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This budget-friendly vegetarian slow cooker meal plan covers a week's worth of dinners for four adults, with all the ingredients coming in at under £28. It’s designed to be economical on energy use and help reduce waste.

All the recipes have been developed specifically to be made in a slow cooker, although there's the occasional (and often optional) use of a microwave and hob, too.

More budget meal inspiration

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How we costed our recipes

We have stuck to a strict ingredient budget of £7 per person for the week, which averages out at just under £1 per portion.

We’ve based most of our costs on the smallest available pack size, meaning even if you don’t use a whole jar or packet, the entire cost is still included in the budget.

Meanwhile, store cupboard items like oil, salt, pasta and rice are costed according to the quantity you use, as they tend to have long shelf lives or be purchased regularly as part of a standard family shop.

Day 1: Split pea and spinach dal

Nothing says comfort food like a big bowl of this super simple, creamy dal. Spend five minutes preparing dinner then let your slow cooker take over before serving simply with cooked rice and dollops of cooling yoghurt. It’s easily made vegan by swapping the yoghurt for a non-dairy favourite.

Day 2: Butternut squash and sage pasta

Sage and squash pair up perfectly in this easy, earthy vegetarian pasta dish. Thin or small pasta shapes work really well in a slow cooker when cooked in plenty of stock on the highest setting. The crispy sage on top isn’t strictly necessary but finishes the dish off very nicely and is easily made in the microwave.

Day 3: Warm carrot, date and feta salad

Discover the versatility of slow cookers with this easy and substantial warm salad. Braise carrots then use the braising liquid to soften couscous before combining with sweet dates, salty cheese and a lemony dressing.

Day 4: Curried vegetable laksa

This creamy, comforting laksa is packed with soft noodles and vegetables, and you can have it on the table in less than four hours with only 15 minutes of effort.

Day 5: Sloppy Joes on toast

This take on a sloppy Joe creates a filling lunch or simple dinner when you want something hearty and comforting to eat. It couldn't be easier to prep, either – just bung all the ingredients in the pot and let it the slow cooker work its magic.

Day 6: Chilli bean tacos

This lightly spiced, vegan chilli is perfect for wrapping up in soft tacos with yoghurt, crunchy lettuce and tomato salsa. If you have any spare cheddar, grate and add to the table too, for family-style assembly and eating.

Day 7: Leek and bean cassoulet with cheesy crumbs

This veggie twist on the French classic has sweet, herby, garlicy flavour and plenty of texture, with super-soft leeks, creamy white beans and a crunchy crumb topping. A new family favourite.

Shopping list

Fruit and vegetables
□ 30g pack fresh sage
□ 200–250g/7–9oz baby spinach leaves
□ 3 red onions
□ 2 red or white onion
□ 10 garlic cloves
□ 4 lemons
□ 1 butternut squash
□ 1kg/2lbs 4oz carrots
□ 1 bunch spring onions
□ 150g/5½oz mange tout
□ 1 red pepper
□ 2 tomatoes
□ 1 bag chopped Iceberg lettuce (or half an Iceberg lettuce)
□ 500g/1lb 2oz leeks

Dairy, eggs and chilled
□ 500g pot natural or Greek-style yogurt (low fat if you like)
□ pack of hard vegetarian cheese (130g minimum)
□ 200g/7oz Greek style salad cheese (or feta), crumbled
□ 100g/3½oz cheddar cheese

Tins, packets and jars
□ 500g pack dried split peas
□ 300g/10½oz long grain (or basmati rice)
□ 350g/12oz dried spaghetti
□ 300g/10½oz couscous
□ 1 pack stoned dates (85g minimum)
□ 400g tin coconut milk (light is fine)
□ 300g/10½oz fresh egg noodles or medium straight-to-wok noodles
□ 400g tin chopped tomatoes
□ 400g tin whole tomatoes
□ 400g tin kidney beans
□ 2 x 400g tins white beans, like cannellini haricot or butterbean

Cooking ingredients
□ 5 vegetable stock cubes
□ 3 tbsp mild curry powder
□ 2 tbsp ground cumin
□ 3 tsp paprika
□ 3 tsp dried herbs
□ ¼ tsp chilli flakes
□ 2 tbsp olive oil

Frozen
□ 225g/8oz frozen peas
□ 500g/1lb 2oz frozen soya mince

Condiments
□ 75g/2½oz barbecue sauce

Other
□ 10 slices wholemeal bread
□ 8 soft white or wholemeal wraps

Originally published April 2023