25 Delicious Crockpot Budget Recipes You’ll Love

Eating well on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

With a crockpot, you can create hearty, delicious meals that are easy to prepare and gentle on your wallet.

Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or just want a simple way to cook, crockpot recipes are a game-changer.

Using affordable ingredients like beans, lentils, seasonal vegetables, and budget-friendly proteins, these slow-cooked dishes maximize flavor without stretching your budget.

In this article, we’ve gathered 25 crockpot budget recipes that are comforting, nutritious, and perfect for everyday meals.

25 Delicious Crockpot Budget Recipes You’ll Love

Crockpot cooking makes it easy to prepare satisfying meals without spending a fortune.

These 25 crockpot budget recipes prove that you don’t need expensive ingredients to enjoy hearty, flavorful dishes.

From vegetarian stews and soups to meat-based classics and family favorites, there’s something for every palate.

With these recipes, you can save time, reduce stress in the kitchen, and stretch your grocery budget while still enjoying delicious homemade meals.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for easy weeknight dinners, these crockpot recipes are an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.

Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew

This crockpot lentil and vegetable stew is a warming, budget-friendly meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Packed with fiber-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s not only nourishing but also easy on the wallet.

Let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large potato, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat (optional step, but adds depth). Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.
2. Transfer sautéed onion and garlic to the crockpot.
3. Add lentils, carrots, celery, potato, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until lentils and vegetables are tender.
5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in chopped kale or spinach and allow it to wilt.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, preferably with a slice of crusty bread.

This lentil and vegetable stew is a perfect example of how inexpensive ingredients can come together to create a comforting, hearty meal.

Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole

This budget-friendly chicken and rice casserole combines simple pantry staples to create a creamy, flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Using the crockpot ensures the chicken stays tender while the rice absorbs all the savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked white rice, rinsed
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. In the bottom of the crockpot, layer the rice evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, and black pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture over the rice.
3. Place chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas and carrots. If using cheese, sprinkle on top and cover until melted.
6. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

This crockpot chicken and rice casserole is a versatile, filling dish that stretches a few ingredients into a satisfying family meal.

It’s also a great recipe for meal prep or freezing portions for later.

Budget-Friendly Beef and Bean Chili

This slow-cooked beef and bean chili is an economical way to feed a crowd.

With pantry staples like beans and canned tomatoes, combined with inexpensive ground beef, it delivers maximum flavor without draining your wallet.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
3. Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with optional toppings.

This beef and bean chili is a classic, cost-effective meal that’s perfect for leftovers or casual gatherings.

The slow cooking brings out rich, deep flavors while keeping the dish budget-friendly.

Crockpot Potato and Chickpea Curry

This simple potato and chickpea curry is a wholesome, budget-friendly meal that’s full of flavor.

With pantry staples like canned chickpeas, potatoes, and curry spices, the slow cooker transforms them into a rich, hearty dish that pairs perfectly with rice or flatbread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. If using, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Transfer to crockpot.
2. Add diced potatoes, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in chopped spinach or kale 15 minutes before serving to wilt.
5. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or with flatbread.

This potato and chickpea curry is a filling, budget-conscious meal that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

The slow cooking allows the spices to deeply penetrate the vegetables, creating a comforting, aromatic dish.

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This budget-friendly pulled pork recipe uses minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor.

Cooked low and slow in the crockpot, the pork becomes tender and juicy, perfect for sandwiches or tacos.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb pork shoulder or pork butt
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 onion, sliced
• Sandwich buns or rolls, for serving
• Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles

Instructions:

1. Place sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Rub the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then place on top of the onions.
3. In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour over the pork.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
5. Remove pork from crockpot, shred with two forks, and return it to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
6. Serve on sandwich buns with optional coleslaw or pickles.

This crockpot pulled pork is a flavorful, cost-effective meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Leftovers can be frozen or repurposed for tacos, salads, or baked potatoes.

Slow Cooker Black Bean and Corn Soup

A quick, cheap, and hearty soup, this black bean and corn crockpot recipe is full of flavor and nutrition.

Perfect for a weeknight meal, it requires minimal prep and stretches easily for multiple servings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Place black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
3. For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with optional toppings.

This black bean and corn soup is a simple, inexpensive, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunches or dinners.

It’s easy to make in bulk and tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld.

Crockpot Sausage and Cabbage Stew

This sausage and cabbage stew is a hearty, budget-friendly meal that makes great use of inexpensive ingredients.

