My 17 Slow Cooker Recipes That Cost Less Than Takeout

ByZuzana

Menus are tempting until the delivery fee ruins the mood. With 17 slow cooker recipes, dinner is cheaper and still shows up right on time. All it takes is a little prep and the patience to let the pot handle the rest. The savings alone might make you feel like you’ve gamed the system.

Shredded cooked chicken with red and green bell peppers in a sauce, served in a white dish with metal tongs and a spoon.
Mexican Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Mexican Taco Soup Slow Cooker

A bowl of Mexican taco soup topped with avocado slices, shredded cheese, and cilantro sits on a marble counter near a lime wedge, cilantro leaves, sour cream, and a slow cooker.
Mexican Taco Soup Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

You can whip up dinner for the whole family with Mexican Taco Soup Slow Cooker. It’s packed with beans and a variety of spices. It’s a cheap and easy way to enjoy a hearty meal. Cooking this soup at home saves cash compared to ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Taco Soup Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

A close-up of saucy Salisbury steak meatballs served on a bed of egg noodles, garnished with chopped fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs bring comfort food to your table. These meatballs are tender, cooked slowly to perfection. You’ll appreciate the rich flavors developed during the slow cooking process. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a homemade steak dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing hits the spot like Slow Cooker Pot Roast for dinner. This dish is perfect for lazy days when you want an effortless meal. Juicy and tender meat, combined with veggies, makes for a great feast. Plus, it’s way cheaper than takeout from any restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Two servings of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole on plates.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got a long day ahead? Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is one of those meals you can toss in the slow cooker and forget about. It’s hearty, feeds a crowd, and leaves everyone full. Plus, it’s cheaper than ordering takeout for the family.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

A bowl containing pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork when you want something simple and versatile. Pack it into sandwiches, tacos, or serve it over rice. It’s flavorful, tender, and stretches to feed multiple meals. No takeout meal gives you this much bang for your buck.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Need something comforting but different? Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are a great option that’s both filling and budget-friendly. The flavors soak in all day, making them irresistible by dinnertime. It’s a fun, easy dish that pairs with whatever you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A dish of seasoned chicken breasts garnished with parsley, surrounded by carrots and potatoes in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want an easy dinner, Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken gets the job done. It’s a crowd-pleaser, works well over pasta, rice, or veggies, and saves on costs. Perfect for keeping things simple while still feeling like a treat. A few hours in the slow cooker, and dinner’s sorted.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Easy Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples

A serving of Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples on a black platter.
Easy Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a meal you’ll look forward to, Easy Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples brings a little sweetness to the table. It’s an all-in-one dinner that’s worth the short prep time. Slow cooking locks in the tenderness, making everything melt-in-your-mouth. It’s way more affordable than grabbing something similar at a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes & Apples

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

A rectangular plate of Chicken Tikka Masala with herbs on top.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Want to save money on takeout? Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala gives you those same bold spices right at home. Serve it up with some rice or naan, and you’ve got a tasty dinner ready without all the extra cost. Plus, leftovers are even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers served over spaghetti garnished with herbs, on a white rectangular plate.
Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Some nights call for something easy, and Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers is a solid pick. Serve it as is, over pasta, or stuff it into some bread for a sandwich, it’s super flexible. It’s easy to make and tastes way better than takeout. One meal, plenty of choices, and less money spent.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers

Mississippi Meatballs

A close-up of a meatball on a fork, with more meatballs in the background.
Mississippi Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Liven up your dinner rotation with Mississippi Meatballs, an easy and budget-friendly meal. They’re juicy, pack a punch of flavor, and work great over mashed potatoes, pasta, or by themselves. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you focus on your day. Forget expensive delivery, this recipe gets it done for less.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Meatballs

Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Bowl of Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde with toppings and a spoon on a white wooden table.
Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Have a craving for something hearty and flavorful? Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde is an affordable way to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home. It’s rich, versatile, and pairs perfectly with rice, tortillas, or anything you like. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the savings.
Get the Recipe: Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Beef Barbacoa

Beef Barbacoa in a blue bowl.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A comforting dinner option is Beef Barbacoa, which brings a restaurant-style meal to your table at a fraction of the cost. This dish is perfect for eating at home while saving your pocket from takeout. It’s packed with bold and rich depth that feels like it came from your favorite local spot.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs

Honey-Garlic Meatballs in a thick red sauce are being stirred with a wooden spoon in a white ceramic pot.
Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

There’s something super convenient about making Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs for a weeknight meal or party. The recipe is easy, budget-friendly, and packed with a sweet and savory blend. Whether served as a main dish with rice or as an appetizer, they’ll be a hit with everyone. You can skip the takeout and still enjoy the same comfort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs

Slow Cooker Rump Roast

A plate with sliced pot roast, potatoes, and carrots sits on a marble surface next to a slow cooker, a green towel, and fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Dinner feels extra rewarding when you make Slow Cooker Rump Roast. It’s a hearty choice that creates an incredibly tender result with little effort. This is the perfect recipe for when you’re craving something more filling but don’t want to spend too much. Leftovers work great for sandwiches or reheated meals later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Mexican Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Shredded cooked chicken with red and green bell peppers in a sauce, served in a white dish with metal tongs and a spoon.
Mexican Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

An easy dinner idea that works in tacos, bowls, or wraps is Mexican Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken. It’s a budget-friendly way to bring homemade Mexican-inspired meals to your life. This recipe makes enough to feed a family or keep meal prep easy throughout the week. Forget ordering out because this one packs lots of layers on a smart budget.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken

Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in a rich, creamy yellow sauce, garnished with chopped green onions.
Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Party food or quick dinner is simple with Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs. They’re a fun spin compared to regular nacho toppings and make the meal feel a bit playful. It’s an inexpensive option that still brings plenty to the plate without ordering in. Put them with chips, or rice, or eat them straight up, it works all ways.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Nacho Meatballs