10+ Passionate Penny Pincher Slow Cooker Recipes for Budget-Friendly Meals

If you want simple and tasty meals, you’re in the right place. Passionate Penny Pincher slow cooker recipes offer a variety of easy, delicious options that anyone can make. These recipes are perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort.

Using a slow cooker is a great way to save time and enjoy healthy eating. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, these recipes will help you create memorable meals without spending all day in the kitchen.

1) Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a cozy dish that’s easy to prepare. You can enjoy this hearty meal with minimal effort.

To start, you will need 1 to 2 pounds of chicken breast. Add two cans of cream of chicken soup, a can of chicken broth (10 oz), and some water. Add your favorite seasonings to enhance the flavor.

Put everything in the slow cooker at low heat for about 6-8 hours.

The dumplings are an optional touch. You can drop biscuit dough on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds chicken breast
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 oz) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Biscuits (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken breast in the slow cooker.
2. Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. If using, add biscuit dough 30 minutes before serving.

2) Crockpot Cabbage Soup

Crockpot cabbage soup is a healthy and easy meal you can make with simple ingredients. It’s low in calories, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a filling dish without extra calories. Each serving has under 100 calories, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.

You will need a variety of fresh vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes. The soup has a rich flavor, thanks to the garlic and Italian seasoning. This recipe cooks all day in your slow cooker, bringing out the best flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the cabbage and dice the onion.
2. Mince the garlic and slice the carrots and bell pepper.
3. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (about 190-200°F or 88-93°C).
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

3) Slow Cooker Nachos

Slow cooker nachos are a fun and easy dish to make for any occasion. They are perfect for game days or family gatherings. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.

To prepare, you’ll need ground beef, refried beans, and taco seasoning. Add salsa and water for extra flavor.

Feel free to spice things up with some jalapeños or cheese. Just layer your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Refried beans
• Red kidney beans
• Tomato paste
• Taco seasoning
• Salsa
• Water
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Drain the fat and move the beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add refried beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, taco seasoning, salsa, and water.
4. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours (about 93-138 degrees Celsius).
6. Serve with tortilla chips and your choice of toppings.

4) Italian Beef Slow Cooker Style

Making Italian beef in your slow cooker is simple and delicious. You will love how tender the meat becomes after hours of cooking. The flavors blend perfectly, making each bite satisfying.

Start by choosing a 2-3 lb. beef shoulder roast. Trim off any excess fat for better results. Place the roast in your crock pot, and add a jar of pepperoncini peppers, including the liquid.

Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 7-8 hours. When it’s done, shred the beef and mix it with the juices for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2-3 lb. beef shoulder roast
• 1 jar pepperoncini peppers (with juice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Trim fat from the beef roast.
2. Place the roast in the slow cooker.
3. Add pepperoncini peppers and their liquid.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
5. Shred the beef and mix with juices before serving.

5) Classic Beef Chili in the Crockpot

Classic beef chili is a comforting dish that’s easy to make in your crockpot. The slow cooking brings out rich flavors, making it perfect for any chilly day.

To start, you’ll need lean ground beef, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices like chili powder and oregano. The ingredients blend together beautifully as they cook low and slow.

You can add kidney beans and tomatoes for extra heartiness. Serve it with some warm bread or over rice for a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz or 796 g) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
4. Add onions, garlic, chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, and beans.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours (approximately 175-195°F or 80-90°C).
7. Stir before serving and enjoy!

6) Easy Crockpot Pulled Pork

Making pulled pork in a slow cooker is simple and fun. You can have tender, flavorful pork with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy days.

Start with a 4-pound boneless pork shoulder roast. Rub it with vegetable oil and season it well. Then, place it in the slow cooker.

Add barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar for a delicious kick. You can also include chicken broth and some brown sugar to enhance the flavor.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork will be tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Ingredients

• 4 lb boneless pork shoulder roast
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Rub the pork roast with vegetable oil.
2. Place the roast in the slow cooker.
3. Add barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and brown sugar.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
6. Shred the pork and serve.

7) Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow cooker mac and cheese is a comforting dish that is easy to make. You can have creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy days or gatherings.

You’ll need uncooked macaroni, evaporated milk, whole milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, and eggs. Mixing these ingredients gives you a rich flavor that everyone loves.

To cook, start by coating your slow cooker with cooking spray. Then, add all the ingredients into the pot and stir them together. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for about 2 to 3 hours.

Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking. When it’s done, the mac and cheese will be creamy and ready to serve. Enjoy this easy dish with your family or friends.

Ingredients:

• 12-16 oz uncooked macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1½ cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs

Cooking Instructions:

1. Coat the slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Add macaroni, evaporated milk, whole milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, and eggs to the pot.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
5. Stir occasionally and serve hot.

8) Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lasagna

You can enjoy a hearty vegetarian slow cooker lasagna that’s easy to prepare. This dish layers rich cheese, fresh vegetables, and no-boil noodles, making it a simple option for dinner.

Start with your favorite marinara sauce, and mix in spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms. Each layer adds flavor and nutrition. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture.

Set your slow cooker on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This allows the flavors to blend and the noodles to cook to perfection.

Ingredients

• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup sliced zucchini
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Layer three no-boil noodles over the sauce.
3. Mix ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread half over the noodles.
4. Add half of the spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms.
5. Repeat the layers, ending with noodles topped with marinara and mozzarella.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until bubbly and heated through.

9) Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup

This creamy crockpot potato soup is perfect for a cozy night at home. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need potatoes, onion, celery, broth, salt, and pepper. You can also add evaporated milk for a creamier texture without the flour.

Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it with cooking spray. Chop the vegetables and mix them in the cooker with the broth and seasonings.

Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours (around 210°F or 99°C). When it’s done, you can mash the potatoes for a thicker soup or leave it chunky.

Ingredients

• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can evaporated milk (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spray cooking spray on the slow cooker.
2. Mix all ingredients in the cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
4. Mash potatoes if desired before serving.

10) Tangy BBQ Chicken in the Slow Cooker

This Tangy BBQ Chicken is perfect for a simple and delicious meal. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, letting you enjoy the flavors without much fuss.

To make it, just combine your favorite BBQ sauce and some spices with chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

The chicken will absorb all the tasty BBQ flavors, making it juicy and tender. You can shred the chicken for sandwiches or serve it with sides.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 grams) chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

2. Combine BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.

4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

5. Shred the chicken before serving.