15 Kid-Approved Crockpot Meals Under $10

Finding meals that are both budget-friendly and kid-approved can be a challenge for any family.

Luckily, the crockpot is a lifesaver for busy parents, allowing you to prepare delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank.

Recommended Slow Cooker

The Crock-Pot 8-Quart Manual Slow Cooker is ideal for busy families due to its large capacity and simple controls. It can handle big meals, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing leftovers. Its manual dial offers high, low, and warm settings, while the removable stoneware and lid are easy to clean. This slow cooker helps save time by allowing you to set it and forget it, making mealtime hassle-free.

Check it out >

In this post, I’ve put together 15 kid-approved crockpot meals that can be made for under $10.

Remember, prices may vary depending on where you live and where you shop, but these recipes are designed to be as affordable as possible.

1. Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne

This creamy and cheesy chicken pasta dish is perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings. Simply add chicken breasts, pasta, a jar of marinara sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheese to the slow cooker for a delicious, hearty meal that’s sure to please.

Cost Breakdown: Chicken breasts ($5), pasta ($1), marinara sauce ($1.50), cream cheese ($1), shredded cheese ($2)
Total: $10.50

2. Slow Cooker Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole

A one-pot wonder, this chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Combine chicken breasts, rice, broccoli, chicken broth, and cheese in the slow cooker, and let it do all the work.

Cost Breakdown: Chicken breasts ($5), rice ($1), broccoli ($1.50), chicken broth ($1), cheese ($2)
Total: $10.50

3. Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken

This sweet and savory honey sesame chicken is a kid favorite. Cook chicken thighs with honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic, then serve over rice for a delicious, easy meal.

Cost Breakdown: Chicken thighs ($5), honey ($1), sesame oil ($1), soy sauce ($0.50), rice ($1)
Total: $8.50

Tip for Freezing Leftovers!

To make the most of your crockpot meals, freeze leftovers for an easy meal option later. Here’s how to do it:
Cool Down Completely: Before freezing, let your leftovers cool completely to avoid condensation, which can lead to freezer burn.
Portion Out: Divide leftovers into individual or family-sized portions. This makes it easier to defrost only what you need.
Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Store your portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible from freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Label and Date: Clearly label each container with the name of the dish and the date you froze it. This helps you keep track of what you have and ensures you use the oldest meals first.
Lay Flat: If using freezer bags, lay them flat in the freezer until they’re solid. This saves space and makes stacking easier.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious crockpot meals again and again, saving time and money on future meals!

4. Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Potatoes

A simple yet flavorful dish, Italian chicken and potatoes require just a few ingredients. Place chicken breasts, potatoes, Italian seasoning, and a bit of olive oil in the slow cooker for a meal that’s both filling and tasty.

Cost Breakdown: Chicken breasts ($5), potatoes ($2), Italian seasoning ($0.50), olive oil ($0.50)
Total: $8

5. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pot Pie

Enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie with this crockpot version. Combine chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and biscuit dough for a hearty, creamy dish that’s perfect for dinner.

Cost Breakdown: Chicken thighs ($5), mixed vegetables ($2), cream of chicken soup ($1), biscuit dough ($1)
Total: $9

6. Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice

This classic cheesy chicken and rice dish is always a winner. Cook chicken breasts, rice, chicken broth, cheese, and some broccoli in your slow cooker for a creamy, filling meal.

Cost Breakdown: Chicken breasts ($5), rice ($1), cheese ($2), broccoli ($1.50), chicken broth ($1)
Total: $10.50

7. Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Stew

A comforting beef and vegetable stew is perfect for cooler days. Add stew meat, potatoes, carrots, celery, and beef broth to the crockpot and let it simmer until tender.

Cost Breakdown: Stew meat ($5), potatoes ($1), carrots ($1), celery ($1), beef broth ($1.50)
Total: $9.50

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

8. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

With just a pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, and buns, you can make delicious pulled pork sandwiches that the whole family will love. Just cook the pork in the crockpot with BBQ sauce, shred it, and serve on buns.

Cost Breakdown: Pork shoulder ($5), BBQ sauce ($1.50), buns ($2)
Total: $8.50

9. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Perfect for a cozy dinner, this turkey chili is made with ground turkey, beans, tomatoes, and chili spices. It’s hearty, healthy, and very budget-friendly.

Cost Breakdown: Ground turkey ($4), beans ($1), tomatoes ($1), chili spices ($0.50), onions and garlic ($1)
Total: $7.50

10. Crockpot Mac and Cheese

A kid-approved classic, this creamy mac and cheese is made with pasta, cheese, milk, and a touch of butter. It’s super easy and can be made in the crockpot for a simple, comforting meal.

Cost Breakdown: Pasta ($1), cheese ($2), milk ($1.50), butter ($1)
Total: $5.50

11. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

With chicken breasts, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning, you can make flavorful chicken fajitas in the slow cooker. Serve with tortillas for an easy meal.

Cost Breakdown: Chicken breasts ($5), bell peppers ($2), onions ($1), tortillas ($1.50)
Total: $9.50

12. Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

This hearty vegetable soup is packed with flavor and nutrients. Combine a mix of your favorite veggies, vegetable broth, and some spices in the crockpot, and you’ve got a healthy, budget-friendly meal.

Cost Breakdown: Mixed vegetables ($3), vegetable broth ($2), spices ($1)
Total: $6

13. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a favorite with kids. Use ground beef, tomato sauce, onions, and spices to make a tasty filling for buns.

Cost Breakdown: Ground beef ($4), tomato sauce ($1), onions ($1), buns ($2)
Total: $8

14. Crockpot Minestrone Soup

A delicious mix of vegetables, beans, pasta, and a tomato-based broth, minestrone soup is filling and nutritious. Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it cook!

Cost Breakdown: Mixed vegetables ($3), beans ($1), pasta ($1), tomato sauce ($1.50), broth ($2)
Total: $8.50

15. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Make a tasty teriyaki chicken by cooking chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce and a bit of pineapple juice. Serve over rice for a sweet and savory meal.

Cost Breakdown: Chicken breasts ($5), teriyaki sauce ($2), pineapple juice ($1), rice ($1)
Total: $9

These 15 kid-approved crockpot meals are perfect for busy parents looking to save time and money while keeping their families well-fed and happy. With a little planning and some affordable ingredients, you can create delicious meals that everyone will love.

Remember, prices will vary depending on where you live and where you buy your ingredients, but these recipes are designed to be as cost-effective as possible.

Enjoy cooking up these tasty, budget-friendly meals!

Save this to Pinterest for future reference