10 Cheap and Easy Crockpot Dinners for Your Family (5 Ingredients or Less!)

Cooking for your family can often feel like a time-consuming and expensive task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re a busy parent trying to balance work, school, and daily life, meal planning can sometimes be the last thing on your mind. That’s where your Easy Crockpot Dinners comes in to save the day!

In this article, we’ve rounded up 10 cheap and easy crockpot dinners that use 5 ingredients or less perfect for families looking to save time and money. Whether you’re short on time or trying to stick to a budget, these slow cooker recipes will take the stress out of dinner prep. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create flavorful meals that everyone at the table will love.

No more complicated recipes or expensive grocery lists. These meals are designed to be quick, budget-friendly, and most importantly, easy. All you need to do is toss the ingredients in the crockpot, set it, and forget it while you focus on other important things. At the end of the day, you’ll come home to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Let’s dive into these 10 fantastic crockpot recipes that make feeding your family simple, affordable, and delicious.

What You’ll Get

In this article, you’ll discover 10 mouth-watering, family-friendly crockpot recipes that require 5 ingredients or less. Whether you’re cooking for a family of four or preparing dinner for a busy weeknight, these meals are designed to be simple, quick, and affordable.

Here’s what you can expect from this collection of Easy Crockpot Dinners Recipes:

• 10 Budget-Friendly Crockpot Recipes: All made with just 5 ingredients or fewer, saving you time, money, and effort.
  
• Step-by-Step Instructions: Each recipe comes with simple, clear directions, so you can set your crockpot and forget about it until dinnertime.
  
• Helpful Tips and Substitutions: We’ve included ideas to customize each meal, making them even more delicious or suited to your dietary needs.
  
• Bonus Tips for Flavor: Learn tricks to make your crockpot meals even juicier, tender, and packed with flavor, ensuring the best results every time.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner in the kitchen, or someone just looking for Easy Crockpot Dinners solutions, these recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to make delicious meals with minimal effort. Let’s get started and take the stress out of dinnertime!

Recipe Sections

1. BBQ Chicken

• Intro Text: This BBQ Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The slow-cooked chicken is tender and infused with rich BBQ flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for your whole family. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish couldn’t be easier to prepare.

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• ¾ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Preparation Method:

• Combine brown sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mortar and pestle to create a paste. Transfer the paste into a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, coat it with the paste, remove any excess air from the bag, and seal it. For optimal flavor, marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
• When you’re ready to cook, heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, around 5 minutes. Stir in ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the flavors combine.
• While the sauce is simmering, preheat your outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grate. Remove the chicken from the bag.
• Grill the chicken over direct heat until browned, 3 to 5 minutes, turning once. Then, turn off one burner and move the chicken to indirect heat, keeping the temperature between 300 to 350°F (150 to 175°C).
• Continue cooking the chicken for 20 minutes, turning it halfway through. Baste with the sauce, then cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked, the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) near the bone.

2. Taco Soup

• Intro Text: Hearty and full of flavor, this Taco Soup will be a family favorite. Packed with delicious ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, this soup is easy to prepare and can be served with toppings like sour cream and cheese for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 4 cloves garlic , minced (or substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes undrained
• 4 ounce can diced green chiles
• 15 ounce can kidney beans rinsed and drained
• 15 ounce can black beans , rinsed and drained
• 17 ounce can corn , drained
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Preparation Method: 

• Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Brown the meat and remove any grease, if needed. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
• Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, before serving. Garnish with desired toppings.

3. Cheesy Ranch Chicken

• Intro Text: Who doesn’t love cheesy chicken? This Cheesy Ranch Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with creamy ranch dressing and cheese for a flavorful and comforting meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner and only takes a few ingredients.

Ingredients: 

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ounce packet dry ranch seasoning
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Preparation Method: 

• Preheat the oven to 4oo degrees. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set aside.
• Lay chicken breast on the baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ranch dressing. Spread on each chicken breast.
• Top the chicken with shredded cheese.
• Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Allow to rest 10 minutes lightly covered with foil. Slice and serve.

4. Sausage and Peppers

• Intro Text: Smoky sausage, bell peppers, and onions come together in this savory slow cooker recipe. It’s an easy-to-make, filling dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Serve it over rice or in hoagie rolls for an added twist.

