Slow cooker meals are the ultimate solution for busy people looking to save time and money. Just toss everything in, let it cook slowly, and come home to a delicious dinner. Here are some cheap slow cooker dinner ideas that are budget-friendly and easy to prepare.

1. Slow Cooker Chili

This hearty slow cooker chili is packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a filling dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef ($4.00)
• 1 can kidney beans ($1.00)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1.00)
• 1 onion, chopped ($0.50)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder ($0.20)

Total cost for 6 servings: Approximately $6.70

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, and chili powder.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Serve with rice or cornbread.

2. Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew

This vegetable stew is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a hearty, meatless dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 potatoes, diced ($1.00)
• 2 carrots, sliced ($0.40)
• 1 onion, chopped ($0.50)
• 1 zucchini, chopped ($0.75)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1.00)
• 1 teaspoon thyme ($0.20)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $3.85

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker with 4 cups of water.
2. Stir well and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

3. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

This BBQ chicken is tender, juicy, and incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs ($4.00)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce ($1.00)
• 1/4 cup water ($0.00)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $5.00

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce and water over them.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
3. Shred the chicken and serve with rice or in sandwiches.

4. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This lentil soup is affordable, healthy, and perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils ($0.80)
• 1 onion, chopped ($0.50)
• 2 carrots, diced ($0.40)
• 1 can diced tomatoes ($1.00)
• 1 teaspoon cumin ($0.20)

Total cost for 4 servings: Approximately $2.90

Instructions:

1. Add the lentils, onion, carrots, diced tomatoes, cumin, and 4 cups of water to the slow cooker.
2. Stir and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Serve with bread or a side salad.

5. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This pulled pork is great for sandwiches, tacos, or just on its own with some sides.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder ($6.00)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce ($1.00)
• 1 onion, sliced ($0.50)

Total cost for 6 servings: Approximately $7.50

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Add the BBQ sauce and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
3. Shred the pork and serve in sandwiches or with rice.

Conclusion

These cheap slow cooker dinner ideas are perfect for those nights when you want a hot, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making chili, BBQ chicken, or a veggie stew, these recipes are budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and full of flavor.