I’m no chef! For the most part when I do crockpot meals or prepare frozen meals in the freezer it tends to be less expensive believe it or not. I have my go to websites that never let me down. If ok, I will share my favorites. One recipe is easy and quick. You can vary it and make it from scratch if you want.
Basically put a bag of shredded potatoes in crockpot with bacon and cheese and cream of chicken soup along with your chicken broth (I use 1/2 carton) and cream cheese block and cook up till potatoes are perfect. Easy quick and yummy. Add toppings if you want. Nice base recipe you can alter anyway you want. Add onions, leave out bacon, the onions are endless based on your pantry and taste.