Ingredients:

• 6 (4 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• ½ medium red onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ cup white wine, or more to taste

Preparation Method: 

• Step 1: Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until brown on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from skillet, and slice.
• Step 2: Melt butter in the same skillet. Stir in onions and garlic, and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in bell peppers, season with basil and oregano, and stir in 1/4 cup wine. Continue to cook and stir until peppers and onions are tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Step 3: Overhead of onions, bell peppers, and garlic cooking in a skillet with oregano being stirred in. 
• Dotdash Meredith Food Studios.
• Return sausage slices to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until sausage is heated through, adding more wine if needed.
• Step 4: Overhead of onions, bell peppers, and sausage being cooked in a skillet.
• Dotdash Meredith Food Studios.

5. Honey Garlic Chicken

• Intro Text: Sweet and savory, this Honey Garlic Chicken is full of bold flavors. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich sauce that coats the chicken and gives it a beautiful, caramelized finish.

Ingredients: 

• 500g / 1 lb chicken breast , boneless and skinless (2 pieces)
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup flour (Note 1)
• 3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white or other clear vinegar)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce , light or all purpose (Note 2)
• 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)

Preparation Method: 

• Cut the breasts in half horizontally to create 4 steaks in total. Sprinkle each side with salt and pepper.
• Place flour in a shallow dish. Coat chicken in flour and shake off excess.
• Melt most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat – hold back about 1 tsp for later.
• Place chicken in skillet and cook for 2 – 3 minutes until golden. Turn and cook the other side for 1 minute.
• Turn heat down slightly to medium high.
• Make a bit of room in the pan and add garlic and top with remaining dab of butter. Stir garlic briefly once butter melts.
• Add vinegar, soy sauce and honey. Stir / shake pan to combine. Bring sauce to simmer, then simmer for 1 minute or until slightly thickened.
• Turn chicken to coat in sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a touch of water and stir.
• Remove from stove immediately. Place chicken on plates and drizzle over remaining sauce.

6. Beef Stroganoff

• Intro Text: This Beef Stroganoff is rich, creamy, and perfect for a comforting family meal. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender beef and a deliciously creamy sauce. Serve it over egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 ounces butter
• 4 green onions, sliced (white parts only)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed beef broth
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 1 (6 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ⅓ cup white wine
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Method: 

• Step 1: Remove any fat and gristle from chuck roast; cut into strips ½-inch thick by 2-inches long. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
• Step 2: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add beef and brown quickly.
• Step 3: Push beef to one side of the skillet. Add onions; cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, then push to the side with beef.
• Step 4: Stir flour into pan juices on the empty side of the pan. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and stir in mustard. Cover and simmer until beef is tender, about 1 hour.
• Step 5: Five minutes before serving, stir in mushrooms, sour cream, and white wine. Cook until heated through; season with salt and pepper.

7. Teriyaki Chicken

• Intro Text: This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is simple yet full of flavor. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce perfectly coats the chicken, making it an ideal dish for a quick and easy dinner. Serve it with steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water*
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 1/2 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
• 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh garlic (2 cloves)
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for serving (optional)

Preparation Method:

• Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add in chicken and let brown on bottom about 3 – 4 minutes then flip and continue to cook until center registers about 160 degrees, about 3 minutes longer.
• While chicken is cooking, in a small mixing bowl (or liquid measuring cup) whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and cornstarch.
• Stir the sauce in with the cooked chicken and continue to cook and toss until sauce has thickened, about 30 – 60 seconds longer. 
• Serve warm garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired

8. Chili Mac

• Intro Text: Chili Mac combines the hearty flavors of chili with the comforting texture of macaroni. It’s a satisfying and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy. You can even make it in advance and store it for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 onion , finely chopped
• 1 red capsicum / bell pepper , chopped
• 500g / 1 lb ground beef (mince) , I use lean
• 800g / 28 oz crushed canned tomato
• 420g / 14 oz can red kidney beans , drained
• 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth (chicken broth also ok)
• 250g / 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta (elbow pasta), uncooked
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, tasty cheese)
• 1/4 cup coriander / cilantro finely chopped, for garnish

Preparation Method: 

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or pure chilli powder (adjust spiciness to taste) (Note 1)
• 2 tsp paprika powder
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder (can sub garlic powder)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/4 tsp salt

9. Creamy Italian Chicken

• Intro Text: This creamy Italian Chicken dish combines the richness of cream cheese with the bold flavors of Italian seasoning. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for serving over pasta or rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
• 1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
• Hot cooked pasta or rice
• Minced fresh oregano, optional

Preparation Method: 

• Step 1: Place the chicken in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine salad dressing mix and water; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Remove chicken. Cool slightly; shred meat with two forks. Return to slow cooker.
• Step 2: In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook until chicken is tender, 1 hour longer. Serve with pasta or rice. If desired, sprinkle with oregano.

