheap trick: Use store-brand BBQ sauce. No one notices.

4. Crockpot Potato Soup

Potatoes, broth, onion, and cheese at the end.
It tastes like a hug in a bowl.

Ever seen potatoes fail you? Exactly.

5. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, herbs.
Simmer all day for deep flavor.

Why it’s cheap: Sauce makes multiple meals—pasta, lasagna, pizza base.

6. Salsa Chicken

Two ingredients: chicken + salsa.
Cook, shred, enjoy tacos for days.

This is the “I’m exhausted but I want real food” meal.

7. Crockpot Lentil Soup

Lentils, veggies, broth.
It tastes earthy and satisfying, and it costs next to nothing.

Ever want a meal that feels healthy and cheap? This is it.

8. Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs

Frozen meatballs + BBQ sauce + grape jelly.
Sounds weird, tastes incredible.

Perfect for parties or quick dinners.

9. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken, carrots, celery, broth, and noodles added at the end.
It cures everything—colds, stress, existential crises.

10. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Beef, carrots, potatoes, broth.
Use stew meat or chuck roast—slow cooking makes it tender no matter what.

Budget hack: Buy a big roast and cut it yourself.

11. Crockpot Burrito Bowls

Chicken or beef, beans, corn, salsa, seasoning.
Serve over rice with toppings.

Better than Chipotle and way cheaper. FYI.

12. Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Pasta, cheese, milk, seasoning.
It’s creamy and ridiculously easy.

Caution: You might eat half the pot before dinner.

13. Crockpot Vegetable Soup

Any veggies + broth + seasoning.
A great “clean out the fridge” meal.

Cheap tip: Frozen veggies work perfectly.

14. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Thighs, honey, soy sauce, garlic.
Serve over rice for a sweet-savory meal.

Chicken thighs = flavor + savings.

15. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Pork shoulder, citrus, garlic, and spices.
Shred and crisp under the broiler.

Carnitas for $10 instead of $30 takeout? Yes, please.

16. Crockpot Baked Ziti

Pasta, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella.
Layer it all like lasagna and let it cook.

No boiling noodles. You’re welcome.

17. Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

Eggs, potatoes, cheese, sausage (optional).
Perfect for brunch or meal prep.

Cheap secret: Use frozen hash browns.

18. Crockpot Taco Meat

Ground turkey or beef + taco seasoning + salsa.
Minimal effort, maximum flavor.

Makes tacos, nachos, baked potatoes—the options never end.

19. Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Chicken breasts + gravy mix + broth.
Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

It tastes rich for how cheap it is.

20. Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Chicken, beans, corn, broth, and seasoning.
It’s warm, cozy, and perfect for cold nights.

Bonus: It’s creamy without much dairy.

21. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Ground beef + tomato sauce + seasonings.
Pile onto buns and call it a day.

Definitely cheaper than canned sloppy joe mix.

22. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Chicken + teriyaki sauce + pineapple.
Serve with rice or stir-fry veggies.

Sweet, savory, and incredibly cheap.

23. Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Ground beef, rice, tomatoes, peppers, and seasoning.
All the stuffed pepper flavor with none of the prep.

Why it’s cheap: One pound of beef feeds many.

24. Crockpot Ham & Bean Soup

Leftover ham bone + beans + veggies.
It tastes better the next day.

Stretch your holiday leftovers like a pro.

25. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Chicken, Alfredo sauce, pasta, and broth.
Creamy, filling, and budget-friendly.

Perfect for “I need comfort food now” moments. :/

Tips for Saving Even More Money with Crockpot Meals

You can stretch your grocery budget even further with a few simple habits.

Use Cheaper Cuts of Meat

Slow cooking turns inexpensive cuts into tender, flavorful meals.
Try using:

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts
• Pork shoulder instead of chops
• Chuck roast instead of sirloin

Ever tasted slow-cooked chuck roast? You’d never believe it’s the “cheap” kind.

Cook in Bulk

Double recipes when possible.
Save half for another day.

Your future self will thank you.

Buy Store Brands

Sauces, broths, pasta, beans—store brand versions taste just as good.

Why pay extra for the same thing?

Use What You Already Have

Some of the best crockpot meals happen when you toss in whatever you have lying around.

Got leftover veggies? Add them.
Half a jar of salsa? Use it.
A can of beans? Throw it in.

The crockpot doesn’t judge.

Why You’ll Make These Meals on Repeat

These 25 cheap and easy crockpot meals save time, money, and stress. They’re flavorful, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. They don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. They offer flexibility, leftover potential, and that satisfying “Wow, I made this?” feeling.

Plus, the crockpot does most of the work—what more could you ask for?

Ever want to feel like you have your life together even when you don’t? Start with these meals. IMO, they’re the easiest way to fake being a responsible adult. 😉

Final Thoughts

Crockpots truly shine when you want fast, affordable meals without sacrificing flavor. These 25 cheap & easy recipes help you stretch your budget, simplify your routine, and keep homemade dinners fun instead of stressful. Try a few this week and see which ones earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

And hey—if you ever need more budget-friendly recipes, I’ve got plenty. Just say the word.