Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

FAQS

Crock Pot Cooking Tips?

• Slow cooker. Here we use crock pot and slow cooker interchangeably. In either case, we are referring to the classic crock pot with a heated ceramic pot on all sides. 
• Temperature setting. The LOW setting generally takes twice as long to cook a dish than using the HIGH setting. Most dishes can cook for 6-8 hours making them a perfect dish to come home to after a long day of work.
• Filling. Aside from a few appetizers, most recipes are designed to be cooked in a 5-6 qt appliance. For a proper cook, food should take up at least ½, but not more than ¾ of the pot.
• Clean up. Use a crock pot liner for easier cleanup.
• Lid tips. Avoid removing the lid because a significant amount of heat escapes and you’ll need to add up to 20 minutes to get the pot back to the right temperature.
• Set a reminder! Do not completely forget about your cooking food as it can overcook in the pot.

Prep Ahead of Time?

• Thaw any meats overnight so they’re ready to go into the pot. Chop any vegetables and keep them in the fridge. (Potatoes can be kept in water in the fridge so they don’t brown. Drain before adding to the pot). Set out the spices or canned goods on the counter so they’re ready to use.  
• Many meals can be prepared ahead and kept in the freezer until you want to use them. See the individual posts for more info about freezing them ahead of time.

When do I Add Dairy to a Crock Pot Recipe?

• Add dairy products like milk, cream, and cheeses during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cream cheese seems to hold up well and can be added at the beginning.

Adding Veggies?

• Cut larger root vegetables about the same size. These include beets, potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, turnips, and carrots. These can cook for several hours.
• Don’t add tender vegetables like baby spinach, peas, sautéed mushrooms, corn, and artichoke hearts until the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

Precook rice or Pasta?

• Rice and pasta are tricky to cook in the crock pot. Follow what the recipe instructs. If adding it dry, the recipe is designed to accommodate it. If the recipe says to precook it and add it at the end of the cooking time, then follow that instruction otherwise it will overcook and become mushy.

Add Extra Flavor?

• Aromatics. Onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic are commonly used aromatics and should be activated before use. They are typically sautéed in a pan to get their flavor going, then added to the crock pot.
• Broth. Using vegetable, chicken, or beef broth instead of water adds a lot of extra flavor to the dish.
• Fresh herbs. just be sure to add them during the last 20-30 minutes of the cooking time.
• Sweetener. Adding brown sugar or a bit of honey can sweeten a dish and cut through acidity, which is especially helpful when making a recipe that includes tomatoes.

Can I Cook Frozen Meat in a Slow Cooker?

• Frozen raw meat is not recommended for crock pots. Be sure to put your meat in the fridge the night before so it’s ready use. 

Do I Need to Brown Beef Before Adding it to a Slow Cooker?

• Many recipes call for browning beef before adding it to the pot. I will always make sure to brown ground beef for the best flavor and texture so that the oil and fat can be removed. Other meats don’t have to be browned. It just depends on your preference. 

What Meat Cooks Best in the Slow Cooker?

• Beef cuts that work well include chuck roast, rump roast, eye of round, shank, and brisket.
• Pork shoulder and loin also cook well in a slow cooker.
• You can’t go wrong with chicken as long as you don’t overcook it – dark meat, chicken thighs, and chicken breasts are all great choices.