Cheap Crockpot Recipes for Large Families

Delicious, Budget-Smart Meals That Feed the Crowd

Feeding a hungry household doesn’t have to drain your wallet or your energy. With big, comforting crockpot meals that use affordable ingredients and minimal prep, you can serve up satisfying dinners every night. Whether you’re feeding a family of six or preparing for meal planning, these crockpot recipes stretch both your time and your grocery budget.

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Why Cheap Crockpot Meals Work for Families

Large portions with little money: Bulk proteins like chicken thighs, beans, and ground turkey combine with rice, pasta, or potatoes to feed many for under $2 a serving.

One-pot simplicity: No fuss, no mess—crockpot meals are easy to prep, cook, and clean.

Hands-off cooking: Prep in the morning, come back to dinner that’s cooked to perfection by evening.

Make‑ahead and freezer‑friendly: Many recipes double easily and freeze well for future meals or busy nights.

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Hearty and Cheap Crockpot Recipes

1. Slow Cooker Chicken & Bean Soup

Ingredients (Serves 12)

• 4 lbs bone‑in chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 2 cans black beans, drained

• 2 cans diced tomatoes

• 1 lb frozen mixed vegetables

• 8 cups low‑sodium chicken broth

• 2 tsp cumin, salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to crockpot.

2. Cook on Low 6–8h or High 3–4h.

3. Shred chicken, stir, and serve with tortillas or cornbread.

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Uses bone-in chicken and pantry staples to feed a crowd.

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2. Crockpot Turkey & Rice Chili

Ingredients (Serves 10)

• 2 lbs ground turkey

• 2 cans kidney beans, drained

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 2 cups rice (uncooked)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 tbsp chili powder, salt

Instructions

1. Brown turkey and drain.

2. Add to crockpot with beans, tomatoes, rice, broth, and spices.

3. Cook on Low 4–5h or High 2–3h, stirring occasionally.

Tip: Omit browning to skip a step; just increase seasoning.

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3. Cheesy Taco Pasta Casserole

Ingredients (Serves 12)

• 2 lbs ground beef or turkey

• 1 box pasta elbows

• 1 jar salsa

• 2 cans corn, drained

• 4 cups shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Brown meat; transfer to crockpot.

2. Add uncooked pasta, salsa, and corn.

3. Cook on Low 3–4h or High 2h.

4. Stir in cheese last 15 minutes.

Family favorite: Feeds many while sticking to a small budget.

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4. Chunky Beef & Barley Stew

Ingredients (Serves 10)

• 3 lbs chuck roast, cubed

• 2 cups pearl barley

• 2 lbs carrots & potatoes, chopped

• 8 cups beef broth

• 2 tsp thyme, salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to crockpot.

2. Cook on Low 8–10h or High 5–6h.

3. Shred some meat for easy serving.

Budget tip: Affordable beef cuts + barley make a filling stew.

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5. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients (Serves 12)

• 3 lbs chicken breasts

• 2 jars Alfredo sauce

• 2 lbs pasta (rotini or penne)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

1. Add chicken, Alfredo, and broth to crockpot.

2. Cook on Low 5–6h or High 3–4h.

3. Remove chicken, shred, return.

4. Add pasta and peas, cook 30–45 minutes.

Tip: Use store-brand sauces and bulk pasta for frugality.

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6. Lentil & Sausage Soup (Use Chicken Sausage)

Ingredients (Serves 10)

• 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced

• 2 cups dry lentils

• 2 cans diced tomatoes

• 2 cups frozen carrots & celery

• 8 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt

Instructions

1. Add everything to crockpot.

2. Cook on Low 8h or High 4h.

3. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Why it works: Lentils pack protein and fiber on a budget.

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7. Mexican Sweet Potato & Black Bean Stew

Ingredients (Serves 10)

• 4 large sweet potatoes, cubed

• 2 cans black beans

• 1 jar salsa

• 8 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp cumin, salt

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to pot.

2. Cook on Low 6–8h or High 3–4h.

3. Mash some potatoes for texture.

Vegetarian option: Full of flavor, protein, and fiber.

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8. Chicken Teriyaki & Rice Bowls

Ingredients (Serves 10)

• 3 lbs chicken thighs

• 2 cups uncooked rice

• 1 jar teriyaki sauce

• 1 lb frozen stir‑fry vegetables

• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Add chicken and sauce to crockpot.

2. Cook on Low 5h or High 3h.

3. Remove chicken, shred, return.

4. Add rice and veggies, cook another hour.

Serve: Over rice, with extra sauce as needed.

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9. Lazy Lentil Taco Meat

Ingredients (Serves 12)

• 2 cups dry lentils

• 1 jar salsa

• 2 cups broth

• 2 tsp taco seasoning

• 1 can corn

Instructions

1. Add to crockpot and cook Low 6h or High 3h.

2. Mash before serving as taco meat substitute.

Serve: On tortillas or make burrito bowls.

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10. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Turkey

Ingredients (Serves 10)

• 3 lbs turkey breast

• 2 cups BBQ sauce

• 1 cup broth

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Add ingredients to crockpot.

2. Cook Low 6–8h or High 4–5h.

3. Shred meat and stir.

Serve: On buns or over rice for easy meals.

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Tips for Saving Money & Feeding More

Bulk Proteins

Freeze multiple packs of chicken, turkey, and beef to use in large recipes.

Use Pantry Staples

Beans, rice, pasta, broth, and canned tomatoes are cheap and filling.

Stretch with Veggies

Add frozen or chopped fresh vegetables to bulk out meals.

Layer Flavor

Even minimal seasoning gives big flavor—use garlic powder, cumin, Italian seasoning.

Double Up

Freeze half of each recipe in labeled containers for future meals.

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Weekly Meal Plan for Large Families

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FAQs About Large‑Family Crockpot Cooking

Q1: How do I ensure enough for leftovers?

Double proteins and grains, then portion half to the freezer for fast future dinners.

Q2: Can I skip browning meat?

Yes—just be sure to season well and add extra broth if needed.

Q3: Are these meals freezer-friendly?

Most recipes freeze well. Cool completely and store in airtight containers.

Q4: How to thicken broth?

Use slurry of cornstarch and cold water in the last hour of cooking.

Q5: How can picky eaters be accommodated?

Serve toppings on the side—cheese, sour cream, tortillas, rice, or bread allow choices.

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Grocery-List Strategy

Proteins (bulk purchases):

• 10–12 lbs chicken thighs/breasts (on sale)

• 3 lbs ground turkey or beef

• 1 lb chicken sausage

• 3 lbs turkey breast

Pantry Staples:

• 1–2 lbs dry lentils

• 2–3 lbs rice or pasta

• 4–6 cans beans

• 2–3 jars pasta/pizza sauce

• Bottles of BBQ sauce, teriyaki, salsa

Produce & Misc:

• 4–6 sweet potatoes

• 4–6 lbs carrots, potatoes

• 2 bags frozen mixed vegetables

• 2 onions

• 4 cloves garlic

• Broth (8–12 cups total)

Final Thoughts

These Cheap Crockpot Recipes for Large Families are your ticket to stress-free, budget-friendly dinners that everyone will enjoy. With minimal prep and big servings, these meals are perfect for household meal planning, leftovers, and saving money. Let the crockpot do the heavy lifting, and enjoy more time around your family’s table.