30+ Cheap Crockpot Recipes for Easy Comfort Meals

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive compensation when you click on links and actions are tracked by means of a code in the links.

Cheap crockpot recipes are a great way to enjoy warm and comforting meals without spending too much. These recipes are simple to prepare and make use of everyday ingredients. You can let your slow cooker do the work while you take care of everything else.

This list includes a wide mix of dishes; chicken, vegan, soups, and healthy options, all cooked slowly to build flavor and tenderness. Many of them are creamy, savory, or full of spice, depending on what you like. The best part is that you don’t need any fancy tools or complicated steps to make them.

Each recipe is perfect for busy days, meal prep, or cozy dinners at home. You’ll find meals that are filling, satisfying, and easy on your wallet. If you want to cook smarter while still enjoying good food, these slow cooker ideas are worth a try.

Cheap Crockpot Recipes for Dinner

1. Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Packed with flavor and layers of cheesy goodness, this crockpot enchilada casserole makes dinner effortless. It’s like your favorite Tex-Mex dish, but made easier in one pot. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something filling and cozy.

2. 4 Ingredient Crockpot Garlic Parm Chicken

Just four ingredients give you a creamy, garlicky pasta dish that feels way more indulgent than it is. The parmesan melts perfectly into the sauce as it cooks low and slow. This one’s a budget-friendly comfort meal you’ll want on repeat.

3. Cheesy Kielbas

Smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and melty cheese are a trio that always hits the spot. This one-pot meal is hearty and satisfying without being complicated. A great choice when you need something warm and filling with minimal prep.

4. Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot

Who can say no to tater tots layered with Tex-Mex flavors? This crockpot casserole is fun, family-friendly, and loaded with cheesy, beefy goodness. It’s the kind of meal everyone looks forward to after a long day.

5. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This classic comfort food gets a hands-off twist thanks to your slow cooker. The dumplings turn fluffy while soaking up the creamy, savory broth. It’s warm, nostalgic, and absolutely worth making more than once.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti

This cheesy chicken spaghetti is rich, creamy, and surprisingly easy. It’s a full dinner all in one dish with almost no effort. Toss everything in and let the flavors meld while you go about your day.

7. Crock Pot Pepper Steak

Tender strips of beef soak up a savory sauce with sweet bell peppers in this no-fuss dinner. It’s bold, filling, and pairs beautifully with rice. Let the slow cooker do the work while you handle everything else.

8. Mississippi Meatballs

These slow-cooked meatballs are tangy, juicy, and perfect over mashed potatoes or rice. The pepperoncini gives them a zesty kick that’s surprisingly addictive. Great for parties or just spicing up your weeknight routine.

9. Pork Chops and Potatoes

You’ll love how the pork chops turn out fork-tender and the potatoes soak up all the savory juices. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to serve a hearty meal. Just layer everything in and come back to dinner.

10. Crockpot Steak Bites

Steak bites get extra tender in this flavorful, slow-cooked dish. You get bold, savory bites perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or even in wraps. Minimal prep and major taste.

Cheap Chicken Crockpot Recipes

11. Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

This fiesta chicken is colorful, flavorful, and super versatile. Serve it in tacos, over rice, or with tortilla chips for a fun dinner. The crockpot does all the flavor-building while you relax.

12. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and full of smoky bacon flavor, this crockpot pasta is serious comfort food. The ranch seasoning ties it all together into one crowd-pleasing bowl. It’s easy to prep and even easier to love.

13. Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos

Cheesy, creamy chicken made for stuffing into taco shells or burritos. The queso gives it that rich, indulgent texture without a lot of work. Great for taco night or a party spread.

14. White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

This white chili is creamy, comforting, and packed with protein. The cream cheese adds a silky richness that’s hard to resist. It’s a cozy bowl you’ll want on chilly nights.

15. Crockpot Ranch Chicken

If you love ranch, this crockpot chicken will hit the spot. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. A simple dish with big-time comfort.

16. Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

This one’s a crowd-pleasing combo of crispy potatoes and tender chicken in a garlicky parmesan sauce. It’s easy to prep and makes a great all-in-one dinner. Comforting without the fuss.

17. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken

Bright, buttery, and packed with flavor, this lemon garlic chicken cooks itself while you’re out. It’s zesty but balanced, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Serve with rice or roasted veggies for a full meal.

18. Teriyaki Chicken

Sticky-sweet and super satisfying, this crockpot teriyaki chicken is better than takeout. The sauce thickens beautifully and soaks into the tender chicken. Just add rice and veggies for a quick meal.

19. Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie

Classic chicken pot pie, but no oven needed. This version is slow-cooked to creamy, savory perfection with soft veggies and shredded chicken. Add some biscuits on top and it’s dinner done right.

20. Crockpot Crack Chicken

Creamy, cheesy, and totally addictive, crack chicken lives up to the hype. It’s packed with bacon, ranch, and juicy chicken that’s great in sandwiches or bowls. Definitely a comfort meal to keep on rotation. 

Healthy and Cheap Crockpot Recipes

21. Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Sweet and savory honey garlic sauce coats tender chicken and colorful veggies in this fuss-free meal. It’s lighter but still full of flavor. Just add rice or quinoa and you’re good to go.

22. Chicken Burrito Bowl

This crockpot burrito bowl is a budget-friendly meal packed with protein and veggies. Perfect for meal prep or taco night. Just grab your favorite toppings and customize it your way.

23. Slow Cooker Beef Ragu

Rich, meaty, and perfect over pasta or polenta, this beef ragu is hearty without being heavy. It simmers for hours, filling your kitchen with cozy aromas. Easy enough for weeknights, but impressive enough for guests.

24. Keto Taco Casserole

This low-carb taco casserole brings the flavor without the carbs. It’s cheesy, spiced just right, and perfect for anyone watching their macros. A great option when you want something filling and keto-friendly.

25. Cheesy Chicken with Broccoli and Rice

Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and broccoli make this a total weeknight win. It’s a wholesome one-pot dinner that hits all the right notes. Easy cleanup, big flavor.

Cheap Vegan Crockpot Recipes

26. Vegan Instant Pot Burrito Bowl

This vegan burrito bowl is full of bold flavors, hearty beans, and fresh toppings. Great for meal prepping or a lazy night in. Serve with guac, salsa, or whatever you’ve got on hand.

27. Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

Warm spices, soft veggies, and creamy coconut milk make this curry both comforting and filling. It’s meatless, dairy-free, and super satisfying.

28. Slow Cooker Pizza Potato

Craving pizza flavors in a new form? These slow-cooked potatoes are cheesy, saucy, and fun to eat. A creative twist that’s also budget-friendly and meatless.

29. Vegan Crockpot Lasagna

All the comfort of classic lasagna, but plant-based and made in a slow cooker. Layers of vegan cheese, sauce, and noodles come together with no oven needed. A lazy day dinner that feels special. 

Cheap Soup Crockpot Ideas

30. Vegan Potato Soup

This soup is creamy, cozy, and made entirely without dairy. Potatoes create that velvety texture, while garlic and onion build flavor. Great for a cold day or a meal that feels like a hug.

31. Marry Me Chicken Soup

Creamy and full of rich chicken flavor, this soup is a warm bowl of comfort. The herbs and sun-dried tomatoes add a gourmet touch without complicating things. Serve with bread and call it a night.

32. Stuffed Pepper Soup

Think of this as stuffed peppers, but easier and in soup form. It’s full of rice, peppers, and seasoned meat in a tomato-based broth. Simple, filling, and perfect for batch cooking.

33. Crockpot Chicken Rice Soup

A lighter take on comfort food, this chicken rice soup is wholesome and tasty. The slow cooker builds flavor while keeping things low effort. Ideal for sick days or cozy lunches.

34. Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Soft gnocchi, creamy broth, and tender chicken come together in this restaurant-style soup. It’s rich, comforting, and totally doable on a weeknight. The kind of meal you’ll crave again and again.

Conclusion

This collection of crockpot recipes proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or extra time to eat well on a budget. Each meal is thoughtfully designed to fuel your body with plant-based protein while keeping prep and cleanup simple.

There’s something really satisfying about letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you handle the rest of your day. These recipes are in my regular rotation because they check all the boxes; warm, filling, and genuinely enjoyable. Try one this week, save your favorites, and come back whenever you need easy, high protein vegan inspiration.