Yes, you can absolutely cook raw meat and vegetables together in a slow cooker. A slow cooker is a great appliance for cooking tougher, cheaper cuts of meat as well as vegetables. The low heat and long cooking time helps tenderize the meat and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Some key tips when cooking raw meat and veggies in the slow cooker include:
– Cut the meat and vegetables into similar sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
– Put the vegetables on the bottom and meat on top to prevent overcooking the veggies.
– Add some liquid like broth, wine or water to help create steam and prevent burning.
– Season well with spices, herbs and salt/pepper. The long cook really allows the seasonings to penetrate.
– Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
– Stir in tender vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes right at the end so they don’t overcook.
Here’s more detail on how to cook raw meat and vegetables to perfection in the slow cooker:
Choosing the Right Cuts of Meat
When cooking raw meat in the slow cooker, go for cuts that have a good amount of connective tissue and fat. These cuts benefit the most from the low, moist heat. Good choices include:
– Beef chuck roast or stew meat
– Pork shoulder or pork butt
– Chicken thighs or legs
– Lamb shoulder or shanks
These cuts end up melt-in-your-mouth tender after a long cook time. Avoid lean cuts like chicken breast or pork tenderloin which can end up dry.
Preparing the Vegetables
Most vegetables do well in the slow cooker – anything from carrots, potatoes, onions and celery to zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers and beyond. The key is to prep them correctly:
– Cut vegetables into roughly the same size pieces, around 1-2 inches. This allows even cooking.
– Softer veggies may need a head start. Microwave potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, etc for 3-5 minutes before adding to the slow cooker.
– Hard veggies like carrots and potatoes should be placed at the bottom near the heat source.
– More delicate veggies like tomatoes and spinach can be stirred in at the end to preserve texture.
– If desired, you can thicken the cooking liquid at the end by mixing in a cornstarch slurry.
Layering the Ingredients
Layering the raw meat and vegetables correctly in the slow cooker results in the best texture and flavor.
– Place chopped vegetables on the bottom of the slow cooker. This protects them from burning.
– Place the meat on top of the vegetables. This allows the meat to cook in the juices and prevents it from drying out.
– Pour over any sauce or liquid like broth, tomatoes, barbecue sauce, etc.
– Do not stir or mix the ingredients. Stack them and let them cook undisturbed. The heat circulates on its own.
– For stews or chili, you can add beans or lentils in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.
Sample Layering Order
Onions, carrots, potatoes
Beef roast
Beef broth
Thyme, garlic, bay leaf
Seasoning Raw Meat and Vegetables
Be generous when seasoning slow cooker meats and vegetables:
– Salt and pepper the meat well on all sides before cooking. Use 1 tsp salt per pound of meat.
– Sprinkle vegetables with salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, paprika, etc.
– The flavor deepens over the long cook time so don’t worry about over seasoning.
– For stews and chilis, add extra seasoning at the end and adjust to taste.
– Browning the meat first boosts flavor but is not mandatory. Deglaze the pan with broth for extra flavor.
Remember you can’t rely on tasting and adjusting seasoning as you go like with stove top cooking. Get it right the first time before cooking!
Cooking Time for Raw Meat and Vegetables
Here are some general guidelines for cook times:
| Food | Cook Time on Low | Cook Time on High |
|---|---|---|
| Beef roast, stew meat | 8-10 hours | 5-6 hours |
| Pork shoulder | 8-10 hours | 5-6 hours |
| Chicken pieces | 4-6 hours | 3-4 hours |
| Chops, sausage | 6-8 hours | 4 hours |
| Stews, chilis | 8-10 hours | 6-8 hours |
The vegetables in the recipes are usually done in these time frames as well. If using very dense vegetables, microwaving them for a few minutes first reduces the total cooking time.
Food Safety Tips
When working with raw meat and vegetables, be sure to follow food safety guidelines:
– Always wash hands, utensils and surfaces after handling raw meat to prevent cross contamination.
– Cut vegetables first, then meat. Or use separate cutting boards and knives.
– Don’t let raw meat linger in the “danger zone” of 40-140°F for more than 2 hours before cooking.
– Discard any leftovers that have been left out overnight. Don’t reheat.
– When reheating fully cooked leftovers, heat to 165°F. Bring soups and stews to a boil.
Sample Recipe Ideas
There are endless possibilities for cooking meat and veggies in the slow cooker. Try these delicious combo ideas:
Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
Beef chuck roast, baby carrots, potatoes, onion, beef broth, garlic, thyme.
Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Bone-in chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, green beans, chicken broth, cajun seasoning.
Pork Carnitas with Bell Peppers and Onions
Pork shoulder, orange juice, bell peppers, onion, cumin, chili powder, cilantro.
Lamb Shanks with Squash and Tomatoes
Lamb shanks, butternut squash, cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, rosemary, red wine.
Beef Chili with Beans
Ground beef, black beans, kidney beans, onions, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, cumin, garlic.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking raw meats and veggies in the slow cooker:
– Cut ingredients to uniform size for even cooking.
– Layer vegetables on bottom and meat on top.
– Add enough liquid to generate steam and prevent burning.
– Season all ingredients generously before cooking.
– Cook on low 8+ hours or high 4+ hours.
– Quick release pressure after cooking then stir and serve.
– Add tender vegetables at the end so they don’t overcook.
– Thicken cooking liquid with cornstarch if desired.
– Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat fully to 165°F.
Conclusion
Yes, the slow cooker is perfectly suited for cooking raw meat and vegetables together into delicious one-pot meals. The right prep like chopping, seasoning and layering leads to tender, flavorful results every time. Follow the guidelines above for cooking times, temperature and food safety when making your favorite beef stew, pulled pork or chicken and veggie dinner. With minimal effort you’ll enjoy a home cooked meal with meat and vegetables cooked to utter perfection.