The slow cooker melds the savory flavors of sausage with tender cabbage, carrots, and potatoes for a comforting, filling dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Place sliced sausage, chopped cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic into the crockpot.
2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add paprika, black pepper, salt, and thyme. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

This sausage and cabbage stew is an easy, inexpensive meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

It’s hearty, nutritious, and makes excellent leftovers.

Slow Cooker White Bean and Ham Soup

A classic, budget-conscious soup, this white bean and ham recipe is perfect for using leftover ham or a ham hock.

It’s filling, flavorful, and requires minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried white beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 small ham hock or 1 cup diced leftover ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust as needed)

Instructions:

1. Add soaked beans, ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, water or broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beans are tender and flavors meld.
3. Remove ham hock (if using) and shred any meat, then return it to the soup. Discard the bay leaf.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

This white bean and ham soup is a filling, economical meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

It’s wholesome, flavorful, and can easily feed a family without breaking the budget.

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This chicken tortilla soup is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a zesty, comforting meal.

Made with simple ingredients like shredded chicken, beans, and corn, the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a satisfying soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional toppings: crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup. Stir well.
4. Serve hot with optional toppings like crushed tortilla chips, cheese, or avocado.

This chicken tortilla soup is a quick, inexpensive way to enjoy a flavorful, hearty meal.

Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, it’s both comforting and satisfying.

Crockpot Minestrone Soup

This minestrone soup is a hearty, budget-friendly vegetable soup packed with beans, pasta, and seasonal vegetables.

It’s perfect for stretching inexpensive ingredients into a flavorful, filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (like elbow or ditalini)
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

1. Add beans, carrots, celery, zucchini, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add pasta and stir. Cover and cook until pasta is tender.
4. Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with grated Parmesan.

This minestrone soup is a wholesome, inexpensive meal perfect for lunches or dinners.

It’s nutritious, filling, and easy to make in large batches for leftovers.

Slow Cooker BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes

These BBQ lentil sloppy joes are a cheap, delicious alternative to traditional meat versions.

Lentils are hearty and absorb the smoky BBQ flavor, making a satisfying sandwich filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls

Instructions:

1. Place lentils, diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth in the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until lentils are tender.
3. Stir well and mash slightly with a fork to create a thick, saucy consistency.
4. Serve on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls.

These BBQ lentil sloppy joes are an inexpensive, filling, and flavorful meal.

They’re perfect for families, packed lunches, or anyone looking for a meatless option.

Crockpot Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

This sweet potato and black bean chili is a warming, budget-friendly vegetarian dish.

Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, while black beans provide protein, making it a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Add sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Add optional toppings as desired.

This sweet potato and black bean chili is a simple, budget-conscious meal that’s both nutritious and hearty.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, it keeps well in the fridge for several days.

Crockpot Turkey and Vegetable Stew

This turkey and vegetable stew is an economical way to use leftover turkey or ground turkey.

Combined with hearty vegetables and savory broth, it makes a comforting and filling slow-cooked meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey or diced leftover turkey
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground turkey with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Transfer turkey mixture to the crockpot.
3. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in frozen peas 15 minutes before serving.

This turkey and vegetable stew is a healthy, cost-effective meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

It’s hearty, nutritious, and makes great leftovers.

Slow Cooker Italian Bean Soup

This Italian bean soup is a simple, budget-friendly recipe full of flavor and nutrition.

Using canned beans and pantry staples, it’s an easy crockpot meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: grated Parmesan and crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except optional toppings in the crockpot and stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve hot with optional grated Parmesan and crusty bread.

This Italian bean soup is a warm, filling, and budget-conscious meal.

It’s easy to prepare, packed with fiber, and perfect for leftovers.

Crockpot Chicken and Potato Curry

This chicken and potato curry is a simple, inexpensive way to enjoy a flavorful, slow-cooked meal.

The potatoes absorb the spices, creating a rich and comforting curry perfect for rice or flatbread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, potatoes, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper into the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas if using.
4. Serve hot over rice or with flatbread.

This chicken and potato curry is a hearty, inexpensive meal full of flavor.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and can be easily reheated for leftovers.

Crockpot Red Lentil and Tomato Soup

This red lentil and tomato soup is a quick, inexpensive, and nourishing meal.

