Slow cookers are a great tool for making delicious, easy meals with minimal effort. Here are some tips for cooking with a slow cooker:
- Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
- Slow Cooker Chilli Beef Recipe
- Slow Cooker pulled pork
- Slow Cooker Moroccan lamb stew
- Slow Cooker meatballs
- Slow Cooker chicken chili
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Choose the right cut of meat: Slow cookers are ideal for tough, inexpensive cuts of meat like chuck roast, pork shoulder, and chicken thighs. These cuts benefit from the long, slow cooking process and become tender and flavorful.
- Brown the meat first: While it’s not strictly necessary, browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker can help develop the flavor and texture. Simply heat some oil in a skillet and sear the meat on all sides before transferring it to the slow cooker.
- Don’t overfill the slow cooker: Fill the slow cooker no more than two-thirds full to prevent the food from overflowing and to ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Add enough liquid: Slow cookers work by simmering food in a small amount of liquid, so be sure to add enough liquid to cover the ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 cup of liquid for every 1-2 pounds of meat.
- Layer the ingredients: If you’re making a dish with vegetables, place them on the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the meat and any liquid or seasonings.
Some Ideas
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Combine beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and beef broth in a slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos: Add chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then shred the chicken and serve in tortillas with toppings like cheese, lettuce, and sour cream.
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Rub a pork shoulder with a spice blend, then add it to a slow cooker with BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, then shred the pork and serve on buns.
- Slow Cooker Chili: Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet, then add them to a slow cooker with beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili powder. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then top with cheese and sour cream.
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast – A classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe calls for chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, onion, and a few simple seasonings.
- Chicken and Dumplings – A Southern favorite that is warm and hearty. This recipe includes chicken, celery, onion, and biscuits that cook right in the slow cooker.
- French Onion Soup – A rich and savory soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe includes caramelized onions, beef broth, and a toasted baguette with melted cheese on top.
- Minestrone Soup – A hearty and nutritious soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe includes beans, vegetables, pasta, and a flavorful tomato broth.
- Butternut Squash Soup – A creamy and comforting soup that is perfect for a chilly fall day. This recipe includes butternut squash, carrots, onion, and a few simple seasonings.
- Slow Cooker Lasagna – A delicious and easy recipe for lasagna that doesn’t require an oven. This recipe includes lasagna noodles, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese.
- Slow Cooker beef stew
- Slow Cooker pulled pork
- Slow Cooker chicken chili
- Slow Cooker meatballs
- Slow Cooker Moroccan lamb stew
- Slow Cooker beef bourguignon
- Slow Cooker ratatouille
- Slow Cooker chicken tikka masala
- Slow Cooker lentil soup
- Slow Cooker pork chops
- Slow Cooker chicken and dumplings
- Slow Cooker Bolognese sauce
- Slow Cooker vegetarian chili
- Slow Cooker beef brisket
- Slow Cooker jambalaya
- Slow Cooker corned beef and cabbage
- Slow Cooker chicken curry
- Slow Cooker sweet and sour meatballs
- Slow Cooker pot roast
- Slow Cooker minestrone soup