Let’s be honest—some days, the thought of cooking dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest. Between work, errands, and life’s chaos, I’m all about meals that practically cook themselves. That’s why I’m obsessed with these Easy Cheap Crock Pot Dinners. They’re my go-to when I need something hearty, affordable, and hands-off. Trust me, this recipe has saved me on more than one frazzled evening.

Here’s the magic: you toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy families, students on a budget, or anyone who just wants a break from cooking stress. Plus, it’s packed with flavor—think savory ground beef, tender beans, and just the right amount of spice. And the best part? It’s wallet-friendly, using pantry staples you probably already have.

I’ve been making this for years, and it’s become a staple in my house. Whether it’s a crazy weekday or a lazy Sunday, this dish always hits the spot. Let me show you how simple it can be to whip up a meal that’s both easy on your time and your wallet.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheap Crock Pot Dinner

This recipe is my secret weapon for stress-free meals, and here’s why you’ll adore it too:

Set it and forget it – Dump everything in the crock pot in the morning, and dinner’s ready when you are
Budget-friendly magic – Uses inexpensive ingredients you likely have in your pantry already
Flavor that doesn’t quit – The slow cooking melds all the spices together beautifully
Endless customization – Easily swap ingredients based on what’s on sale or in your fridge
Makes great leftovers – Tastes even better the next day for lunch

Seriously, this meal checks all the boxes – easy, cheap, delicious, and practically foolproof. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Easy Cheap Crock Pot Dinners

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple, flavorful meal – I bet you’ve got most of these in your kitchen already!

1 pound ground beef – I like 85% lean for the best flavor without being too greasy
1 medium onion, chopped – about 1 cup’s worth
2 cloves garlic, minced – trust me, fresh makes all the difference
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – don’t drain these!
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn – no need to thaw first
1 packet taco seasoning – or 2 tablespoons homemade blend
1 cup water – helps everything simmer together nicely

That’s it! Simple, affordable ingredients that come together to make something seriously delicious. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Easy Cheap Crock Pot Dinners

Okay, let me walk you through just how simple this is – you’re going to be amazed at how little effort this takes for such big flavor!

First things first: Grab your trusty skillet and brown that ground beef over medium heat. I like to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks – about 5-7 minutes should do it. Drain off any excess grease if you want (I usually leave just a little for extra flavor).

Next comes the flavor boosters: Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic right into the skillet with the beef. Cook them together for another 2-3 minutes until the onions start looking translucent. Oh, that smell? That’s the sound of deliciousness coming your way!

Now for the dump-and-go magic: Transfer your beef mixture to the crock pot (no need to wash the skillet yet – we might need it for toppings later). Add in the diced tomatoes (juice and all), drained kidney beans, frozen corn, taco seasoning, and water. Give everything a good stir to combine.

The waiting game: Pop the lid on and set your crock pot to low for 6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can do high for 3 hours, but low and slow really lets those flavors develop.

Pro tip: Resist the urge to peek too often! Every time you lift that lid, you’re letting heat escape and adding to your cooking time. Just walk away and let the crock pot work its magic.

When that timer goes off, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten it up. Then just scoop it into bowls and load up with your favorite toppings!

Tips for Perfect Easy Cheap Crock Pot Dinners

After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my hard-earned secrets for the best results:

Don’t skip browning the beef – That quick sear adds SO much flavor compared to dumping raw meat in
Watch the liquid – If it looks too thin at the end, leave the lid off for 30 minutes to thicken
Freeze leftovers flat – Pour cooled leftovers into freezer bags and lay flat to save space
Crock pot too big? Add a layer of foil under the lid if your slow cooker runs large to trap heat better
No taco seasoning? Mix 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp each cumin and garlic powder, ½ tsp salt

These little tricks make all the difference between good and “wow, did you really make this?”

Variations for Easy Cheap Crock Pot Dinners

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up based on what’s in your pantry or what’s on sale. Here are some of my go-to twists:

Bean swap: Try black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans – they all work great!
Meat alternatives: Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully, or go vegetarian with extra beans
Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño or dash of cayenne if you like heat
Veggie boost: Toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini with the onions
Southwest style: Stir in a can of green chiles and swap the corn for hominy

The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Cheap Crock Pot Dinners

Now for the fun part – loading up your bowl with all the goodies! Here’s how I love to serve this hearty meal:

The classic: Shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips
Fresh crunch: Diced avocado, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomatoes
Quick sides: Warm flour tortillas or a scoop of rice make it extra filling
Bright finish: A squeeze of lime juice and chopped cilantro
Kid-friendly: Serve with cornbread muffins for dipping

My favorite combo? A big scoop over rice with all the toppings – it’s like a taco bowl but way easier! Let everyone customize their own bowl for a fun, interactive meal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Easy Cheap Crock Pot Dinners

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it keeps! Let your leftovers cool completely, then pop them into airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or another dinner. If you’ve got more than you can eat, they freeze beautifully too. Just portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and they’ll last up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s looking a little dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life. For the microwave, cover it loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Either way, it’ll taste just as good as the first time—maybe even better!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Cheap Crock Pot Dinners

Q1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for an extra can of beans or some textured vegetable protein (TVP). I love using black beans and pinto beans together – the combo gives great texture and protein. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to amp up the flavor.

Q2. My slow cooker runs hot – how do I adjust?
Oh, I’ve been there! If your crock pot tends to cook fast, try reducing the time by 1 hour on low or check it at the 2-hour mark on high. The dish is done when everything’s heated through and the flavors have melded. You can always add a splash of water if it’s looking too thick.

Q3. Can I prep this ahead of time?
You bet! Brown the beef and chop the veggies the night before, then store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, just dump everything in the crock pot – takes 2 minutes! This is my secret for crazy-busy weekdays.

Q4. What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
No worries – I’ve forgotten it too! Mix together 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp each of cumin and garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust – sometimes I add a pinch of oregano or smoked paprika for extra depth.

Q5. How can I make it spicier?
For some heat, add a diced jalapeño (seeds and all!) with the onions, or stir in a can of green chiles. A dash of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder works great too. My family likes it medium, so I serve hot sauce on the side for those who want more kick.