Some nights, you just don’t have the energy to stand over a hot stove, and that’s where the magic of a crockpot comes in. Toss in a few simple ingredients in the morning, go about your day, and come home to a warm, hearty dinner that’s practically ready to serve itself.
The best part? These meals are super affordable and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the next day, these budget-friendly recipes will save you time, money, and stress.
Here are 25 cheap crockpot meals that will practically cook themselves—so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing what you love.
1. Crockpot Potato Soup
You know those nights when you just want something warm and cozy without putting in much work? This potato soup has your back. Toss everything into the crockpot — potatoes, broth, a little cream, and seasonings — and let it do its thing. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ve got a creamy, hearty bowl of comfort that tastes like you worked way harder than you did.
2. Savory Meatball Soup
There’s something about a big bowl of meatball soup that just feels comforting. Juicy meatballs, fresh veggies, and a rich broth all simmer together into a meal that’s hearty and cozy without being fussy. It’s one of those recipes everyone at the table can agree on — warm, filling, and full of flavor.
3. Easy Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup
If you’ve got leftover ham hanging around, this soup is the easiest way to turn it into a cozy dinner. Just throw ham, beans, veggies, and broth into the crockpot and let it simmer away. By the end of the day, you’ve got a hearty, comforting soup that tastes like it took hours — but really, your slow cooker did all the work.
4. Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa
This one’s pure comfort food magic. Cheddar pierogies, creamy broth, smoky kielbasa, and melted cheese all cook together low and slow until everything is gooey, hearty, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but couldn’t be easier to make — just let the crockpot do its thing.
5. Easy Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
This recipe is a total family favorite. The pork cooks up moist and juicy in the crockpot, with a garlic herb rub that makes it so flavorful. Add that drizzle of honey mustard glaze on top, and you’ve got a main dish that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to pull off. Perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something special on the table.
6. Crock Pot Chicken Lasagna
Lasagna without the hassle? Yes, it’s possible. This crockpot version layers tender chicken, pasta, sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, then lets the slow cooker handle the rest. By dinner, you’ve got a hearty, cheesy dish that tastes like classic lasagna but with way less work. Perfect for busy days when you still want comfort food on the table.
7. Crockpot Baby Back Ribs
Ribs that basically cook themselves? Sign me up. These crockpot baby back ribs come out fall-apart tender, sticky, and smoky — the kind you’d swear came straight off the grill. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy. Just let the slow cooker do the work, and you’ll end up with juicy, flavorful ribs that everyone will think you spent hours making.
8. Mozzarella Stuffed Crockpot Meatloaf
This isn’t your average meatloaf. Inside that juicy, seasoned loaf is a gooey pocket of melted mozzarella that makes every bite extra comforting. The crockpot keeps it tender and moist while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ve got a classic dish with a cheesy twist that the whole family will love.
9. Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos
Taco night just got way easier. Toss your seasoned beef into the crockpot, let it slow cook, and by the time dinner rolls around you’ve got tender, flavorful carne asada ready to pile into warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got street-style tacos without ever leaving the house.
10. Crockpot Pasta Fagioli
This soup is the definition of hearty and cozy. With beans, pasta, veggies, and a rich tomato base, it simmers low and slow until all the flavors blend together perfectly. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting and filling but is still super easy to throw together in the crockpot.
11. Texas Cowboy Stew
This stew is all about big flavor with hardly any effort. Ground beef, beans, potatoes, corn, and a kick of spice all simmer together in the crockpot until it’s thick, hearty, and downright satisfying. It’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs meal that feels perfect on a busy night when you just want something filling and delicious.
12. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie in the crockpot? Game changer. Juicy chicken, veggies, and a creamy sauce all slow-cook together, then you top it with a biscuit for that classic touch. The result is a hearty, comforting dinner that feels homemade without all the fuss. Perfect for busy nights when you want something filling and cozy.
13. Slow Cooker Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese, this one’s it. Made with four different cheeses, the crockpot does all the work while you end up with a dish that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for sharing. It’s so good it deserves a spot on your holiday table — and honestly, weeknights too.
14. Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup
This soup is perfect when you want something budget-friendly and filling. Just toss in your leftovers, let the crockpot handle the cooking, and you’ll end up with a flavor-packed taco-inspired soup that’s hearty enough to stand on its own. Easy, cheap, and so satisfying.
15. Crockpot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Think of this as comfort food made easy. Juicy meatballs simmer in a rich, savory gravy until they’re tender and flavorful, all thanks to the crockpot doing the work. Pair them with mashed potatoes or rice, and you’ve got a hearty, no-fuss dinner the whole family will love.
16. Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
A shrimp boil in the crockpot? So easy and so good. Just toss in shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes with your favorite seasonings, and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s the kind of fun, shareable meal that’s perfect for family dinners, summer get-togethers, or when you just want something a little different without the hassle.
17. Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
This dish is the definition of comfort food made simple. Tender beef slow-cooks in a creamy mushroom gravy, then gets paired with noodles for a meal that’s hearty and satisfying. It’s one of those family favorites you’ll want to make again and again — perfect for cozy nights when you just want something filling and easy.
18. Hearty Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This casserole is all about bold, comforting flavors without the work. Layers of chicken, tortillas, and melty cheese slow-cook together into a dish that’s warm, cheesy, and so satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special while still being incredibly easy to throw together.
19. Slow Cooker Beef Ramen
This recipe turns simple ingredients into a flavor-packed bowl of comfort. Ground beef, veggies, broth, and ramen noodles all cook together in the crockpot, soaking up that savory soy flavor. The result is a hearty, easy meal that feels like takeout but couldn’t be simpler to make at home.
20. Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
This dish is the kind of easy comfort food you’ll want on repeat. Toss in chicken, tortellini, broth, and a little cream, then let the crockpot do its thing. By dinnertime, you’ve got a creamy, hearty pasta dish that tastes like something from a cozy Italian kitchen — but with barely any effort.
21. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy — this dish is a weeknight lifesaver. With just a handful of ingredients, the chicken turns out tender and full of rich honey garlic flavor. Minimal prep, big payoff, and the kind of meal that goes with just about anything.
22. Easy Crockpot Taco Casserole
Taco night just got even easier. This casserole is packed with cheesy, savory taco flavors and all the toppings you love, but the crockpot does all the heavy lifting. It’s the kind of comforting, hands-off dinner that makes busy weeknights feel a whole lot easier — and tastier.
23. Crockpot Butter Chicken
This recipe brings all the rich, creamy flavors you love with hardly any effort. Tender chicken simmers in a spiced, buttery sauce that’s perfect for scooping up with naan or serving over rice. It’s comforting, flavorful, and even kid-approved — a true weeknight win.
24. Slow Cooker Beef Bites & Potatoes
These garlic butter beef bites with potatoes are the kind of hearty dinner that feels special without any extra effort. The beef turns out tender, the potatoes soak up all that flavor, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that works just as well for a cozy night in as it does for a family dinner.
25. Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Few things feel as comforting as a bowl of warm chicken noodle soup. This crockpot version makes it so easy — just toss everything in and let it slowly cook into a rich, flavorful broth with tender chicken and noodles. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for when you need a little extra comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it — 25 cheap crockpot meals that practically cook themselves. Who knew dinner could be this easy (and this budget-friendly)? Honestly, it feels a little like cheating — you toss in a few ingredients, go about your day, and come back to a meal that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen for hours. So the next time you’re tempted to order takeout, remember your slow cooker’s got your back. Which one of these recipes are you trying first?