When you’re feeding a family or planning meals on a budget, the slow cooker can really help stretch your dollar. These crockpot recipes use affordable ingredients like beans, potatoes, ground beef, and frozen vegetables—but still deliver filling, flavorful results.
From cozy soups and simple casseroles to budget-friendly meats and hearty dips, this list is packed with options that are easy on your wallet and don’t require fancy prep. Whether you’re cooking for the week or just want something hands-off, these meals keep things simple without feeling skimpy.
1. Crockpot Swamp Potatoes
Sliced potatoes, smoked sausage, and a buttery mix of onions and seasoning cook down into a simple, savory dish. It’s filling, satisfying, and comes together with just a few cheap ingredients.
Here’s the recipe for these easy swamp potatoes in the slow cooker: slow cooker swamp potatoes.
2. Slow Cooker Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut
Hot dogs and sauerkraut slow-cooked with butter and onion make for a low-cost meal with a ton of flavor. It’s hands-off and tastes even better the longer it simmers.
You can make this budget-friendly hot dog and sauerkraut dish with this easy slow cooker recipe.
3. Crockpot Chicken, Stuffing & Green Beans
This layered dish uses canned soup, frozen green beans, boxed stuffing, and chicken. Everything cooks together into a full meal that’s warm, soft, and comforting.
Follow this recipe for a chicken, stuffing, and green bean dinner made in the crockpot: chicken stuffing green beans recipe.
4. Crockpot Sloppy Joes
Ground beef, ketchup, and a few pantry staples turn into a rich, saucy filling for sandwiches. This version is budget-friendly and great for feeding a crowd.
You can find the slow cooker instructions for these classic sloppy joes right here.
5. Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
Frozen pierogis, kielbasa, and sour cream melt into a creamy, cheesy meal that’s super affordable. It’s hearty and uses just a few ingredients that stretch far.
Try this simple pierogi and sausage casserole in your slow cooker by following this easy recipe.
6. Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites
Sliced kielbasa cooks in a mix of brown sugar and mustard until it’s sticky and flavorful. It works as a cheap appetizer or even a quick dinner with rice or potatoes.
Make these sweet and tangy slow-cooked kielbasa bites with this quick recipe.
7. Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Mashed potatoes get dressed up with cheese, bacon, and sour cream in this rich and easy dip. It’s great for parties and can double as a side dish with leftovers.
Learn how to make this loaded potato dip in the slow cooker using this simple recipe.
8. Crockpot Crack Corn Dip
This creamy corn dip comes together with canned corn, cream cheese, and cheddar. It’s affordable and easy to make for gatherings or a snack night at home.
Here’s the recipe for this easy corn dip made in the crockpot: crack corn dip.
9. Crockpot Cowboy Queso Dip
A mix of ground beef, Velveeta, and seasoned tomatoes makes this dip hearty enough to feel like a meal. It’s a budget-friendly snack that feeds a lot of people.
Get the full instructions for this cowboy queso made in the slow cooker right here.
10. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
This classic dip uses cream cheese, canned artichokes, and frozen spinach for a rich, creamy result. It’s great with chips, bread, or even baked potatoes.
Make your own spinach artichoke dip in the crockpot with this easy recipe.
11. Slow Cooker Coconut Milk Corn on the Cob
This recipe gives basic corn on the cob a creamy twist with the help of coconut milk. The result is sweet, tender corn with just a little richness. It’s easy and uses only a few ingredients.
Try this slow cooker coconut corn recipe by following the full instructions here.
12. Crockpot Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole uses frozen tater tots, eggs, sausage, and cheese. It’s easy to prep the night before and cook low and slow for a warm, filling breakfast.
Make your own tater tot breakfast casserole with this easy slow cooker recipe.
13. Crockpot Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes
Shredded hashbrowns, cheese, and sour cream cook into a soft, creamy side dish that pairs with almost anything. This one is super budget-friendly and feeds a lot.
Get the recipe for these cheesy hashbrown potatoes right here.
14. Crockpot Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
This hearty take on baked beans uses ground beef and bacon for extra flavor and protein. It’s a great side or simple main dish with bread or rice.
Make these slow-cooked baked beans with meat using this easy recipe.
15. Slow Cooker French Onion Pot Roast
This roast cooks low and slow in rich onion soup. The beef becomes tender and full of flavor, and the broth works great with potatoes or noodles.
Check out how to make this French onion-style pot roast in the slow cooker with this recipe.
16. Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Pot Roast
A classic pot roast with garlic and herbs that fill your kitchen with comforting smells. It’s an easy, reliable dinner with low-cost ingredients.
Try this garlic herb pot roast in the crockpot using this simple recipe.
17. Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast
This pot roast gets a flavor boost from ranch seasoning and pepperoncini peppers. It’s tangy, tender, and pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes.
Make this Mississippi roast in your crockpot by following this recipe.
