14 Slow Cooker Meals That Stretch Your Dollar

Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or nutrition. With a slow cooker, you can create meals that are not only economical but also rich in flavor and comfort. These slow cooker recipes are designed to help you make the most of inexpensive ingredients, turning them into meals that stretch your dollar and keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

For a hearty beef stew, combine 1.5 pounds of beef chuck cut into cubes, 4 cups of beef broth, 3 diced carrots, 4 diced potatoes, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste in your slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and a bay leaf. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender. Serve with crusty bread for a meal that’s as comforting as it is budget-friendly.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Place 4 boneless chicken breasts in a slow cooker with 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 diced onion, and 1 cup of frozen peas. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. This one-pot meal is both easy and economical.

Slow Cooker Chili

Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of black beans, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 packet of chili seasoning in your slow cooker. Add 2 cups of water, stir well, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream for a warm and filling meal that stretches your dollar.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Add 3 pounds of pork shoulder to your slow cooker with 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 sliced onion. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded. Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw for a meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget.

Lentil Soup

For a nourishing lentil soup, add 2 cups of dried lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 can of diced tomatoes to your slow cooker. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This hearty soup is packed with protein and stretches your dollar to the max.

Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Mix 1.5 pounds of ground beef, 1 diced onion, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Shape into a loaf and place in your slow cooker. Spread another 2 tablespoons of ketchup over the top. Cook on low for 6 hours. This classic comfort food is made even easier and more economical in the slow cooker.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

In your slow cooker, combine 4 boneless chicken breasts, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 can of black beans, 1 can of corn, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Shred the chicken, and serve with tortilla chips, cheese, and avocado for a filling and flavorful meal that won’t break the bank.

Beef Stroganoff

For an easy slow cooker beef stroganoff, place 1.5 pounds of beef stew meat in your slow cooker with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 packet of onion soup mix, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 diced onion. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Stir in 1 cup of sour cream before serving over egg noodles. This rich and creamy dish is perfect for a cozy, budget-friendly dinner.

Vegetarian Chili

In your slow cooker, combine 1 can of black beans, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of chickpeas, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 packet of chili seasoning. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with cornbread for a satisfying and affordable meatless meal.

Pork and Bean Stew

Place 2 pounds of pork shoulder, 1 can of white beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 2 cups of chicken broth in your slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty, budget-friendly meal.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

In your slow cooker, combine 2 cups of uncooked macaroni, 4 cups of milk, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted. This creamy mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy on the wallet.

Beef and Broccoli

Add 1.5 pounds of sliced beef chuck, 2 cups of beef broth, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 4 cups of broccoli florets to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve over rice for a budget-friendly version of this takeout favorite.

Sausage and Peppers

In your slow cooker, combine 1 pound of Italian sausage, 4 sliced bell peppers, 1 sliced onion, 2 cups of marinara sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve on hoagie rolls for a satisfying and affordable meal.

Slow Cooker Oatmeal

For a hearty breakfast, add 2 cups of steel-cut oats, 6 cups of water, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to your slow cooker. Cook on low overnight for 7-8 hours. In the morning, stir well and serve with your favorite toppings like fruit or nuts for a budget-friendly way to start the day.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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