Lentils provide protein and fiber, while tomatoes and spices create a flavorful, hearty soup that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups red lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

1. Add red lentils, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until lentils are soft.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to desired consistency, or leave it chunky.
4. Stir in lemon juice just before serving.

This red lentil and tomato soup is simple, filling, and budget-friendly.

It’s perfect for meal prep, freezes well, and provides a comforting, nutritious meal any day of the week.

Slow Cooker Chickpea and Spinach Stew

A protein-rich vegetarian stew, this chickpea and spinach recipe is both cheap and hearty.

Slow cooking allows the chickpeas and vegetables to absorb spices fully, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 cups fresh spinach

Instructions:

1. Combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in the crockpot. Stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld.
3. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt.
4. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.

This chickpea and spinach stew is a nutritious, budget-friendly vegetarian meal.

It’s easy to prepare, hearty, and perfect for weekday dinners or meal prep.

Crockpot Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry

This sweet potato and lentil curry is an affordable, hearty vegetarian meal.

Packed with protein and fiber, it’s slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic spices and makes an excellent budget-friendly dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place sweet potatoes, lentils, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until sweet potatoes and lentils are tender.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over rice or with flatbread.

This sweet potato and lentil curry is a simple, filling, and inexpensive meal.

It’s perfect for vegetarians, freezes well, and is ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

Crockpot Sausage and White Bean Stew

This hearty sausage and white bean stew is a filling, budget-friendly meal.

Simple ingredients like canned beans, onions, and inexpensive sausage come together in the slow cooker to create a flavorful, warming stew.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked or Italian sausage, sliced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet (optional) and transfer it to the crockpot.
2. Add beans, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

This sausage and white bean stew is simple, satisfying, and easy on the wallet.

It’s perfect for dinners or meal prep and keeps well for leftovers.

Slow Cooker Vegetable and Barley Soup

A wholesome, budget-conscious soup, this vegetable and barley recipe uses pantry staples to create a filling, nutritious meal.

The barley adds chewiness while vegetables provide flavor and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen green beans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add barley, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until barley and vegetables are tender.
3. Add frozen green beans about 15 minutes before serving.

This vegetable and barley soup is a hearty, inexpensive meal that’s easy to make and packed with nutrition.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Crockpot Mexican-Style Chicken and Rice

This Mexican-style chicken and rice is a simple, affordable meal that combines chicken, rice, beans, and spices in the crockpot for a flavorful one-pot dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked and rice is tender.
4. Shred chicken with two forks and mix with rice. Serve with optional toppings.

This Mexican-style chicken and rice is an easy, cost-effective meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

It’s flavorful, filling, and great for feeding a family on a budget.

Crockpot Potato and Corn Chowder

This creamy potato and corn chowder is an inexpensive, comforting meal.

Using simple ingredients like potatoes, corn, and onions, it’s hearty enough for a full dinner and perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup milk or cream (optional, for creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes, corn, onion, garlic, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
3. For a creamier chowder, stir in milk or cream just before serving.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

This potato and corn chowder is a budget-friendly, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and comforting.

It’s perfect for cold nights and reheats well.

Slow Cooker Cabbage and Bean Soup

A simple, inexpensive soup, this cabbage and bean recipe is filling and nutritious.

The slow cooker enhances the flavors, making it a satisfying vegetarian meal on a tight budget.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

1. Combine cabbage, beans, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot. Stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in apple cider vinegar just before serving, if using.

This cabbage and bean soup is an affordable, healthy meal.

It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for meal prep or family dinners.

Crockpot Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

This sweet potato and black bean stew is a hearty, nutritious, and budget-friendly vegetarian meal.

It’s rich in protein and fiber and perfect for a filling weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional toppings: cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Place sweet potatoes, black beans, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Add optional toppings as desired.

This sweet potato and black bean stew is a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly meal.

It’s perfect for vegetarians, freezes well, and is ideal for busy weeknights.

Crockpot Chicken and Vegetable Soup

This classic chicken and vegetable soup is a simple, budget-friendly meal that’s both hearty and nutritious.

Using inexpensive chicken, seasonal vegetables, and pantry staples, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked and vegetables are tender.
4. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup. Stir in frozen peas 10-15 minutes before serving if desired.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

This chicken and vegetable soup is a wholesome, cost-effective meal that’s perfect for families.

It’s easy to make in large batches, freezes well, and provides a comforting dinner any day of the week