1. Slow Cooker Chili
This hearty chili is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with beans, ground meat, and spices, it’s a complete meal that’s low on the budget.
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Brown the meat in a skillet, then combine all ingredients in the crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal!
2. BBQ Pulled Pork
This easy pulled pork recipe is a crowd-pleaser and can be used for sandwiches, tacos, or served with rice.
- 2-3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Place the pork in the crock pot, top with onion and BBQ sauce, and season. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce.
3. Vegetable Lentil Soup
This warming soup is nutritious, filling, and great for meal prep. It’s also vegan-friendly!
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until lentils are tender. Blend if you prefer a smoother texture.
4. Creamy Chicken and Rice
This comforting dish is super easy to make and perfect for a busy night. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with chicken and rice.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Place chicken in the crock pot, add rice, broth, soup, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir before serving for an even creamier texture!
5. Taco Soup
This taco soup is a fun twist on traditional tacos. It’s easy to make and full of flavor!
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Brown the meat and drain excess fat. Add all ingredients to the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Top with cheese and sour cream when serving!
6. Sweet and Sour Chicken
This dish brings a sweet and tangy flavor that everyone will love. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
- 4 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned is fine)
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice for a fulfilling meal.
7. Beef Stew
This classic beef stew is perfect for chilly nights. It’s hearty, filling, and easy to make.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Brown the meat in a skillet, then add all ingredients to the crock pot. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is tender.
8. Chicken Fajitas
These chicken fajitas are flavorful and easy to make. They can be served in tortillas or over rice.
- 4 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Place chicken, bell peppers, and onion in the crock pot. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings!
9. Italian Sausage and Peppers
This delicious dish is perfect for serving over pasta or on a sub roll for a hearty sandwich.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Place the sausage in the crock pot along with the vegetables and tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with pasta or on a hoagie roll.
10. Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed bell peppers are a fun and healthy meal that can be made ahead of time.
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix meat, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings. Stuff the mixture into the peppers and place them in the crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
11. Teriyaki Chicken
This teriyaki chicken is sweet and savory, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
Place chicken in the crock pot and cover with teriyaki sauce. Add broccoli and bell pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours and serve over rice.
12. Potato and Sausage Casserole
This simple casserole is filling and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
- 2 pounds potatoes, sliced
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Layer the potatoes, sausage, and onion in the crock pot. Season and top with cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
13. Chicken Tikka Masala
This flavorful dish brings the taste of Indian cuisine to your home with minimal effort.
- 4 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 jar tikka masala sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with rice or naan.
14. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells
This dish is perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal. It’s cheesy, creamy, and satisfying.
- 1 package jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, cooked and chopped
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Mix ricotta and spinach, stuff the shells, and place in the crock pot. Cover with marinara and top with mozzarella. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
15. Beef and Broccoli
This easy beef and broccoli dish is a great way to enjoy takeout flavors at home.
- 1 pound beef, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Combine beef, broccoli, broth, and soy sauce in the crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Thicken sauce with cornstarch mixed with water before serving.
16. Chicken Cacciatore
This Italian-inspired dish is full of flavor and can be served over pasta or rice.
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over pasta or rice.
17. Zucchini and Corn Fritters
These fritters are a great way to use up zucchini and are perfect for a light dinner or lunch.
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Mix all ingredients and form into patties. Place in the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.
18. Baked Potato Soup
This creamy soup is loaded with flavors and is a comforting dish for any night.
- 4 baked potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup bacon bits
- 1 cup sour cream
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Blend for a creamier texture if desired.
19. Mediterranean Chickpea Stew
This hearty stew is packed with protein and flavor, making it a great vegetarian meal.
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
20. Easy Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is creamy and delicious, perfect for kids and adults alike.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked and the cheese is melted.
Conclusion
These 20 cheap crock pot meals are perfect for busy weeknights and will help you save time and money without sacrificing flavor. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, you can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals that your family will love. Try a few of these recipes this week and make your weeknight dinners a breeze!