This collection of cheap and healthy slow cooker recipes makes it easy to enjoy tasty, nutritious dishes with minimal effort. Get ready to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and satisfy your cravings without emptying your wallet.
Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken
This Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken is a simple and healthy slow cooker recipe that makes dinner a breeze. Just toss in some chicken, fresh lemons, garlic, and herbs, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add lemon slices, garlic, thyme, rosemary, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
You’ll end up with juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with rice or veggies.
Vegetable Lentil Stew
This Vegetable Lentil Stew is a cozy dish that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s easy to make in your slow cooker, letting the ingredients meld beautifully together.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Perfect for a weeknight meal, it’s a delicious way to eat healthy on a budget. Sometimes I also add in some cubed potatoes for heartier soup.
Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
Quinoa and vegetable stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy meal that everyone will love. Packed with colorful veggies and nutritious quinoa, these peppers are easy to make in your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Mix quinoa, zucchini, tomatoes, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff the mixture into the peppers and place them in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
They’re perfect for a cozy dinner and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Chickpea and Spinach Curry
This chickpea and spinach curry is both cheap and healthy, making it perfect for any budget. Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let the flavors blend together while you go about your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
You’ll come home to a warm, hearty meal that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Tastes great with warm pita bread.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
This sweet potato and black bean chili is a cozy meal that’s super easy to make. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
It’s packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, perfect for chilly days or meal prep. I love this one with some warm crusty bread.
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This chicken and vegetable stir-fry is a winner for busy weeknights. Just toss in your favorite veggies and some chicken into the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, peppers)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Place chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder. Pour over the chicken and veggies.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
In a few hours, you’ll have a tasty meal that’s both cheap and healthy.
Turkey and Quinoa Chili
Turkey and quinoa chili is a hearty dish that warms you up without breaking the bank. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Brown the turkey in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add all other ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. I like to pair this one with a warm biscuit and top my chili with fresh jalapeños.
Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that’s easy to make in a slow cooker. Just toss in Arborio rice, fresh mushrooms, and broth, then let the slow cooker do the work for you.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Add rice, broth, mushrooms, and olive oil to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Parmesan before serving (optional).
Sometimes I also top this one with some frozen broccoli that I’ve cooked in the microwave for three minutes.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy meal without breaking the bank. Toss tender beef strips with fresh broccoli and a tasty sauce, then let your slow cooker do the work.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Place beef strips in the slow cooker.
- Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder. Pour over beef.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add broccoli during the last hour.
Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Zucchini and Tomato Stew
This zucchini and tomato stew is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh veggies without breaking the bank. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work—it’s super easy.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Tis is great when paired with warm crusty bread.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Split pea soup with ham is a cozy dish that’s easy to make in a slow cooker. Just throw in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
It’s tasty, healthy, and a great way to use up leftover ham. Serve with fresh biscuits or warm bread.
Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
Cabbage and sausage skillet is a simple dish that’s packed with flavor. Toss some veggies and sausage into a slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
I like to have either fresh or pickled beets on the side with this one.
