Cheap crockpot meals are built on 2 things: inexpensive ingredients (dried beans, lentils, potatoes, chicken thighs, chuck roast) and long, gentle cooking that makes those ingredients taste like much more. These 6 budget slow cooker recipes each feed 4 to 8 people and use pantry staples you probably already have.
How to Make Crockpot Meals Cheaper
- Buy the tough cuts. Chuck roast, beef stew meat and bone-in chicken thighs cost less per pound than lean cuts, and they’re better in the slow cooker.
- Stretch meat with beans and lentils. Swapping half the meat for a can of beans cuts the cost and adds fiber.
- Cook dried beans. A pound of dried beans makes about the same as 4 to 5 cans for a fraction of the price.
- Plan for leftovers. Pulled chicken on Monday becomes tacos on Tuesday and fried rice on Wednesday.
6 Cheap Crockpot Meals That Taste Expensive
1. BBQ Pulled Chicken (Feeds 8)
You need: 4 lb (1.8 kg) boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1 sliced onion, 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp each smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt.
Cook: LOW 5 to 6 hours or HIGH 3 hours, until the thighs shred easily. Shred and toss with the sauce. Thighs are one of the cheapest cuts per pound and stay juicy.
2. Beef and Bean Chili
You need: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, browned and drained; 2 cans (15 oz) kidney or pinto beans, drained; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 diced onion; 2 tbsp chili powder; 2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp salt.
Cook: LOW 6 to 8 hours or HIGH 3 to 4 hours. The beans double the servings without doubling the cost.
3. Lentil Vegetable Soup
You need: 1 1/2 cups brown or green lentils (rinsed), 6 cups vegetable broth, 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs, 1 onion (all diced), 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt.
Cook: LOW 7 to 8 hours or HIGH 4 hours. Finish with a squeeze of lemon. It’s naturally vegan and freezes beautifully.
4. Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
You need: 3 lb (1.4 kg) bone-in, skinless chicken thighs; 1 1/2 lb (680 g) baby potatoes, halved; 3 carrots in chunks; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup chicken broth.
Cook: Potatoes and carrots go on the bottom, chicken on top. LOW 6 to 7 hours, until the thighs reach at least 175°F (80°C) for tender meat.
5. Loaded Potato Soup
You need: 3 lb (1.4 kg) russet potatoes (peeled, diced), 1 diced onion, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt. To finish: 1 cup milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup sour cream.
Cook: LOW 7 to 8 hours or HIGH 4 hours. Mash some of the potatoes right in the crock, then stir in the milk, cheese and sour cream. Top with chives and extra cheddar.
6. Smoky Split Pea Soup
You need: 1 lb (450 g) dried split peas (rinsed), 7 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs and 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic, 1 bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt.
Cook: LOW 8 hours, until the peas collapse into a thick soup. Smoked paprika gives it the smoky depth without any meat.
Budget Meal Prep Tips
- Portion leftovers into airtight food storage containers right away so they don’t end up forgotten.
- Soups and chili freeze for 3 months. Leave about an inch of headspace for expansion.
- Label everything with the date. A Meal Prep for Beginners guide with printable checklists makes a weekly routine stick.
Tools That Pay for Themselves
- Teak wood soup ladle: it won’t scratch your ceramic crock insert.
- Large ceramic soup bowls: generous portions for soup and chili nights.
Cheap Crockpot Meals FAQ
What is the cheapest meal to make in a crockpot?
Dried bean and lentil dishes are usually the cheapest, such as crockpot pinto beans or lentil soup. Bone-in chicken thighs are the most budget-friendly meat for feeding a crowd.
Is it cheaper to cook in a slow cooker?
Slow cookers draw very little power compared with a full-size oven, and they turn inexpensive cuts tender, so most families save on both energy and groceries.
Do I need to soak dried beans for the slow cooker?
No. Rinse them, cover them with plenty of liquid, and cook 8 hours on LOW. The exception is red kidney beans: boil them hard for 10 minutes first to destroy a natural toxin.
Short on time too? Try these dump and go crockpot meals.
