Top 10 budget slow cooker recipes

Midweek dinners just got easier with our top 10 cost-effective slow cooker recipes.

Affordable 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 veggie recipes.

For more inspiration, see our budget meals and slow cooker recipes.

Budget slow cooker recipes

1) Slow cooker meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs are sure to please hungry kids and adults alike. This thrifty recipe use turkey mince, which is not only cost-effective but leaner than beef. They also freeze well so you can batch cook.

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.

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.

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.

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 meal for the family.

8) Slow cooker sausage casserole

Sausages are a wonderfully cost-effective ingredient. Use your favourites to make this family-friendly casserole. Serve it over pasta, in baked potatoes or with bread.

9) Slow cooker ratatouille

Make up a batch of this slow-cooked 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 5-a-day.

10) Slow cooker chicken curry

Chicken legs are another great budget-friendly cut of meat. Try this easy, one-pot curry that’s low in fat and calories, plus delivers three of your five-a-day.