10 of My Favorite Cheap Crock-Pot Recipes That I’m Sure Your Family Will Love

Keeping everyone fed without breaking the bank or spending my whole evening in the kitchen feels like a daily challenge. I’ve definitely had my share of dinner flops when trying to cut corners or speed up dinner prep.

That’s why I’ve fallen hard for my slow cooker—it’s my no-fuss kitchen hero that helps me keep our meals both affordable and yummy. These are my go-to crock-pot recipes that have saved dinners on those hectic days.

They’ve been taste-tested and heartily approved by my family, and I’m betting your gang will love them just as much. Let’s get those slow cookers simmering and make mealtime a breeze.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Grab those pork chops when they’re on sale, because they turn out wonderfully in the slow cooker with minimal effort. Just layer them with canned cream of mushroom soup—an economical pantry staple—and let them simmer to perfection. The chops become so tender and flavorful, they practically melt in your mouth.

Serve them over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles for a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a dish. It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone rush to the table.

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Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Who doesn’t love a good shortcut that leads to a delicious meal? This broccoli cheese soup is a breeze with cream of celery soup and frozen broccoli florets. Just dump them into your slow cooker and let it do its thing. By dinner time, you’ve got a creamy, cheesy soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, and the leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded together. Simple, quick, and utterly satisfying, it’s a weeknight lifesaver.

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Slow Cooker Chili

Chili is the ultimate comfort food, and making it in the slow cooker is as easy as tossing ingredients together and letting them meld into something magical. Whether you’ve got kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans, they all work beautifully.

Throw in whatever canned beans you have on hand, along with some tomatoes, spices, and any ground meat—or go vegetarian. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need a satisfying meal that takes care of itself, and it’s just as good the next day, if there are even any leftovers!

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Slow-Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches

Chuck roast transforms into an incredibly tender filling for mouth-watering sandwiches with little more than time and a slow cooker. Buy this economical cut in bulk and use it for a variety of meals throughout the week. For these sandwiches, simply season the beef and let it cook until it’s pull-apart tender.

Serve the juicy meat on crusty rolls, topped with onions or peppers, and a bit of cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. It’s a crowd-pleaser that makes dinner feel like a special occasion without any fuss.

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Slow Cooker Applesauce

Turning those almost-forgotten apples in your crisper into a homemade applesauce couldn’t be easier. Whether they’re slightly bruised or just past their prime, any type of apple you have can be transformed in your slow cooker. Just chop them up, let them simmer away, and blend into a smooth or chunky sauce—your call.

It’s a natural, healthy snack that’s a hit with the kids and a great way to cut down on waste. Plus, homemade applesauce freezes well, so it’s easy to keep on hand for quick treats or baking.

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Homemade Yogurt

Skip the overpriced store-bought varieties and make your own yogurt in the crock-pot. All you need is milk and a starter of live active cultures (found in plain yogurt). Set your slow cooker on low overnight, and wake up to a creamy, rich base ready to be flavored with your family’s favorites like honey, berries, or jam.

It’s a fun way to customize a healthy breakfast or snack and ensures you know exactly what’s going into your food—no unwanted additives or sugars, just wholesome goodness.

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Slow Cooker Brisket

Who says you can’t have tender, flavorful brisket on a budget? Opt for this more affordable cut and let your crock-pot work its magic, transforming a tough piece of beef into melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Just set your slow cooker on low and let it slowly coax the brisket to perfect tenderness.

This simple method means I can get on with my day, knowing a delicious meal will be ready without fuss. It’s a surefire hit that keeps everyone at the table happy and satisfied.

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Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili

Transform ordinary chicken breasts into something extraordinary with this white chicken chili recipe. Just toss chicken, creamy cannellini beans, a can of chopped green chiles, and frozen corn into the slow cooker. The result is a comforting and hearty dish that bursts with flavor, especially when served with a squeeze of fresh lime and a few slices of avocado.

It’s a dish that reminds my husband of home, and now it’s a cherished favorite in our family too. Simple, satisfying, and so easy to make—it’s a winner all around!

Try the recipe.

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Turning russet potatoes into a warm bowl of comfort food is as easy as tossing them into your crock-pot. For a thick and creamy potato soup that’s a hit with the whole family, just add some diced ham to give it a hearty boost—perfect for satisfying my meat-loving crew.

This soup isn’t just delicious on the day it’s made; it freezes beautifully, making your busy weeks a bit easier when you can pull a ready-to-go meal from the freezer.

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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

When pork shoulder, or its buddies pork butt and Boston butt roast, go on sale, snatch them up for a delicious pulled pork that’s versatile and stretches over multiple meals. Cooking it low and slow in the crock-pot brings out the richness, perfect for pulling apart into tender shreds.

We love turning this into a variety of dishes from quesadillas and toasted sandwiches to hearty soups. With just one batch, I can feed my husband, son, and myself for a few days, keeping our meals exciting and budget-friendly.

Try the recipe.