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Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker

Easy Frugal Crockpot Recipes + Crockpot Hacks

Published: Feb 28, 2021 · Modified: Mar 10, 2023 by Ginny · This post may contain affiliate links.

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These frugal crockpot recipes are perfect for dinner tonight! Plus make sure to take advantage of these slow cooker hacks below. You will never want to let go of this awesome kitchen tool after you have all these recipes and life hacks!

Slow cooker with ladle filled with a rich beef stew.
Want to Save Money For Dinner? Check out These Frugal Slow Cooker Recipes
Contents hide
1 🍚 Why These Work
2 🥦 Affordable Dinners To Make
3 Crockpot Ground Beef Recipes
4 Easy Frugal Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes
5 Cheap Chicken Crockpot Recipes
6 Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
7 Favorite Slow Cooker Pot Roast
8 Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe
9 White Bean Soup {Versatile & Budget Friendly!}
10 Slow Cooker Taco Soup Crockpot Meal
11 💡 Seven Crockpot Hacks
12 👩‍🍳 Common Questions for Crockpots
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🍚 Why These Work

  • Flavors – Because the food sits in the slow cooker for so long, the flavors have a great chance to marry together. This creates an incredible taste that’s hard to beat. 
  • Tender Meats – When you make meat in the slow cooker, it’s so delicate that it just falls apart. This is my favorite way to eat things like chicken and roast. 
  • Hands-Off Work – You will love how little work is required for most slow cooker recipes. You can pretty much dump in the ingredients and go to work, clean the house, or hit the mall for shopping. The entire time you are gone, your dinner is cooking! 
  • Frugal – I always enjoy saving money, and using my slow cooker is a fantastic option for that. You are much less tempted to go to a restaurant when you know dinner is waiting for you when you get home. 
  • It’s Great For Meal Prepping – Many of the dishes can be made ahead of time, and there is plenty for leftovers. Or freeze them to have them even longer. 

I could go on and on with all the reasons why this is my favorite kitchen tool. I’m sure you have plenty of reasons for loving yours too.

🥦 Affordable Dinners To Make

Check out all these affordable dinners to make in your crockpot! Now, I love my Instant Pot and Air Fryer, but this will never go out of style in my home.

Here are some easy recipes to whip up, that won’t break the bank.

Crockpot Ground Beef Recipes

If you have ground beef on hand, make one or more of these crockpot ground beef recipes. Crockpot meals with ground beef that will feed your family and are kid-approved.

Slow Cooker Mexican Dip

Serve up this slow cooker Mexican dip as a nachos, and pair with all your favorite Mexican toppings. Sour cream, avocado, lettuce and more.

Crockpot Cowboy Casserole (Slow Cooker Meal)

Photo Credit: www.kyleecooks.com

You don't have to be a cowboy to enjoy this crockpot casserole! Loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and tons of flavor. Whip this up any night of the week.

Slow Cooker Beef & Potatoes Au Gratin

Photo Credit: 4sonrus.com

Another meat and potato dinner that you toss in and forget. Tender potatoes, tons of beef, and a dish that stores great for meal prepping dinners down the line.

Crock Pot Tacos with Slow Cooker Taco Meat

Photo Credit: lowcarbyum.com

Did you know it is so easy to make crockpot taco meat? If you love Tex-Mex recipes you gotta try this recipe soon.

Crockpot Cheeseburger Casserole

Photo Credit: dizzybusyandhungry.com

You can use beef or ground turkey in this crockpot pasta recipe. Tons of flavor and feeds a crowd! Plus pasta is affordable for a cheap dinner idea.

Crock Pot BBQ Meatballs - Easy Crockpot Meatballs - Make Your Own

Photo Credit: www.littlehouseliving.com

You can use homemade meatballs or store bought meatballs for this easy dish. A tasty way to serve up meatballs that kids and adults can enjoy.

Slow Cooker Beef Chili | Diethood

Photo Credit: diethood.com

Chili is always welcome in our home. I know there are a million ways to make slow cooker chili, but here is one that gets raving reviews.

Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans Recipe with Video

Photo Credit: bakemesomesugar.com

They are sweet, filling, and absolutely delicious. You can serve these cowboy beans as a side dish, or make them the main course. They are filled with protein and are pretty tasty too.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Photo Credit: www.spendwithpennies.com

Brown gravy with mushrooms poured over beef patties is a meal made to impress. It’s comforting, and your crockpot does all the hard work. Serve with some mashed potatoes and warm bread for a complete meal.

