These budget-friendly crockpot meals are easy, filling, and perfect for feeding a family without overspending. Made with affordable ingredients like chicken, beans, lentils, rice, and pantry staples, these slow cooker dinners are ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, and stretching your grocery budget. Save this list of cheap crockpot meals you’ll make again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Budget Crockpot Meals
- Low-cost ingredients you can find anywhere
- Minimal prep most are dump-and-go
- Family-friendly and filling
- Perfect for meal prep & leftovers
- Great way to use pantry staples and cheaper cuts of meat
Best Budget-Friendly Crockpot Meals
1. Easy Crockpot Taco Soup
Made with ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, this taco soup is hearty, filling, and extremely affordable, especially when feeding a crowd.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Beans + ground beef stretch far
Great for freezing
2. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Classic comfort food using chicken breasts, frozen vegetables, and biscuit dough for fluffy dumplings.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Simple ingredients, very filling
Feeds a family easily
3. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
A plant-based favorite packed with lentils, vegetables, and spices. Protein-rich and incredibly inexpensive.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Lentils are one of the cheapest proteins
Vegan & meal-prep friendly
4. Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
Shredded chicken cooked in enchilada sauce, rolled into tortillas, and baked with cheese.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Uses pantry sauces + tortillas
Great leftover meal
5. Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken
A comforting chicken dinner with a creamy sauce and minimal ingredients—perfect for serving over rice or pasta.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Simple chicken-based protein
Feels fancy, costs less
6. Crockpot Chili
Classic slow cooker chili made with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes—cheap, hearty, and freezer-friendly.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Beans bulk it up
Perfect for meal prep
7. Crockpot Chicken & Rice
A creamy, filling one-pot meal using chicken thighs, rice, and broth.
Why it’s budget-friendly: Rice stretches the meal
Very kid-friendly
Tips for Making Crockpot Meals Even Cheaper
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
- Buy dry beans and lentils in bulk
- Stretch meals with rice, pasta, or potatoes
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions
- Plan 2–3 crockpot meals per week to reduce takeout
Serving Suggestions
- Pair soups with bread or crackers
- Serve chicken dishes over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes
- Add simple sides like salad or steamed veggies to stretch meals further
Nutrition Benefits of Budget Crockpot Meals
- High in protein and fiber
- Lower sodium than takeout or boxed meals
- Easy to control portions and ingredients
- Great for family meal planning
Conclusion
These budget-friendly crockpot meals make it easy to cook delicious, comforting dinners without overspending. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to cut grocery costs, slow cooker recipes are one of the smartest ways to save money in the kitchen.
Save this list, share it, and keep it handy the next time you need cheap, easy dinner ideas.
FAQ
What are the cheapest crockpot meals to make?
Soups, chili, lentil dishes, and meals with beans or rice are the most affordable.
Can budget crockpot meals be healthy?
Yes, many include lean protein, vegetables, and fiber-rich ingredients.
Can I freeze crockpot meals?
Most soups, stews, and shredded meat recipes freeze very well.
How much do crockpot meals usually cost?
Most budget crockpot meals cost $1–$3 per serving, depending on ingredients.