Aside from flavor and a homemade feel, when prepared correctly, slow cooked meals can be healthier than frozen or ready-made foods cooked in a microwave, and they can be a lot less expensive, too. Buying food fresh and preparing it yourself can add up to huge savings – which is great news for big families. Another bonus: with meals made in a slow-cooker, busy family members can eat on-demand – a great boon on a weeknight when everyone has someplace different to go. With that in mind, here is a week’s worth of slow-cooked meals your whole family can enjoy without breaking the bank or spending the day slaving over a hot stove.

Taco Stew

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Taco Stew.

Rosemary Chicken

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Rosemary Chicken.

Vegetarian Chili

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili.

Lasagna

Meatballs

Pop handmade raw meatballs into the bowl with pre-made sauce and 3 Tbsp of water. Cook for 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low.

Chicken soup

Nothing is more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup after a long day. Make your favorite chicken soup recipe in the pot for 6 hours on low heat. Add cooked noodles, dumplings, or rice just before serving.

Italian Bean Soup

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Italian Bean Soup. Garnish your slow cooked meals with love and a few finishing touches to make them look as delicious as they taste! Do you have a favorite recipe for cheap, easy meals for large families? Share your ideas and questions below to join the conversation. Find more Sweet Pea Chef recipes.

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