18. Crockpot Meatball Stroganoff
Frozen meatballs and egg noodles simmer in a creamy mushroom sauce that’s hearty and simple. This meal comes together with just a few budget ingredients.
Try this slow cooker meatball stroganoff using this easy recipe.
19. Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
This comforting dish features meatballs in a creamy, savory sauce. It’s perfect over noodles or rice and makes for an easy, affordable dinner.
Make your own Swedish meatballs in the crockpot with this simple recipe.
20. Slow Cooker Raspberry Balsamic Glazed Meatballs
These meatballs use frozen meatballs with a sweet-tart raspberry balsamic glaze. They’re great for parties, appetizers, or even a fun twist on dinner.
Get the recipe for raspberry balsamic crockpot meatballs right here.
21. Crockpot Little Smokies with Grape Jelly
Just three ingredients—little smokies, grape jelly, and chili sauce—create a sweet and savory glaze. It’s a cheap appetizer that always goes fast.
Try this simple method for little smokies in grape jelly sauce using this easy crockpot recipe.
22. Honey BBQ Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
Frozen meatballs are coated in a mix of BBQ sauce and honey for a quick, affordable snack or party food. The sweet and smoky flavor is always a hit.
Follow this recipe to make honey BBQ meatballs in your crockpot right here.
23. Mississippi Crockpot Meatballs
These meatballs use ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini for a twist on the classic Mississippi roast. It’s a low-cost, high-flavor meal or appetizer.
You can try these Mississippi-style meatballs with this slow cooker recipe.
24. Asian-Style Crockpot Meatballs
Soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar turn frozen meatballs into a sweet and savory dish with an Asian-inspired flavor.
Make these Asian-style crockpot meatballs with this easy recipe.
25. Sweet Chili Crockpot Meatballs
This recipe combines sweet chili sauce with grape jelly for a sticky, spicy coating on frozen meatballs. It’s simple and budget-friendly.
Try this version of sweet chili meatballs made in the crockpot using this recipe.
26. Grape Jelly Meatballs in the Crockpot
This classic uses just frozen meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce. It’s easy to prep and great for parties or weeknight dinners.
Make these classic grape jelly meatballs in your crockpot by following this recipe.
27. Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs
Honey, soy sauce, and garlic turn plain meatballs into a flavorful, sticky dish that works well over rice or as a party appetizer.
Check out how to make honey garlic meatballs in the slow cooker with this easy recipe.
28. BBQ Meatballs Crockpot Style
Barbecue sauce and meatballs are a classic combo. This version uses frozen meatballs and your favorite bottled BBQ sauce.
Follow this recipe for simple, slow-cooked BBQ meatballs right here.
29. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Ground beef meatballs simmer in a rich brown gravy with onions. It’s a budget-friendly take on Salisbury steak, perfect over mashed potatoes.
Make this version of Salisbury steak meatballs in the crockpot using this recipe.
30. Crockpot Orange Marmalade Meatballs
Orange marmalade and BBQ sauce combine for a bright, tangy glaze on these easy slow-cooked meatballs.
Try this orange marmalade meatball recipe in the crockpot right here.
31. Slow Cooker Creamy Fiesta Chicken
This dish uses chicken breasts, corn, salsa, and cream cheese for a flavorful filling. It’s great served over rice or in wraps.
Make this creamy fiesta chicken in your slow cooker with this affordable recipe.
32. Crockpot Apple Cider
Apple juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves simmer into a warm, cozy drink. It’s easy, cheap, and perfect for cooler days.
Learn how to make this slow-cooked apple cider using this simple recipe.
33. Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Frozen hashbrowns, bacon, cheese, and cream cheese make this soup thick and comforting. It’s a full meal using affordable ingredients.
Get the steps to make this creamy potato soup in the crockpot right here.
34. Crockpot Chili Con Carne
This chili recipe uses ground beef, beans, and tomatoes for a hearty, filling meal. It’s great for meal prep and very cost-effective.
Follow this recipe for classic chili con carne in the slow cooker right here.
35. Vegetarian Crockpot Chili
Loaded with beans, vegetables, and spices, this plant-based chili is both affordable and filling. It’s great for meatless meals.
Make this vegetarian chili in your crockpot with this simple recipe.
36. Slow Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese
This mashup of chili and macaroni makes a cozy, budget-friendly dinner. Pasta, beans, and beef cook together in one pot.
Check out this recipe for chili mac in the slow cooker right here.
37. Crockpot No-Bean Chili
This chili skips the beans and focuses on ground beef, tomatoes, and spices. It’s rich, hearty, and great for those who prefer a meatier dish.
Make this bean-free chili in the crockpot with this simple recipe.
38. Crockpot Cowboy Chili
Packed with beans, ground beef, and corn, this chili is filling and flavorful. It’s a great way to use up pantry staples without spending much.
Try this version of cowboy chili in the slow cooker with this easy recipe.