Easy Frugal Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes

Easy Frugal Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes to whip up as well. I wanted to create a section where if you are looking for meatless dinners, you could find meals to fit your needs!

Vegetarian Crockpot Black Bean Soup {5 Minute Prep}

This black bean soup is a vegetarian soup that is so simple. You literally take 5 minutes to prep and come home to your home smelling amazing.

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Mac

Photo Credit: kristineskitchenblog.com

This Vegetarian chili mac serves a ton and is one that is great leftover to meal prep for the week. A meatless pasta crockpot recipe that is outstanding.

Vegetarian Crockpot Lasagna Recipe�

Photo Credit: erhardtseat.com

Cheesy delicious crockpot lasagna that will win over the whole family or a crowd. This is an easy way to make lasagna, and it is bursting with flavor.

Crockpot Vegan Cauliflower Soup

Photo Credit: brooklynfarmgirl.com

Creamy, flavorful, and a vegan crockpot soup that you can make any time of the year. Pair with a crisp salad, bowl of fruit, or bread for dipping.

Cheap Chicken Crockpot Recipes

Buy chicken on sale and then use it in one or more of these chicken crockpot recipes. Great dinner ideas that are loaded with flavor and require minimal prep on your end. These slow cooker chicken recipes practically cook themselves.

Three Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

This is one of the easiest crockpot chicken recipes I have ever made. Legit 3 ingredients, so affordable and family approved. Serve in tortillas, over a bed of rice, etc.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Salsa Chicken

If you are a fan of pumpkin here is another great one. I love the corn salsa paired with the pumpkin in this recipe. It really ramps up the flavor.

Easy Slow Cooker Burrito Bowl Recipe

To cut down expenses limit the toppings to just a few. The chicken base is super easy to make and then reaches for canned corn, sour cream, etc.

Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe | Super Easy & Delicious Recipe

Photo Credit: diethood.com

Raid the pantry, you might have all the ingredients for this honey garlic sauce on hand! A simple yet satisfying crockpot chicken. Pair with a side of rice for a nice affordable bone-in chicken recipe.

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken Thighs • Low Carb with Jennifer

Photo Credit: jenniferbanz.com

Another tasty one is this bbq chicken. A few spices and jarred sauce and some chicken are all you need.

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Whole chickens are super cheap to buy and cook the entire thing allows you to fill a bunch of hungry people. Everyone goes wild for this wonderful recipe.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Photo Credit: www.simplystacie.net

This tangy buffalo chicken makes the best sliders. They are frugal and are perfect for a fun dinner idea. It’s ideal for potlucks and parties too.

Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe

Photo Credit: totallythebomb.com

I can’t help but drool thinking about this taco soup—top a bowl with some sour cream, diced avocado, or some tortilla chips. Either way, it’s a great dinner idea.

Instant Pot Pulled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

Photo Credit: bakemesomesugar.com

This recipe is an inexpensive way to feed your family and use your crockpot at the same time. It’s sweet and tangy all at the same time. Dig in and try some for yourself.

Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

Photo Credit: sweetpeaskitchen.com

I am so excited that you can make shepherd’s pie in your slow cooker. It’s fantastic, and you can’t help but fall in love with it. It’s full of ground beef, peas, corn, and more.

Favorite Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Photo Credit: sweetpeaskitchen.com

Cooking a roast in your slow cooker couldn't be any easier. It’s so tender and pretty much falls apart when you touch it. To me, that makes an outstanding roast recipe.

Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe

Photo Credit: homecookingmemories.com

It doesn’t matter how you throw it together, spinach and artichoke dip is awesome. The flavor and texture are perfect when made in the slow cooker too. Serve with tortilla chips, bread, or with a spoon!

White Bean Soup {Versatile & Budget Friendly!}

Photo Credit: www.spendwithpennies.com

Beans are an inexpensive ingredient and go well in this soup. After the first bite, you are going to be in food heaven. It’s satisfying and is really easy too.

Slow Cooker Taco Soup Crockpot Meal

Photo Credit: totallythebomb.com

I can’t help but drool thinking about this taco soup—top a bowl with some sour cream, diced avocado, or some tortilla chips. Either way, it’s a great dinner idea.

💡 Seven Crockpot Hacks

Crockpots have been around forever, but these hacks might be new to you. Take advantage of these tricks, and make slow cooking even more effective.

1. Removing Film | Have you seen that your crockpot creates a white film on the sides after a lot of use? Baking soda and Dawn dish soap to the rescue.