10. Pulled Pork

• Intro Text: Tender pulled pork, slow-cooked to perfection with a touch of BBQ sauce, is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just as a main dish. With just a few ingredients, this is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 lb pork shoulder , or butt
• 2 Tablespoons oil (optional if searing)
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces coke (not diet)
• bbq sauce for coating meat optional

Preparation Method: 

• Trim pork of excess fat and cut into 4 pieces.
• Combine spices in a small bowl and rub all over the pork. (This can be done the night before).
• Sear (optional): Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat and sear for a few seconds on all sides.
• Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Pour coke around the pork in the Dutch oven pot. Cover pot with lid and cook for 3 hours. Remove lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours, until pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Remove from pot then shred meat on a cutting board. Toss in barbecue sauce, if desired.
• Slow Cooker Method: Place pork in slow cooker and pour coke around it. Cover and cook on LOW (recommended) 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
• Instant Pot Method: Place pork in instant pot and pour coke around it. Cook on Manual/High pressure for 70 minutes. When timer beeps, allow the pot to naturally release pressure, about 15 minutes longer. Remove lid and shred the meat.

Chef’s Bonus Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Meat

While the crockpot does most of the work, there are a few chef’s tips that can take your slow-cooked meats to the next level. These simple tricks will ensure your meat comes out tender, flavorful, and absolutely mouthwatering every time.

1. Sear Your Meat First

Searing your meat before adding it to the crockpot locks in the juices and deepens the flavor. It’s a simple step that can elevate the taste and texture of your dishes. Whether it’s chicken, beef, or pork, a quick browning in a hot skillet adds richness and complexity to the final result.

2. Use the Right Cut

Choosing the right cut of meat is essential for achieving the perfect texture. For slow cooking, fattier cuts like chicken thighs, pork shoulder, or beef chuck work best. These cuts become tender and juicy when cooked low and slow, making them ideal for crockpot meals.

3. Layer Your Seasonings

Add spices, herbs, and sauces in stages for deeper flavor. Start by seasoning your meat, then layer on sauces, aromatics, and additional spices throughout the cooking process. This method allows each layer to develop its own flavor profile, creating a more complex and savory dish.

4. Add a Splash of Acid

Adding a small amount of vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice can balance out the richness of fatty meats and brighten up the overall flavor. It also helps tenderize tougher cuts of meat, ensuring that your dish is not only delicious but also tender and juicy.

5. Rest the Meat Before Shredding

After cooking, let your meat rest for a few minutes before shredding it. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Resting also makes it easier to shred, as the fibers of the meat relax and separate more easily.

6. Don’t Overcook

While the beauty of slow cooking is that it can make tough cuts of meat tender, it’s important not to overcook your dish. Be sure to follow the recommended cook times in the recipes to avoid drying out the meat. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to check for doneness a little early rather than risk overcooking.

FAQ

In this section, we’ll address some common questions people often have when using a crockpot. These answers will help you get the most out of your crockpot slow cooker and ensure that your meals turn out perfectly every time.

Amazing Vegetable Pizza

Every night can be pizza night, if you ask me. Just throw whatever vegetable leftovers you have on there and enjoy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 2 pizzas

Course: Pizza

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 482

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pizza Dough

• 1 cup water lukewarm
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar

Pizza Toppings

• red sauce
• 1/4 red onion
• 1/4 green pepper
• 1/4 red pepper
• rosemary

Equipment

• Pizza Stone

Method

 

1. Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a bowl. Rest for 5 minutes.
2. Combine the flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and knead until you get a soft ball.
4. Place in a bowl and cover. Let rise for 30 minutes.
5. Divide the dough and form pizzas.
6. Top the pizzas with sauce and vegetables, cook for 15 minutes on the pizza stone.

Notes

Feel free to swap any of the topping in the ingredient list with whatever you have lying around. It will probably taste just as amazing!

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