If you’re searching for cheap slow cooker recipes that are easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy days, you’re in the right place. Slow cookers are one of the best tools for creating low-cost meals with minimal effort, helping you turn simple ingredients into hearty, satisfying dishes.
In this post, you’ll find a variety of easy slow cooker recipes that are designed to save you both time and money. From comforting classics to filling family dinners, these budget slow cooker meals are ideal for meal prep, batch cooking, and reducing your weekly food shop.
Whether you’re trying to cut costs, cook more at home, or just need reliable cheap crockpot recipes, these ideas are perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Using everyday ingredients like tinned goods, frozen vegetables, and affordable cuts of meat, these slow cooker recipes on a budget make it easy to eat well without overspending.
If you want simple, stress-free cooking with maximum flavour, these cheap slow cooker recipes are exactly what you need to get started.
1. Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Why this is cheap
- Uses basic, widely available veg
- Relies on tinned + frozen ingredients
- No expensive herbs or specialty items
- Easily scales for multiple meals
Ingredients (serves ~6–8)
Core (very cheap staples)
- 2–3 potatoes (any kind), diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 tin mixed beans or lentils (drained)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, sweetcorn, carrots)
Liquid & seasoning
- 1 litre vegetable stock (cube + water is fine)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust later)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried herbs (mixed herbs or Italian seasoning)
Optional (if budget allows)
- Splash of soy sauce (adds depth cheaply)
- A handful of cabbage or spinach
- A pinch of chilli flakes
Instructions
- Chop veg into bite-sized pieces (no need to be perfect).
- Put everything in: veg, beans, tomatoes, stock, and seasoning.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours
- Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Eat as-is or with cheap bread/toast.
Money-Saving Tips
- Use red lentils instead of beans → cheaper & thickens soup
- Buy wonky veg or supermarket value range
- Skip fresh herbs—dried works perfectly
- Add extra water + stock cube to stretch portions
- Freeze leftovers for later meals
Make It Even Heartier (Still Cheap)
- Add ½ cup rice or pasta (put in last 30–40 mins)
- Stir in oats for thickness (sounds odd, but works great)
- Mash some potatoes in the soup to bulk it up
2. Budget Chicken Curry
A rich and satisfying dish using affordable ingredients.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs (skin removed)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tbsp curry paste
- 1 tin coconut milk
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Place chicken, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
- Add curry paste, coconut milk, and tomatoes.
- Stir gently.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Shred chicken slightly before serving.
Budget Tip
Chicken thighs are cheaper and more flavourful than breast.
Serving Idea
Serve with rice or homemade flatbread.
3. Slow Cooker Lentil Stew
One of the cheapest and most nutritious meals you can make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Rinse lentils thoroughly.
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Stir and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Stir before serving for a thicker consistency.
Budget Tip
Lentils are extremely cheap and high in protein.
Serving Idea
Top with a dollop of yoghurt if available.
4. BBQ Pulled Pork
Perfect for multiple meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1kg pork shoulder
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 bottle BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Place onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add pork on top.
- Pour over BBQ sauce.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Shred meat with forks and mix with sauce.
Budget Tip
Buy pork shoulder in bulk—it’s one of the cheapest cuts.
Serving Idea
Use in sandwiches, wraps, or baked potatoes.
5. Creamy Potato and Leek Soup
Simple, comforting, and incredibly cheap.
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes (chopped)
- 2 leeks (sliced)
- 1 litre stock
- 100ml cream (optional)
Instructions
- Add potatoes, leeks, and stock to slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
- Blend until smooth.
- Stir in cream if using.
Budget Tip
Skip the cream for an even cheaper version.
Serving Idea
Serve with toast or bread.
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6. Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
A hearty, freezer-friendly favourite.
Ingredients
- 500g minced beef
- 1 tin kidney beans
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Brown mince in a pan first (optional but adds flavour).
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Stir before serving.
Budget Tip
Swap half the meat for lentils to cut costs further.
Serving Idea
Serve with rice or on jacket potatoes.
7. Sausage Casserole
Comfort food that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients
- 6 sausages
- 1 tin beans (butter or baked beans)
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 1 tsp herbs
Instructions
- Brown sausages (optional).
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
- Stir and serve hot.
Budget Tip
Use supermarket own-brand sausages.
Serving Idea
Serve with mashed potatoes.
8. Honey Garlic Chicken
A sweet and savoury favourite.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Place chicken in slow cooker.
- Mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce.
- Pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
Budget Tip
Use less honey and more soy sauce if needed.
Serving Idea
Serve with noodles or rice.
9. Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Cheaper and healthier than canned versions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried beans (soaked overnight)
- 1 tin tomatoes
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard
Instructions
- Drain soaked beans.
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8–10 hours.
- Stir occasionally if possible.
Budget Tip
Dried beans are much cheaper than canned.
Serving Idea
Great on toast or as a side dish.
10. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
A perfect cheap breakfast option.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 2 apples (chopped)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups milk or water
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
- Cook on low overnight (6–8 hours).
- Stir before serving.
Budget Tip
Use water instead of milk to save money.
Serving Idea
Add a drizzle of honey or sugar.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for cheap slow cooker recipes that are easy, filling, and perfect for everyday cooking, this collection has you covered. From hearty comfort foods to simple family favourites, these budget slow cooker meals prove that you don’t need to spend a lot to eat well.
Using affordable ingredients and minimal prep, these easy slow cooker recipes are ideal for busy households, meal prep, and anyone trying to cut down on food costs. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these low-cost slow cooker recipes help you make the most of your ingredients while still enjoying delicious, satisfying meals.
By adding these cheap crockpot recipes to your weekly routine, you can save time, reduce waste, and stick to a budget without sacrificing flavour. Slow cooking really is one of the best ways to create budget-friendly meals with minimal effort.
👉 Don’t forget to save this list of cheap slow cooker recipes and come back whenever you need easy, affordable meal ideas!