Top 12 budget slow cooker recipes
Simplify weeknights with our budget-friendly slow cooker recipes. Try our hearty mains such as meatballs, lasagne, casserole and shepherd's pie
Midweek dinners just got easier with our top 12 cost-effective slow cooker recipes to feed four or more people.
Cheaper ingredients are key to a low-cost dinner. Try bulking up a simple dinner with budget-friendly staples like beans and pulses. Our recipes feature cheap cuts of meat like chicken thighs, sausages and mince. Or, ditch meat all together with our vegetarian slow cooker recipes and vegan slow cooker recipes. We've also provided several batch cooking recipes and freezable recipes to provide extra portions so you won't have to cook every night of the week.
Find more inspiration for easy midweek meals including our one-pot recipes and oven baked dinners.
Budget slow cooker recipes
1. Slow cooker meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs are sure to please hungry kids and adults alike. This thrifty recipe uses turkey mince, which is not only cost-effective but leaner than beef. They also freeze well so you can batch cook.
Check out our turkey mince recipes for more budget-friendly and quick recipes.
2. Slow cooker honey mustard chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are a crafty way to cut down on shopping costs. Use just a few ingredients to create this no-fuss slow-cooker chicken dish with a creamy honey and mustard sauce.
Try more budget chicken thigh recipes.
3. Slow cooker mac ’n’ cheese
Mac 'n' cheese is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening. This veggie-friendly recipe uses minimal ingredients, combining pasta with milk, butter and cheese. Just tip the ingredients into your slow cooker for a velvety smooth pasta dish.
Check out more budget pasta recipes.
4. Slow cooker spiced root & lentil casserole
Vegetarians can dig into this filling casserole full of earthy carrots, parsnips and red lentils. This healthy recipe is great for freezing and reheating for midweek meals.
Find more budget vegetarian recipes.
5. Slow cooker shepherd's pie
Shepherd's pie is the ultimate family-friendly meal for a busy weeknight. Tuck into this healthy version featuring mince, lentils, carrots and potatoes. It's low-fat and low-calorie with three of your five-a-day.
6. Slow cooker vegetable lasagne
Layer pasta, ratatouille and sliced aubergine for a filling dinner that packs in all of your five-a-day – perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
7. Slow cooker pulled chicken
Use purse-friendly chicken thighs for an easy alternative to pulled pork. It's best served in a bun or with rice – a satisfyingly simple summer meal for the family.
Browse more summer budget recipes.
8. Slow cooker sausage casserole
Sausages are a wonderfully cost-effective ingredient and we've made them go further in this hearty casserole by serving with chunky veg. It's ideal for batch cooking and freezing for another busy weeknight - serve it over pasta, in baked potatoes or with bread.
9. Slow cooker ratatouille
Make up a batch of this vibrant vegan ratatouille and freeze for easy midweek meals when you’re busy. Packed with veggies such as aubergine, courgette and tomato, it delivers four of your five-a-day.
Try more budget vegan recipes.
10. Slow cooker pork casserole
Pork shoulder steaks are another great budget-friendly cut of meat. Serve this warming one-pot casserole with creamy mash for a comforting family meal. We've used a 'bouquet garni' of dried herbs to provide a flavour boost without having to buy lots of extra ingredients. It's also freezable and perfect for batch cooking - mix it up by adding in some cooked apples for extra flavour, or serving with rice.
11. Slow cooker beef stroganoff
Craving a warm and hearty meal without spending a fortune? This slow cooker beef stroganoff is your answer. Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of tender beef in a creamy sauce. No need to babysit the pot – simply prep your ingredients in the morning and let the slow cooker do its magic for 5-8 hours. Sear the seasoned beef to perfection, then sauté some onions and garlic for a touch of fragrance. Toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it simmer until dinnertime. While it cooks, whip up your favourite side dish – mashed potatoes, tagliatelle, or fluffy rice – to complete this satisfying meal.
12. Slow cooker chicken tikka masala
If you’re craving a takeaway treat but don’t want to spend the extra cash, try this slow cooker chicken tikka masala to bring the curry house to you. Garnish your curry with coriander and a squeeze of lime for extra zest to cut through the creaminess, and serve over a bed of our easy pilau rice or with soft, fluffy naan bread. Freeze your leftovers for a fuss-free dinner option later in the week.
Discover more slow cooker curry recipes for dinners full of flavour without the fuss.
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