Top 10 Budget Slow Cooker Recipes for Healthy Eating

Overview

• Our favourite slow cooker recipes

1. Hearty vegetable stew
2. Chicken and sweet potato curry
3. Beef and barley soup
4. Lentil and vegetable soup
5. Spicy bean chilli
6. Creamy chicken and mushroom
7. Slow cooker pulled pork
8. Vegetarian bolognese
9. Moroccan chickpea stew
10. Dal (Indian lentil curry)

The kitchen is one place where you can save on everyday expenses, freeing up funds for those unexpected utility bills (or other more fun expenses!).

Slow cooking is a best-kept budgeting secret, whether you are saving money on a low income, or simply prefer to spend your money elsewhere, these recipes have few ingredients and often use cheaper ingredients, such as inexpensive cuts of meat. The long cooking time creates a rich flavour and tender meat from any cut.

Slow-cooked meals can be enjoyed year-round. With a little bit of preparation, you can get something cooking before leaving the house in the morning, freeing up time and energy in the evening. Come home to a house that smells delicious and thank yourself for being so organised.

Another option to save further – where the recipe has asked for canned beans or lentils, is to buy these as dry ingredients, which you can easily find at supermarkets. The long cooking time will ensure the dried ingredients are well-cooked. 

The rule of thumb for subbing out canned ingredients for dried ingredients when slow cooking is for every ½ cup, add an additional 1 ½ – 2 cups of liquid (water or stock).

This warming vegetable stew is a comforting and budget-friendly option that’s incredibly nutritious and a great mid-winter meal.

Ingredients

• 3 carrots, chopped
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 400g diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Serve this healthy, nutritious vegetarian stew with crusty bread, rice, and potato done how you like it, or on its own — it’s a great option to take for lunch if you happen to have leftovers.

A delicious meal of chicken, sweet potatoes, and spices makes this curry both healthy and affordable.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken thighs, diced
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh or dried ginger
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 3/4 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 400g coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken and sweet potatoes are tender.

Once you get home, all you need to do is boil some rice (or heat up a microwave packet if you need a shortcut!).

This hearty and nutritious soup is perfect for a budget-friendly meal and satisfies the meat lover too.

Ingredients

• 500g beef stew meat
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 400g diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the beef, carrots, celery, and onion in the slow cooker.
2. Add the barley, beef broth, water, tomatoes, and bay leaves.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until beef and barley are tender.

Serve as is, with steamed greens or crusty bread — this delicious soup will freeze well for a few weeks if you have leftovers.

Another option for vegetarians or vegans, this soup is packed with protein and fibre, making it a healthy and filling meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 400g diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to mix well.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until lentils and vegetables are tender.

Serve with garlic bread or a crusty loaf — coming home to hot soup ready to serve is truly welcoming.

Try something different with a bit of pep —  this vegetarian chilli is perfect for feeding a crowd with a spicy, hearty, and budget-friendly composition that means you can’t go wrong.

Ingredients

• 800g kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 400g black beans, drained and rinsed
• 400g corn kernels, drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 800g diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serve with rice or naan bread to create a real crowd-pleaser.

This rich and creamy savoury dish is perfect for a comforting meal after a long day. When you get home, all you need to do is steam some veggies and dinner will be on the table in minutes. 

Ingredients

• 500g chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 600mL dairy thickened cream 
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the garlic, onion, chicken, mushrooms, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
3. Before serving add the cream and stir to combine and heat through.

This soup is a little bit fancy, perfect for entertaining or just a comforting treat.

Tender and flavourful pulled pork is perfect with tacos or an Asian-style slaw on burgers. Add something a little fancy to weeknight meals or make this for Sunday evening as a treat to ease you back into the week. 

Ingredients

• 1.5kg pork shoulder
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. Add the onion, garlic, barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until pork is tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce.

Pulled pork is such a versatile base and can be used in sandwiches, alongside a salad, in a mac and cheese, tacos, nachos — you are only limited by your imagination.

A meat-free version of the classic Italian dish, perfect for adding to pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 400g lentils
• 400g diced tomatoes
• 400g passata
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender. 

Once the bolognese is ready, serve with your choice of pasta or use it to make up a lasagne. You can also serve this bolognese over baked potatoes with a sprinkling of parmesan or mozzarella for something a little different, it’s also a great way to ensure your family gets their “2 and 5”.

A flavourful vegetarian stew rich in spices that will feed a crowd.

Ingredients

• 800g chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 400g diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Garnish with fresh continental parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a nourishing meal in a bowl — this is a recipe to bookmark and make again!

A simple and nutritious lentil dish, perfect for a budget-friendly meal that goes a long way. This is one of the cheapest meals you can make, here’s how to cook the perfect dal.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 400g diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped to serve

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until lentils are tender.

Dal is an Indian staple that you can use to accompany other dishes, like the chicken curry above. Serve it with rice, naan or even on sliced banana for something different. 

Plan your weeknight meals with these budget slow cooker recipes

Slow-cooking weeknight meals is an easy way to save at the checkout, especially if you plan well and avoid food wastage by using leftovers, meal planning and bulk cooking. 

It always pays to cook extra to put in containers for work lunches throughout the week, which enables you to avoid expensive meals eaten out.

We hope you enjoy these budget-friendly and healthy slow cooker recipes. They are perfect for any time of the year and are sure to be a hit with the family.

What is the cheapest meal you can make?

Dal is one of the cheapest meals you can cook at home. A whole kg of lentils (the main ingredient) costs less than $5 the rest is mainly herbs and spices which you likely already have in the pantry.  

Can I freeze slow cooker meals?

Yes, many slow cooker meals can be frozen, saving you time and energy later.

How do I cook on a budget?

Cook in bulk. Slow cooker meals are perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for the week – it’s one of the simplest and most efficient ways to save money in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for one person or the whole family double the recipe quantities and get more bang for your buck.

The information provided in this blog is of a general nature and is provided without considering your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or other professional advice.

Before making any financial decisions or taking action based on the information presented, you are strongly encouraged to assess its appropriateness in light of your individual circumstances. Red Tree Finance does not intend to provide personalised financial advice, and you should seek independent financial, legal, tax, and other relevant advice tailored to your unique situation.