13 affordable slow cooker meals for busy days

Photo of author

| Published:

Finding time to prepare a home-cooked meal can be challenging. That’s where the slow cooker steps in as the unsung hero of the kitchen, making it easier and more affordable to enjoy hearty and delicious meals without the stress. In this collection, we’ve gathered 13 budget-friendly slow cooker recipes just for busy days.

These recipes are designed to keep your wallet happy and your family satisfied, allowing you to come home to a warm, comforting meal after a hectic day. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these straightforward and affordable recipes will help you navigate the demands of a busy schedule while still enjoying home-cooked goodness. Let your slow cooker do the work, and treat yourself to meals that are not only easy on your wallet but also a joy to eat.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

A pot of sausage, peppers, and marinara with a wooden spoon in it.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Try Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers for a hearty, budget-friendly meal. Savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and spices cooked low and slow – an easy and economical dish. Serve it over a bed of rice or stuff it into a crusty roll for a satisfying meal that’s not only delicious but also easy on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Make an Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast that’s tasty and won’t hurt your wallet. Let the slow cooker do its thing with pork and Italian spices, giving you a satisfying meal without spending too much. Serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete, budget-friendly dinner that brings the flavors of Italy to your table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Mexican enchiladas in a white dish with a fork.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Spice up your dinners with Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. Seasoned chicken in tortillas, slow-cooked to perfection – a cheap and tasty way to enjoy Mexican flavors without breaking the bank. Top them with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor, turning an ordinary weeknight into a fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Indulge in comfort with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. This slow cooker recipe with chicken, bacon, and ranch is creamy and satisfying, all without draining your wallet. Add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top before serving for a gooey, indulgent twist that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions.
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Warm up with a bowl of Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili – a budget-friendly twist on the classic. Ground meat, spices, and slow cooking make a flavorful chili that won’t cost you much. Serve it over spaghetti or a baked potato for a unique, economical meal that will become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Enjoy Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops – an easy and affordable slow-cooked dish. Tender pork chops in a savory sauce, giving you a comforting meal without spending too much. Pair it with vegetables or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded, budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

white bowl with chicken pasta with sundried tomatoes and peas and garlic and a light linen around the bowl.
Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Try the creamy goodness of Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo – an affordable take on the Italian favorite. Let your slow cooker make a dairy-free Alfredo sauce that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. Toss it with your favorite pasta and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, wallet-friendly twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Verde

Make your meal prep delicious with Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Verde. Packed with goodness and bursting with flavor, this affordable slow-cooked dish is perfect for a delicious and budget-friendly option. Serve it with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a complete, nutritious meal that won’t break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Verde

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken over white rice in a white bowl.
Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet meets savory in Honey Garlic Chicken – a slow cooker favorite that’s affordable and tasty. Let the slow cooker blend the flavors of honey and garlic with tender chicken pieces, giving you a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation without the hefty price tag.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Experience rich flavor in Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. An affordable and comforting dish with tender chicken and a creamy sauce, giving you a satisfying meal that won’t cost much. Pair it with crusty bread or rice for a complete, budget-friendly dinner that will leave you wanting seconds.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Enjoy the warmth of Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup – an affordable slow-cooked delight. Let your slow cooker turn simple ingredients into a hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a comforting and affordable meal. Sprinkle some grated cheese on top and serve with a side of crusty bread for a cozy, budget-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Add a kick to your dinner routine with Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. This affordable recipe combines tangy salsa with tender chicken, slow-cooked for a tasty and budget-friendly meal. Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or wraps, creating a versatile and economical dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Have a taste of homecooked goodness with these Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Let your slow cooker make these affordable ribs tender and flavorful, perfect for a hearty and budget-friendly dinner. Serve them with a side of coleslaw or potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal that won’t strain your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.