Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners For a Family

Ever had a dinner that practically cooks itself while you binge-watch your favorite show? 🍲

These Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners are a lifesaver for busy families. You just toss in some basic ingredients, hit the switch, and voilà! At the end of the day, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Plus, these recipes are super budget-friendly and perfect for those “I-need-dinner-fast” kind of nights.

Why Make This Recipe

Who doesn’t love minimal cleanup? With just a couple of ingredients and one pot, dinner becomes as easy as pie (or should I say, as easy as a stir!). These meals are not only affordable but also family-friendly—perfect for even the pickiest eaters. Let’s be real, with kids, it’s a win-win when your meal is both tasty and takes almost zero effort. 🙌

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 pound of chicken (or your favorite protein)
• 1 cup of salsa
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning

Directions:

The crockpot magic starts here! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Add your chicken to the bottom of the crockpot—this is where the magic begins.
2. Pour in the salsa over the chicken, coating it nicely. Keep it saucy!
3. Toss in the black beans and corn. Mix it up a bit so everything is well-combined.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top, and stir gently to avoid disturbing the chicken too much.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

How to Make Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners for a Family (Overview)

So, what’s the technique behind this culinary wonder? Start by tossing in your protein—chicken works like a charm but feel free to get creative! Pour on that salsa for a zesty kick, and mix in the beans and corn. The seasoned mix? Just sprinkle it over the top, then walk away. That’s right—no stirring required! Pro tip: Don’t skip on letting the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors; it’s what makes it finger-licking good! 🤤

How to Serve Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners for a Family

Serving this dish can be a blast! Picture this: you scoop out a generous portion into colorful bowls, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top, and serve with warm tortillas on the side. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it irresistible. You could even add a dollop of sour cream or creamy avocado for that layering of flavors. 🌮 Talk about a feast for the senses!

How to Store Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners for a Family

Leftovers? Yes, please! This dish keeps well. Store it in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. If you want to stretch that goodness even further, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, cozy it up in the microwave until warmed through—easy peasy!

Tips to Make Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners for a Family

1. Mix it up: Swap the chicken for ground beef or turkey for a different spin.
2. Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
3. Turn up the heat: If you like it spicy, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Flavor enhancer: A splash of lime juice right before serving can brighten the dish beautifully.
5. Save the leftovers: Use them as a topping for nachos or in a quesadilla. Who doesn’t love two meals for the effort of one?

Variation

Want to switch it up? Make it vegan by replacing chicken with a can of chickpeas or diced tofu. Swap salsa for a mild tomato sauce if heat’s not your jam, and, as always, let your creativity run wild! 🌱

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time for chicken that comes straight from the freezer.

2. What else can I add?
Feel free to mix in other veggies like diced tomatoes or green chilies. Anything goes!

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep everything in advance, store it in the fridge, and just throw it in the crockpot when you’re ready.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Cheap 5 Ingredient Crockpot Dinners

A budget-friendly and easy dinner option that cooks itself in a crockpot with just five simple ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken (or your favorite protein) Can be substituted with ground beef, turkey, or tofu for variations.
• 1 cup salsa Choose a spiciness level according to your preference.
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) Adds sweetness and texture.
• 1 packet taco seasoning For flavor enhancement.

Method

 

Cooking Instructions

1. Add your chicken to the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Pour in the salsa over the chicken, coating it nicely.
3. Toss in the black beans and corn, mixing it up so everything is well-combined.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top, and stir gently to avoid disturbing the chicken too much.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.

Notes

For serving, scoop into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, serve with warm tortillas, or add sour cream or avocado. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.