5 Frugal Crockpot Recipes
Crockpots are perfect for making frugal, hands-off meals that feed a crowd or leave you with leftovers. Here are five budget-friendly crockpot recipes that bring big flavor without big costs!
1. Slow Cooker Lentil and Veggie Stew Recipe
Lentils are affordable and nutritious, making this stew a comforting, healthy option on a budget.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
3 cups vegetable broth
2 carrots, chopped
2 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, pepper, and dried herbs (thyme, rosemary) to taste
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot, stirring to combine.
2. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until lentils and veggies are tender.
3. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
2. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
This pulled chicken is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or tacos, and it’s a super easy way to enjoy BBQ on a budget.
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breasts
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
1 onion, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot with sliced onion.
2. Pour BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the chicken, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce before serving.
3. Crockpot Black Bean Chili Recipe
This hearty, meatless chili uses inexpensive beans and veggies, making it perfect for a frugal, filling meal.
Ingredients:
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and stir.
2. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
3. Serve with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
4. Slow Cooker Pasta Sauce with Ground Turkey Recipe
Making your own pasta sauce in the crockpot is budget-friendly and allows you to skip jarred sauce. This version uses ground turkey for an affordable protein boost.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey (or beef if preferred)
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet, then transfer it to the crockpot.
2. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine, then cook on low for 6–7 hours.
4. Serve over pasta or freeze leftovers.
5. Crockpot Potato and Corn Chowder Recipe
This creamy chowder is cozy and uses budget-friendly ingredients like potatoes and corn for a rich, filling meal.
Ingredients:
4 potatoes, diced
1 cup frozen or canned corn
1 carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup milk or cream
Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
Instructions:
1. Add potatoes, corn, carrot, celery, and broth to the crockpot.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, then stir.
3. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Stir in milk or cream before serving for added creaminess.
These crockpot recipes make meal prep easy, filling your home with wonderful aromas while staying on budget.
Always check your cooking times as cooking times may vary depending upon your make, model, age, condition, and other factors, and always make sure any meat is fully cooked before eating or serving. If you d9nt know what that would like, well... learn!
Enjoy your slow-cooked, budget-friendly meals!
