Slow cookers are a great way to prepare hearty meals with minimal effort, and ground beef is a versatile ingredient that works well in many dishes. From comforting casseroles to flavorful chili, these 22 budget-friendly recipes will help you create satisfying meals that the whole family will enjoy. With just a few ingredients and some time, you can have delicious dinners ready to serve. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.
Crockpot Lasagna

Crockpot lasagna combines ease with a cozy feel. This dish is cheesy and saucy, and you can just set it up and let it cook without worrying about it. It stands up to any classic baked lasagna you might make. Perfect for busy days, it offers a hearty meal with minimal effort. Enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will love.
Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
This dish combines the hearty flavors of chili and macaroni, all cooked together in a slow cooker. It's a comforting meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights. The slow cooking brings out the best in the ingredients, creating a rich and satisfying flavor. This is a great option for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With minimal effort, you can have a warm and filling meal ready to enjoy.
Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash
Hamburger hash in the slow cooker combines soft potatoes, ground beef, and corn in a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with melted cheese right before serving, it adds a delicious finish. This dish is hearty and filling, perfect for a satisfying meal. It's easy to prepare and great for busy nights. You'll find yourself wanting to make this again and again.
Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is a great way to enjoy a classic dish that everyone in the family will appreciate. It features ground beef, carrots, peas, and some other everyday ingredients, all topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty meal is simple to prepare and cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to blend nicely. It’s a comforting option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home.
Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans
Ground beef, bell peppers, and onions come together to create a filling meal that's simple to prepare. The right seasonings really bring out the flavors and make this dish stand out. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors blend beautifully. Enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup
This hearty soup is sure to please everyone in the family. Packed with pizza flavors and bow-tie pasta, it’s a comforting dish that warms you up. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be stored in the freezer for later. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. Enjoy a bowl of this tasty soup any time you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Cowboy Stew
Cowboy Stew is a great choice when you need to feed a crowd without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish combines ground beef, smoked sausage, potatoes, beans, and a variety of vegetables for a filling meal. It's perfect for gatherings or busy nights when you want something satisfying. Everyone will enjoy this hearty stew, and it’s sure to keep everyone satisfied. You can easily throw it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
3-Ingredient Chili
Chili is a simple dish that can be prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. It's a hearty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. With just a few ingredients, you can create a filling and satisfying dinner. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work. It's a great way to use ground beef and make a comforting meal.
Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner
This recipe lets you prepare a full meal in one go, making it easy and efficient. It includes a flavorful meatloaf paired with sliced potatoes, all cooked together until just right. This dish is great for a relaxing weekend meal or can be packed up for lunch during the week. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you're cooking for yourself or someone else, this meal is sure to satisfy.
Crockpot Taco Pasta
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in. It features hearty ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and comforting pasta that will warm you up. You can whip it up in no time, making it a great option for busy evenings. It's filling and satisfying, ideal for the whole family. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Hot Chili
This chili is packed with flavor and a nice kick from serrano peppers. The addition of bacon gives it a rich taste that everyone will enjoy. It's a hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. You can easily make it in your slow cooker, which means less time in the kitchen. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs in Tangy Sauce
These meatballs with rice are simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce that brings back memories. They are simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of flavors is satisfying and comforting. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Wendy’s chili is a favorite for many, and now you can make it at home with this easy recipe. It includes all the classic ingredients like beans, vegetables, and spices, so you won’t miss a thing. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal and is sure to satisfy. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty bowl of chili without any fuss. Enjoy the flavors you love right from your own kitchen.
Slow Cooker Meatloaf
This slow cooker meatloaf is a great option for a hearty meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying. This recipe is easy to follow and will fit right into your meal rotation. Enjoy a classic favorite that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker American Goulash
Slow Cooker American Goulash is a hearty dish filled with beef and vegetables. It's a simple meal that cooks itself while you go about your day. This recipe is perfect for dinner when you want something filling and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can have a warm meal ready for the whole family. It's a great option for busy nights when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls are a great twist on a classic comfort food. You can come home to a warm and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. These rolls are packed with flavor and are sure to please everyone at the table. They’re filling and perfect for a cozy meal. This dish is a simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner.
Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili
This chili is packed with hearty tomatoes and flavorful spices. It combines ground beef and crispy bacon for a satisfying meal. Topped with your favorite ingredients, it becomes a fun and tasty dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this chili is easy to prepare. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.
Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
Try this easy slow cooker casserole made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese. You will absolutely love the hearty layers of this dish!
Meaty Cabbage Soup
A warm bowl of comfort is perfect for chilly days or when you just want something hearty. This dish uses basic ingredients, focusing on ground beef and cabbage. It's easy to prepare and doesn't require much effort. You can throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This is a great option for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal.
Beefy Velveeta Cheese Soup
This soup brings together the delicious tastes of Rotel dip and a cheeseburger, creating a warm and satisfying dish. It's perfect for cozy nights when you want something hearty and filling. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this is a great option for busy evenings. The combination of flavors makes it a favorite for anyone who enjoys classic comfort food. Enjoy a bowl of this tasty soup that’s sure to please everyone.
Slow Cooker Lasagna
Slow Cooker Lasagna is a delicious and easy meal that everyone will enjoy. The slow cooker handles everything, from cooking the meat sauce to layering the lasagna, so you don’t have to worry about boiling noodles separately. It’s a great option for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying. With all the cheesy goodness and rich flavors, this dish is sure to please the whole family. Just set it and let it do its thing while you go about your day.
Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole
Enjoying enchiladas can be simple and fun with this easy recipe. Instead of rolling them up, everything comes together in a slow cooker. You can use either ground beef or ground turkey, depending on what you have on hand. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work. It's a great option for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
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