Sometimes it’s hard finding budget friendly recipes, especially for the slow cooker. In the past few weeks, my husband and I have been watching our budget a bit more than usual since he is between contracts. While his type of work brings in great money, it also means we have no money coming in while he’s between projects. Thank god for savings! To make what we have stretch a bit furtherI have put our family on a tighter food budget. Since I am still working, the recipes have to be workable enough for him in the kitchen, and not taste like they are budget recipes. As someone who loves food, I refuse to accept that living on a budget means we use poor quality ingredients our healthy, nasty tasting food. If there was one thing my mother taught me growing up it is that quality food is a must, and you cut other things to make sure your family eats right!
Knowing I was on a search for budget friendly recipes, many of my blogger friends and favorite food bloggers recommended to me some of their favorites. We knew that if I was having problems finding budget friendly recipes, my readers probably were too! In the list below, you will find 65 Budget Friendly Slow Cooker recipes that are perfect for meals throughout the day. You may even find some yummy dessert recipes that snuck their way on the list! (Dessert is a meal, right? If not, we will keep that little secret between all of us!)
Not seeing your favorite recipe on the list? Tell us in the comments below!
About Susan Bewley
Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.
lisa says
August 18, 2014 at 12:35 pmThere are so many good recipes to choose from.I love pasta sauce in the slow cooker, and it smells delicious while it’s cooking.
Roz says
August 18, 2014 at 1:50 pmI am always looking for a way to keep me out of the kitchen, lol, gotta love crockpot cooking!!
Darla Peduzzi says
August 18, 2014 at 3:41 pmLots of great recipes here to try! Thanks! I didn’t know you could make banana bread in a slow cooker. I’ll have to try it!
Maggie Anders says
August 18, 2014 at 8:25 pmWhat a great group of recipes, i love to cook in the slow cooker. The house smells good all day and then it dinner time 😀
Paula Williams says
August 18, 2014 at 11:39 pmThis is great, I really need this! We love our crockpot.
Veronica Lee says
August 19, 2014 at 12:40 pmOooooo! I want to try out every single recipe. I love to make my curries in a slow cooker.
Shannon says
August 19, 2014 at 2:52 pmThank you for sharing all of these lovely recipes. I have made yogurt in the crockpot and it is really good.
Diana Ward says
August 19, 2014 at 3:24 pmThis is just what I was looking for! I cook for 5 most nights from a limited food budget, and while trying to work online and homeschool and babysit two rambunctious grandboys. Add to that my lifelong dislike of cooking but concern for family healthy eating and your recipes look like life-savers. I’ve bookmarked this page, and the first recipe I’m going to try is 2. Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Thighs from Ann’s Entitled Life, since I already have all the ingredients.
Claudia says
August 20, 2014 at 3:54 pmConsequently mouth watering! That appears to be irresistible.
Joey Simmonds says
August 20, 2014 at 8:54 pmI am a big fan of the crockpot. Easy to use, tender meats every time, doesn’t matter how experienced of a cook you are. I will be using some of these recipes as my wife has not been well lately and I will need to do a little more of the cooking to help out. I was impressed that I liked just about all of them when I looked over the list. Thank you for the recipes.
Dee Lafrenz says
August 21, 2014 at 10:24 amThank you for the recipes. I just retired, and am on a very short budget. These will help. I also have a recipe for you.
I take one pork roast
1/2 a small bag of potatoes
2 small or one large bag of mini carrots
4-5 bay leaves
2 tsp basil
1/4 c balsamic vinegar ( if you like use 1/8 C )
1 can of stewed tomatoes ( I like the ones with veggies in it)
1 tsp Italian spices
1-2 cans water ( I use the stewed tomatoes can )
salt and pepper to taste
I put this on high, put the veggies on the bottom, and the roast on top, Cover and let cook until the veggies are done. I check the meat, when it is almost done, I cut it into cubes, you can do that in the beginning if you wish. I just don’t like the mess. For the two of us, I keep one container in the fridge for meals, and freeze the rest in smaller containers for many meals. I would mark the freezer containers with the name, pork roast meal, and date it. That way you know how long it has been in the freezer.
Susan Bewley says
August 21, 2014 at 3:26 pmThank you for the wonderful recipe!!!
chantil lear says
August 21, 2014 at 4:14 pmOmg with fall coming i will be using my crockpot everyday! I love coming home to a good smelling home and not having to cook all night when I just want to spend time with the family! Thanks for all the ideas!
katie h says
August 22, 2014 at 8:39 pmYum, yum! These look awesome! Can’t wait to try some!
Sarah Vegetabile says
September 5, 2014 at 9:47 amThese are so perfect for fall and winter season! And for those days you are to busy or just don’t feel up to huge meal making! I can’t wait to try some of these!
Kelly Minyard says
February 26, 2015 at 6:53 pmThank you for this list! I’m always looking for new crock pot recipes!
Sohair says
August 13, 2015 at 2:16 pmThese look so delicious,I would like to try these dishes for my next family and friends gathering
Jake Aubut says
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