Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners For a Family

Start with a busy weeknight in mind: simple prep, affordable ingredients, and a sleepy slow cooker doing the heavy lifting so a hungry family gets a hot, comforting meal with almost no fuss.

introduction

If you want dinners that stretch your grocery budget without skimping on flavor, these Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners For a Family are designed for you. They use pantry-friendly staples, minimal prep, and one-pot cooking to free up your evenings. If you enjoy fuss-free, low-ingredient desserts to pair with slow-cooker meals, try this sweet shortcut: 3-Ingredient Ritz Cracker Cookies.

why make this recipe

Cheap 5-ingredient crockpot dinners are ideal when time and money are tight. They:

• Cut down grocery costs by focusing on inexpensive, multipurpose ingredients.
• Require minimal chopping and seasoning, reducing prep time.
• Let the slow cooker convert basic components into a meal that feeds a whole family with little attention.
• Are forgiving: swap similar items without wrecking the dish.

how to make Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners For a Family

This version is a reliable family-style Slow Cooker Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots — five ingredients, big on comfort.

Ingredients :

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6 bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor)
• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved if large
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, sliced

Directions :

1. Place the potatoes and carrots in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker and scatter the sliced onion over the top.
2. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper (optional: a teaspoon of dried herbs) and lay the pieces on top of the vegetables.
3. Pour the chicken broth over everything to help steam and flavor the ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F and vegetables are tender.
5. Optional: Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, return to the pot and stir to coat with juices before serving.

how to serve Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners For a Family

Serve family-style straight from the slow cooker into shallow bowls or on a large platter. Add a simple green salad or steamed frozen peas for color and freshness. Leftovers make great sandwiches, wraps, or a quick lunch over rice.

how to store Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners For a Family

• Refrigerate in airtight containers within two hours of cooking; keep up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or in the microwave until heated through.

tips to make Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners For a Family

• Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor; remove bones before serving.
• Keep broth low-sodium so you control the salt level.
• Cut vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• For a thicker gravy, mix 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water and stir into the slow cooker 20–30 minutes before serving on HIGH.
• Label and date frozen portions to rotate meals easily.

variation (if any)

• Swap potatoes for 2 cups of dry rice (add rice halfway through cooking with extra 1/2 cup broth) for a one-pot chicken and rice meal.
• Replace broth with a jar of salsa and add a can of drained black beans for a Mexican-inspired version—serve with tortillas and cheese.
• Use pork shoulder instead of chicken and extend low cooking time to 8–10 hours for tender pulled pork.

FAQ

Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger family?
A: Yes—use a larger slow cooker and add 30–60 minutes to the cooking time on LOW depending on volume.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: You can, but it will increase cooking time and may keep vegetables firmer; thaw for the best, even results.

Q: Is this meal suitable for picky eaters?
A: Absolutely—keep seasonings simple and serve sauces or toppings on the side so each person can customize.

Conclusion

For more inspiration on minimal-ingredient slow cooker meals that keep costs down and hunger at bay, see this roundup of 5 Ingredient Crock Pot Recipes (125 Crazy Easy Meals!).

Slow Cooker Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots

A comforting, easy-to-prepare crockpot meal featuring chicken, potatoes, and carrots, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6 bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor) Bone-in chicken provides deeper flavor.
• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved if large Use baby potatoes for even cooking.
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into chunks Cut carrots to similar sizes for even cooking.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth Keep broth low-sodium for better control of salt.
• 1 medium onion, sliced Place the onion on top of vegetables.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the potatoes and carrots in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Scatter the sliced onion over the top.
3. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper and lay the pieces on top of the vegetables.
4. Pour the chicken broth over everything.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F and vegetables are tender.
2. Optional: Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, return to the pot and stir to coat with juices before serving.

Notes

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed frozen peas. Leftovers are good for sandwiches, wraps, or a quick lunch over rice. Store in airtight containers within two hours of cooking.