5 Low-Cost Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Simplify Your Evenings with Slow Cooker Meals

When busy weeknights leave you short on time, a slow cooker can be your best friend. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, these five low-cost slow cooker recipes will help you serve up delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank.

Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onions), chopped
• 2 cans (15 oz each) mixed beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Adjust seasonings and serve with crusty bread.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 lb carrots, chopped
• 1 lb potatoes, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add vegetables, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with rice or noodles.

Savory Lentil and Vegetable Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
• 1 lb mixed vegetables (such as cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers), chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
4. Serve with rice or naan bread.

Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine beef, mushrooms, onion, soup, and broth in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Adjust seasonings and serve with your favorite chili toppings.

Conclusion: Savor Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Meals

These five low-cost slow cooker recipes offer a variety of flavors and ingredients to suit every palate, making weeknight dinners both easy and budget-friendly. By taking advantage of the slow cooker’s convenience and versatility, you can enjoy nutritious and satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to savor these delicious, wallet-friendly dishes that will make your busy weeknights a breeze.