Top 12 budget slow cooker recipes

Budget slow cooker recipes

1. Slow cooker meatballs

Spaghetti with meatballs and tomato sauce

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

Slow cooker pork casserole on a plate with mash

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.