39. Crockpot Green Beans, Potatoes, and Ham
This simple mix of green beans, cubed potatoes, and chopped ham simmers into a full meal. It’s salty, savory, and easy to throw together.
Follow this recipe for green beans and potatoes with ham in the crockpot right here.
40. Crockpot Ham and Beans
Dried beans cook all day with chopped ham and simple seasoning. It’s a budget classic that’s warm, hearty, and inexpensive to make.
Try this slow-cooked ham and beans recipe right here.
41. Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns
Frozen hashbrowns, cream cheese, and broth come together for a creamy, thick soup. It’s cheap and quick to prep, great for cold days.
Make this potato soup with hashbrowns in the crockpot using this simple recipe.
42. Crock Pot Hamburger Potato Soup
Ground beef, potatoes, and broth cook into a simple, filling soup. It’s a great way to turn basic ingredients into a satisfying meal.
Follow this recipe to make hamburger and potato soup in your crockpot right here.
43. Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
This soup has all the toppings—cheese, bacon, sour cream—blended right into the bowl. It uses frozen potatoes and is easy on the budget.
Learn how to make loaded baked potato soup in the crockpot with this easy recipe.
44. Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Ham
Dried split peas break down into a thick, creamy soup, flavored with ham and simple seasonings. It’s very affordable and comforting.
Try this split pea soup with ham in the slow cooker using this budget-friendly recipe.
45. Crockpot Black Bean Soup
Canned black beans and basic vegetables make this soup hearty and cheap. Add spices and blend if you like it smooth.
Make this easy black bean soup in your crockpot with this simple recipe.
46. Crockpot Minestrone Soup
Pasta, beans, and vegetables simmer in broth with Italian seasoning. This meatless soup is filling and works well with pantry ingredients.
Check out this recipe for slow-cooked minestrone soup right here.
47. Creamy Crockpot Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower, broth, and cheese blend into a thick, creamy soup. It’s a simple way to use up veggies and still make something warm and filling.
Try this creamy cauliflower soup in the crockpot using this easy recipe.
48. Crockpot Cabbage Beef Bake
Ground beef and chopped cabbage cook together with tomatoes and rice in this affordable, one-pot meal.
Follow this recipe for a cabbage and beef bake in your slow cooker right here.
49. Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili
This meatless chili is made with lentils, beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and super affordable. Lentils cook down into a soft, thick base that makes the dish feel comforting and filling.
Make this lentil-based taco chili in the crockpot with this simple recipe.
50. Crockpot Ground Beef and Pasta
Ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta cook down into a one-pot pasta dinner. It’s kid-friendly and low on cost.
Make this ground beef and pasta in the slow cooker with this affordable recipe.
51. Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna
Frozen ravioli layers with sauce and cheese into a lasagna-style bake. It’s easy to prep and way cheaper than traditional lasagna.
Follow this recipe for ravioli lasagna in your crockpot right here.
52. Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Rice, beans, corn, salsa, and chicken cook together into a burrito-style filling. Serve in bowls or wraps.
Try this easy chicken burrito bowl recipe for your slow cooker right here.
53. Crockpot Chicken Caesar Wraps
Chicken cooks in Caesar dressing until tender, then it’s shredded and served in wraps or over salad. It’s super simple and easy on cost.
Make these chicken Caesar wraps with your crockpot using this easy recipe.
54. Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos
Chicken, salsa, and queso melt into a cheesy taco filling that’s affordable and quick to prep. Serve in tortillas with any toppings you like.
Check out this recipe for slow cooker queso chicken tacos right here.
55. Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Boneless chicken, pasta, tomatoes, and seasoning come together in a warm, tomato-based broth topped with cheese. It’s like a deconstructed chicken parm in soup form—easy and budget-friendly.
Try this slow cooker chicken parmesan soup using this cozy recipe.
56. Crockpot Veggie Frittata
Eggs, cheese, and chopped vegetables cook into a firm, sliceable frittata. This dish works for breakfast, lunch, or light dinner, using whatever veggies you already have on hand.
Follow this recipe for a vegetable frittata made in the crockpot right here.
57. Crockpot Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Casserole
This hearty breakfast dish layers canned biscuits, sausage, and creamy gravy. It’s a filling way to feed several people using low-cost, store-bought ingredients.
Make this slow cooker sausage and biscuit casserole with this easy recipe.
58. Crockpot Chorizo Breakfast Casserole
Chopped chorizo, eggs, potatoes, and cheese cook into a bold-flavored breakfast. It’s a hands-off way to make a protein-packed meal with a spicy twist.
Try this chorizo breakfast casserole in the crockpot by following this simple recipe.
Final Thoughts
Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or flavor. These 57+ crockpot recipes show how simple ingredients like beans, ground meat, potatoes, and canned goods can turn into meals that feel satisfying and homey. Whether you’re feeding a family, stocking your fridge with leftovers, or just avoiding takeout, these dishes help you save time and money—without making things complicated.
Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy food that feels good, fills you up, and fits the budget.
