17+ Cheap Slow Cooker Recipes

Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of a home-cooked meal that’s been simmering all day. Slow cookers make this dream a reality, transforming simple ingredients into flavorful feasts.

Hearty Vegetable Stew

Hearty Vegetable Stew

Hearty Vegetable Stew from Brand New Vegan

Rating: 4.8.

Hearty Vegetable Stew

Hearty Vegetable Stew from Yup, it's Vegan

Rating: 4.9.

Hearty Vegetable Stew

Hearty Vegetable Stew from The Mediterranean Dish

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 40 min.

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This vegetable stew is a burst of colors and flavors, with vibrant carrots, potatoes, and peas swimming in a rich tomato broth. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.

The magic happens as the slow cooker coaxes out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, blending them into a deliciously thick and savory stew. This recipe stands out because it turns humble ingredients into a delightful meal that even meat lovers find satisfying. Plus, it’s highly customizable; toss in any leftover veggies you have!

Tender Pulled Pork

How to make Pulled Pork

How to make Pulled Pork from Tastes Better From Scratch

Rating: 5. Total Time: 5 hr 20 min.

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork from Allrecipes

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

Perfect Pulled Pork

Perfect Pulled Pork from The Kitchn

Rating: 5. Total Time: 4 hr.

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Get ready to experience the juiciest pulled pork that’s been slowly marinating in its own savory juices mixed with a hint of smoky barbecue flavor. With just a few ingredients like pork shoulder, your favorite BBQ sauce, and spices, this dish comes together effortlessly.

What makes this recipe a household favorite is its versatility. Serve it on a bun, alongside coleslaw, or even over a bed of rice. The slow cooker ensures the pork stays tender and moist, while the BBQ sauce caramelizes, adding depth to every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want seconds—and maybe thirds.

Chickpea Curry

Chickpea Curry

Chickpea Curry from Rainbow Plant Life

Rating: 5.

Easy Chickpea Curry

Easy Chickpea Curry from Host The Toast

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 40 min.

Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry

Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry from Jessica in the Kitchen

Rating: 5. Total Time: 45 min.

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Chickpea curry is an exotic yet simple dish that’s loaded with spices, coconut milk, and hearty chickpeas. It’s creamy, with a gentle heat that warms you to your core.

This recipe shines because of its bold flavors and budget-friendly ingredients. With ginger, garlic, turmeric, and garam masala, your kitchen will smell like an Indian restaurant. It’s a vegan delight that’s filling and nutritious, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal without compromising on taste.

Beef and Broccoli

Budget slow cooker recipes

Budget slow cooker recipes from BBC Good Food

Five Ingredient Tex Mex Crockpot Chicken | Easy Meal Prep Dinner

Five Ingredient Tex Mex Crockpot Chicken | Easy Meal Prep Dinner from – Hello Spoonful

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 4 hr 5 min.

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Beef and broccoli in the slow cooker is a little slice of takeout heaven, right from your own kitchen. The beef is tender, and the broccoli retains its bite, all coated in a savory soy-garlic sauce.

What’s special about this recipe is how it transforms a takeout classic into a homemade staple. It’s easy on the wallet and allows you to control the sodium and sugar levels. It’s a dish that impresses with its simplicity and deliciousness, perfect for those who crave Chinese cuisine at home.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

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This zesty chicken tortilla soup is an explosion of Mexican flavors, featuring chicken, corn, black beans, and tomatoes in a spiced broth. Each spoonful is a fiesta for your taste buds.

The secret to this recipe’s popularity is its simplicity and the way it manages to deliver complex flavors with minimal effort. Top it with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream to elevate the experience. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Sweet and Spicy Chili

Sweet and Spicy Chili

Sweet and Spicy Chili from Tastes of Lizzy T

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 50 min.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chili

Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chili from Salt & Baker

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 4 hr 50 min.

Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili

Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili from Iowa Girl Eats

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 45 min.

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Sweet and spicy chili is a robust dish that balances heat from chili powder with sweetness from brown sugar. The combination of ground beef, beans, and tomatoes makes it hearty and filling.

This chili stands out for its unique sweet-spicy flavor profile that surprises and delights the palate. It’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and game nights, and the best part is how the flavors deepen the longer it cooks. Serve it with cornbread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Slow Cooker Dishes

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Layer Ingredients Strategically

Place denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking. This allows the juices and flavors to permeate upward, making the dish more flavorful.

Use Less Liquid

Remember, slow cookers trap moisture, so you don’t need as much liquid as you would in traditional cooking. Start with less and add more if necessary, to prevent your dish from becoming too watery.

Enhance Flavors with Fresh Herbs

Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving to brighten up the flavor of your dish. They add a pop of color and freshness that can elevate your slow-cooked meal to the next level.