10 Best Slow Cooker Recipes on a Budget

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Slow cookers are a great tool for busy individuals and families (heck we use them all the time while trying to juggle the kids and work), they allow you to prepare delicious meals with minimal effort. They are also a great way to save money on your grocery bills, as they allow you to use cheaper cuts of meat and bulk ingredients all which cook amazingly. In this article, we will be sharing 10 of the best slow cooker recipes that are not only budget-friendly, but also packed with flavor and nutrients for your family. These recipes are easy to follow and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This slow cooker pulled pork recipe is a traditional crowd-pleaser that is perfect for feeding a large group of friends or family. The pork is cooked to tender perfection in a beautiful tomato-based sauce, making it easy to shred and serve on buns as sandwiches. The best part about this recipe is that it is budget-friendly, as it uses a pork shoulder roast, which is a cheaper cut of meat but is just as mouth watering.

Timeframe: 8-10 hours

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 2.5-3 pound pork shoulder roast
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  2. Place the pork roast in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  4. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on buns as sandwiches.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/10th of recipe (about 3 ounces of pork)

Calories: 226 Fat: 9g Saturated fat: 3g Cholesterol: 73mg Sodium: 456mg Carbohydrates: 14g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 12g Protein: 22g

Slow Cooker Chilli

On a cold winters day you will love this chilli recipe. It is made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a variety of spices, making it a budget-friendly and protein-packed meal (Did you know that kidney beans contain one of the highest protein values). It is also easy to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or toppings.

Timeframe: 6-8 hours

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat. 2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chili is hot and the flavors have melded together.
  4. Serve the chilli hot, with your desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/8th of recipe (about 1 cup)

Calories: 288 Fat: 12g Saturated fat: 4g Cholesterol: 50mg Sodium: 686mg Carbohydrates: 26g Fiber: 7g Sugar: 5g Protein: 21g

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Instead of having a Chinese takeout try this slow cooker beef and brocolli recipe. The beef is slow cooked to tender perfection in a savory sauce, while the broccoli is added in the last 30 minutes of cooking to retain its crunch and nutrients. This recipe is perfect for serving over rice or noodles and is actually very filling.

Timeframe: 4-6 hours

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups broccoli florets

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
  2. Place the beef slices in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Stir to coat the beef with the sauce.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  4. Add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
  5. Serve the beef and broccoli over rice or noodles.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/4th of recipe (about 1 cup)

Calories: 282 Fat: 7g Saturated fat: 2g Cholesterol: 73mg Sodium: 1220mg Carbohydrates: 29g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 20g Protein: 28g

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

We all fancy an Indian takeout, but why pay over £50 when you can make this masala resipe at home. The chicken is slow cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, making it tender and bursting with flavor. It is perfect for serving over rice or with naan bread and maybe a touch of salad.

Timeframe: 6-8 hours

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, Greek yogurt, heavy cream, tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  4. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to coat it with the sauce.
  5. Serve the chicken tikka masala over rice or with naan bread.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/6th of recipe (about 3/4 cup)

Calories: 291 Fat: 14g Saturated fat: 7g Cholesterol: 111mg Sodium: 459mg Carbohydrates: 8g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 5g Protein: 32g

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This slow cooker beef stroganoff recipe is a money saving and creamier version of the classic Russian dish. The beef is slow cooked to tenderness in a savory sauce, while the egg noodles are cooked separately and tossed with the sauce before serving. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to show off your cooking skills to your friends.

Timeframe: 8-10 hours

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces egg noodles

Instructions:

  1. Place the beef slices, onion, mushrooms, and garlic in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, sour cream, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cornstarch, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and toss them with the beef stroganoff sauce in the slow cooker.
  5. Serve the beef stroganoff hot.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/6th of recipe (about 1 cup)

Calories: 323 Fat: 12g Saturated fat: 5g Cholesterol: 90mg Sodium: 744mg Carbohydrates: 26g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 4g

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Stew

We all love a stew when we are feeling cold. The beef is slow cooked to perfection in a savory tomato-based sauce, while the potatoes and vegetables add nutrients and flavor to the dish. This recipe is easy to customize by using your favorite vegetables and herbs.

Timeframe: 8-10 hours

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and green beans)

Instructions:

  1. Place the beef cubes, potatoes, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, basil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  4. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Serve the beef and potato stew hot.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/6th of recipe (about 1 1/2 cups)

Calories: 302 Fat: 8g Saturated fat: 3g Cholesterol: 73mg Sodium: 553mg Carbohydrates: 30g Fiber: 5g Sugar: 7g Protein: 28g

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

If you want a meal jam packed with protein and taste then try this. The black beans are slow cooked with a variety of aromatic spices, making them tender and bursting with flavor. This recipe is easy to customize and make your own by adding a variety of spices and veg to the mix.

Timeframe: 8-10 hours

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried black beans, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place the black beans, onion, bell pepper, garlic, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beans are tender.
  3. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend it in batches.
  4. Serve the black bean soup hot, with your desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/6th of recipe (about 1 cup)

Calories: 214 Fat: 2g Saturated fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 799mg Carbohydrates: 37g Fiber: 11g Sugar: 6g Protein: 13g

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Had a hard day? This is the ultimate comfort food. The chicken is slow cooked to tender perfection in a savory broth, while the dumplings are added in the last 30 minutes of cooking to cook through. Relieve your stress and enjoy this delicious meal.

Timeframe: 6-8 hours

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts, onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, basil, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  3. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, shred the chicken with two forks and stir to coat it with the sauce.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk to form a soft dough. Drop the dough by the spoonful into the slow cooker.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
  6. Serve the chicken and dumplings hot.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/6th of recipe (about 1 1/2 cups)

Calories: 312 Fat: 8g Saturated fat: 2g Cholesterol: 73mg Sodium: 961mg Carbohydrates: 36g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 6g Protein: 26g

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

You can never go wrong with soup, especially a vegetable one that is full of taste and flavor. The vegetables are slow cooked in a savory broth, making them tender and bursting with flavor. This recipe is easy to customize by using your favorite vegetables or adding protein such as beans or chicken which will help build up your muscles 🙂

Timeframe: 6-8 hours

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 medium yellow squash, diced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as green beans, peas, and corn)

Instructions:

  1. Place the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Serve the vegetable soup hot.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/6th of recipe (about 1 cup)

Calories: 81 Fat: 1g Saturated fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 639mg Carbohydrates: 16g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 8g Protein: 3g

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Tender beef with noodles, you cant go wrong with this. The beef is slow cooked to tender perfection in a savory broth, while the noodles are cooked separately and tossed with the sauce before serving. You can try adding your own sauces to make the taste even better.

Timeframe: 8-10 hours

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces egg noodles

Instructions:

  1. Place the beef slices, onion, garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, basil, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  3. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and toss them with the beef and noodles sauce in the slow cooker.
  4. Serve the beef and noodles hot.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1/6th of recipe (about 1 cup)

Calories: 323 Fat: 12g Saturated fat: 5g Cholesterol: 90mg Sodium: 744mg Carbohydrates: 26g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 4g Protein: 28g

Conclusion

Slow cookers are the ultimate tool to have in your kitchen not only to save you time but to also save you alot of money. From chilli and beef and broccoli to chicken tikka masala and beef stroganoff, there are endless recipe possibilities. These 10 best slow cooker recipes on a budget are sure to become your new family favorites. Let us know how they go!