Add two tablespoons baking soda, one drop of soap, and fill with water. Turn on low for two hours, then dump, and wash away the white residue film. Boom!

2. Foil Divider | Now, if you want to cook two foods at the same time, try this divider. Fold up some aluminum foil to make a barrier.

Place it in the center of the slow cooker, and then use a slow cooker liner. Now you can cook two things at once.

3. Al Dente Pasta | Want to have al dente pasta when it comes to a slow cooker meal?

Add your pasta at the end of cooking your recipe, so it only cooks for 10-30 minutes. This will ensure your pasta is al dente, and not too soft or mushy.

4. Don’t Open | One thing you need to know is when you use your crockpot, don’t open the lid.

Opening the lid can affect how long it takes your food to cook. You will lose tons of heat. So hands off your lid. Set it, and forget it, unless recipe says otherwise.

5. Yogurt Maker | Did you know you can make yogurt in the crockpot? This little device doubles as a yogurt maker as well.

6. Fatty Cuts Welcome | Fatty cuts of meat do best in the crockpot. You will find sometimes chicken can end up on the tougher side. Pork shoulders, chuck roasts, and more are great as they are marbled with fat.

The fat ensures the meat stays moist as it slow cooks and infuses all the flavors into the meat.

7. House Potpourri | Add some water and dice up oranges, toss in cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, apple slices, and more to create a warm and festive potpourri to fragrance your home.

This is a great way to freshen your home, and great for when guests come over.

compilation of photos showing difference frugal crockpot recipes.
Find Different Frugal Crockpot Recipes – Save Money Today!

👩‍🍳 Common Questions for Crockpots

Are crock pots and slow cookers the same thing?

The two names tend to be used interchangeably. Crockpot is the brand name of one type of a slow cooker.

What are the best things to cook in a slow cooker?

Soups, stews, roasts, pork shoulders, ribs, etc. You will find you can make desserts, meatloaf, and all things in between. There really isn’t much you shouldn’t cook in your crockpot.

Can you put raw meat in a slow cooker?

Raw meat can go in the slow cooker. Season and cook as directed in the recipe. You will find using frozen meat in the slow cooker is a no-no. As it takes too much time to thaw and then cook. It can create bacteria and is not recommended.

More Recipes To Try

  • closeup of the crockpot beef stew in a cup on a blue and yellow cloth
    Crock Pot Beef Stew
  • fresh slice of lemon on top of the turkey leg on a cutting board.
    Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
  • If you love easy dinners, you’ll LOVE this crockpot BBQ chicken! Sweet potatoes are cooked in foil on top, while the chicken cooks on the bottom… Such an easy slow cooker chicken recipe!
    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
  • collage of photos showing freezer bags, slow cooker, and meals in the pan.
    20 Slow Cooker Freezer Meals
Easy Frugal Crockpot Recipes + Crockpot HacksEasy Frugal Crockpot Recipes + Crockpot HacksEasy Frugal Crockpot Recipes + Crockpot HacksEasy Frugal Crockpot Recipes + Crockpot Hacks
« Snickers Truffles
Crockpot Freezer Meals »

About Ginny

Hi! My name is Ginny and I know how busy life can be! I am a mom working hard to prepare healthy meals for my family that is always on the go!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. gilles cailleaux says

    September 26, 2014 at 7:44 am

    Wow..so yummy Recipes 🙂

    Reply
  2. Sunni Jo says

    September 18, 2014 at 2:34 pm

    Just the last 30 minutes browsing your site has made my life so much easier! Thank you so much for all these great helpful tips! Great work 🙂

    Reply
  3. michelle says

    July 01, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    you. are. amazing. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jazmin Rode says

      July 02, 2014 at 11:46 am

      You are too kind!

      Reply
  4. Jill says

    June 30, 2014 at 9:15 am

    I’m so glad I saved the link to this post! It is super muggy in Milwaukee today so I’m looking forward to NOT firing up the oven today.

    These are all yummy sounding. There’s a few I see on your list that I think I’ll make a triple or quadruple portion of and freeze in smaller portions to reheat on another day – especially the ones that would make easy sandwich fillings. Thanks for sharing this round-up!

    Reply
    • Jazmin Rode says

      June 30, 2014 at 11:42 am

      I’m so happy to hear that! I actually fired up the crockpot yesterday, to make minestrone soup of all things, in this 90+ degree weather.

      Reply

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Family Photo Hi! I'm Ginny and for over 30 years, I've been creating simple and easy recipes without sacrificing on taste for our family on the go. I can't wait to show you how to do the same for your family. Read More...

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