14+ Cheap Crock Pot Recipes

The magic of the crock pot lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering meals. Imagine coming home to the delightful aroma of a hearty dish that’s been cooking all day, waiting just for you.

Hearty Bean and Sausage Stew

Easy Bean Stew with Sausage

Easy Bean Stew with Sausage from The Delicious Crescent

Rating: 5. Total Time: 20 min.

Sausage and Bean Stew

Sausage and Bean Stew from Culinary Hill

Rating: 5. Total Time: 40 min.

Late Winter Sausage & White Bean Stew

Late Winter Sausage & White Bean Stew from Dishing Up the Dirt

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This dish is a cozy, comforting hug in a bowl. With savory sausage, tender beans, and an array of veggies, this stew is both filling and flavorful. The beans soak up all the wonderful spices, while the sausage adds a lovely smoky touch.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand, like carrots, celery, or even some leafy greens. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly! Beans are cost-effective and offer a great source of protein and fiber. The slow cooking process melds all these flavors together beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s even better the next day. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner!

Zesty Chicken Tacos

Zesty Ranch Chicken Tacos

Zesty Ranch Chicken Tacos from Old El Paso

Total Time: 25 min.

Zesty Chicken Tacos with Cilantro and Avocado

Zesty Chicken Tacos with Cilantro and Avocado from Unilever Food Solutions

Easy 20 Minute Chicken Tacos

Easy 20 Minute Chicken Tacos from Gimme Delicious

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 20 min.

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These chicken tacos are a burst of flavor with a hint of lime and a kick of spice. The chicken, slow-cooked to perfection, becomes tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious seasonings. Topped with fresh salsa or creamy avocado, every bite is a fiesta of flavors.

What’s fantastic about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients like chicken, taco seasoning, and some citrus juice, you can create a mouthwatering meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish. It’s also incredibly easy to customize—add more spice, some black beans, or corn to make it your own. Serve these tacos on a weeknight, and watch them disappear in no time!

Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Best Lentil Soup

Best Lentil Soup from Cookie and Kate

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 55 min.

The Best Lentil Soup

The Best Lentil Soup from Nora Cooks

Rating: 5. Total Time: 45 min.

Lentil Soup

Lentil Soup from Simply Recipes

Rating: 4.5. Total Time: 1 h 15 min.

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This soup is a warm, hearty delight that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with lentils, tomatoes, and a medley of herbs, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that warms the soul. The flavors meld together, with each spoonful offering a taste of the earthy lentils and vibrant spices.

Lentil soup stands out because it’s both nutritious and filling without breaking the bank. Lentils are rich in protein and fiber, making them a staple in many households. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming the ingredients into a rich, flavorful soup that you can enjoy with some crusty bread or a sprinkle of cheese on top.

For those who love experimenting, this soup can be adapted easily. Throw in some spinach for an extra boost of nutrition or add a dash of cumin for a smoky flavor. This soup is like a warm hug from the inside out!

Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork

Easy Oven-Cooked Pulled Pork

Easy Oven-Cooked Pulled Pork from Once Upon a Chef

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 6 h 35 min.

Savory Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy BBQ Sauce

Savory Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy BBQ Sauce from Mr. Cook

Total Time: 8 h 15 min.

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.6. Total Time: 5 h 15 min.

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Imagine tender, juicy pork that falls apart with a fork, smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce. This pulled pork is a classic comfort food that’s both easy and affordable. The slow cooker ensures the pork is cooked to perfection, absorbing all the sweet and savory BBQ flavors.

This recipe is a game-changer because of its simplicity and flavor. With just a pork shoulder, your favorite BBQ sauce, and a few spices, you can create a dish that feels like a weekend BBQ treat any day of the week. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even on its own with a side of coleslaw.

Chunky Vegetable Chili

Homemade Vegetarian Chili

Homemade Vegetarian Chili from Cookie and Kate

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 1 hr.

Chunky Vegetarian Chili

Chunky Vegetarian Chili from Taste of Home

Rating: 5. Total Time: 45 min.

Chunky Vegetarian Chili

Chunky Vegetarian Chili from A Saucy Kitchen

Rating: 4.4. Total Time: 55 min.

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This chili is a colorful, hearty dish bursting with veggies, beans, and spices. It’s a vegetarian delight that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Each spoonful offers a mix of textures and flavors, from the soft beans to the crunchy vegetables.

The beauty of this chili is in its adaptability. You can use whatever vegetables you have in your pantry—peppers, zucchini, or corn. The slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory dish that’s perfect for any season.

Not only is it healthy and filling, but this chili also gets better with time. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop, making it a perfect candidate for leftovers. Serve it with some cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings, and enjoy a bowl of comfort.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Crock Pot Creations

30+ Easy Crockpot Meals

30+ Easy Crockpot Meals from The Recipe Rebel

Rating: 5.

Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings

Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings from Delish

Rating: 3.7. Total Time: 4 hr 10 min.

30+ Dump & Go Slow Cooker Meals

30+ Dump & Go Slow Cooker Meals from The Recipe Rebel

Rating: 5. Total Time: 19 min.

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Layer Ingredients Strategically

When adding ingredients to your crock pot, start with the denser ones at the bottom, like root vegetables and meats. This ensures even cooking and helps the flavors meld together perfectly.

Brown Meats for More Flavor

If you have a few extra minutes, sear your meats in a hot pan before adding them to the crock pot. This step enhances the flavor by adding a rich caramelization that deepens the dish’s taste.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot

For the best results, fill your crock pot no more than two-thirds full. This allows for even cooking and prevents the ingredients from steaming instead of slow cooking, which can dilute flavors.