Slow cookers are a popular kitchen appliance used to cook food at low temperatures over an extended period of time. This cooking method results in very tender and flavorful dishes like stews, chilies, and roasts. Slow cookers come in a variety of sizes, from small 1-2 quart models to large 6-7 quart versions designed to feed a crowd.
One common question about slow cookers is whether you can use a roasting rack inside a slow cooker. The short answer is yes, you can use a roasting rack in a slow cooker!
What is a Roasting Rack?
A roasting rack is a rack designed to elevate meat or poultry above the bottom of a roasting pan. It allows air to circulate completely around the food, resulting in even cooking and browning.
Roasting racks are made of stainless steel or chrome-plated wire. They come in different shapes like flat grids, V-shaped racks, and circular racks. The elevated design prevents food from sitting in its juices and fats during roasting.
In addition to roasting pans, roasting racks can also be used in slow cookers. The rack serves the same purpose in a slow cooker as it does in the oven – it keeps the food elevated out of the cooking liquid.
Benefits of Using a Roasting Rack in a Slow Cooker
There are several benefits to using a roasting rack in your slow cooker:
Promotes Even Cooking
One of the main benefits of using a roasting rack in a slow cooker is it promotes more even cooking. The rack elevates the food above the bottom of the slow cooker so the heat can circulate completely around the food. This helps prevent one side from overcooking while the other side remains underdone.
Prevents Food from Sitting in Liquid
When you cook meat or veggies directly in the slow cooker, they can end up sitting in their own juices, oils, and rendered fats. The roasting rack elevates the food out of the liquid so your food isn’t soaking in it as it cooks. This helps food retain texture and prevents excess moisture.
Allows Fat to Drain
As meat like pork and beef roasts cook, they will release natural fat and juices. With a roasting rack, those fats can drip down into the slow cooker below the meat instead of pooling around the food.
Makes Removal Easier
Trying to remove large cuts of meat or whole chickens from a slow cooker can be tricky. With a roasting rack, you have an easy way to lift the food out of the slow cooker once cooked. The handles provide a good grip.
Browning
While slow cookers do not actually brown meat, using a roasting rack allows excess moisture to evaporate off the surface of the meat. This can promote some light “browning” on the very outer layer of the meat for extra flavor. Keep in mind moist heat cooking does not actually brown food though.
What Kinds of Food Work Best with a Roasting Rack?
Whole Chickens
One popular use for roasting racks in a slow cooker is cooking a whole chicken. The rack keeps the chicken elevated above the liquid and makes it easier to remove the cooked bird. The rack also allows heat to circulate under the chicken for even cooking.
Pork and Beef Roasts
Pork loin, beef roasts, and other large cuts benefit from a roasting rack. The rack prevents them from sitting in rendered fat and juices. The elevated position allows the lower vent on the slow cooker to circulate heat under the meat.
Turkey Breasts
Cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker results in exceptionally moist meat. A roasting rack elevates the turkey above the cooking liquid and makes it easier to remove.
Meatloaf
For meatloaf, you can place the mixture on a roasting rack set inside a loaf pan. This allows excess fat to drip down below the meatloaf as it cooks.
Vegetables
You can use a roasting rack to elevate vegetables above the liquid when making dishes like ratatouille. This prevents sogginess.
Choosing a Roasting Rack for Your Slow Cooker
When selecting a roasting rack for your slow cooker, keep these tips in mind:
Rack Shape
Look for a flat grid design which will provide the most support and stability. Circular racks may not have as much direct contact with the bottom of the slow cooker.
Rack Size
Choose a roasting rack that is about 2 inches smaller than the diameter of your slow cooker so it can fit securely inside. Measure prior to purchasing.
Metal Type
Stainless steel or chrome-plated steel are good options. Avoid aluminum which can react with acidic foods. Copper may also react.
Handle or No Handle
Handles provide an easy grip for lifting food out of the slow cooker. But handleless grids may lay flatter and have more direct contact.
Rack Height
Select a rack height that will elevate the food above liquid by at least 1⁄2 inch. Racks that sit too low will not be as effective.
How to Use a Roasting Rack in Your Slow Cooker
Using a roasting rack in your slow cooker is easy. Follow these steps:
Prep the Ingredients
Prepare your meat, veggies or other ingredients as directed in your recipe. If browning the meat first, be sure to do so prior to slow cooking.
Place the Rack in the Slow Cooker
Put the roasting rack into the slow cooker. It should fit securely and rest evenly on the bottom.
Add Your Liquid
Pour any broth, water, sauce or other liquid into the bottom of the slow cooker below the rack.
Place Food on the Rack
Add your prepared ingredients like roasts, chicken, or veggies onto the roasting rack.
Insert a Meat Thermometer
Use an instant read or oven-safe meat thermometer to monitor doneness of meats. Insert it into the thickest part.
Cook on Low Setting
Cover and cook according to your recipe instructions, using the low setting. Meat and poultry benefit from a longer cook time.
Check Temperatures
Verify your food has reached safe internal temperatures when finished. Chicken should reach 165°F, beef 145°F.
Remove Food from Slow Cooker
Use heat-resistant mitts or tongs to carefully lift the roasting rack and remove your cooked food.
Let Rest
Transfer proteins like roasts to a cutting board and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into them.
Tips for Using a Roasting Rack
Give It a Test Run
Try out your roasting rack before cooking anything lengthy. Verify it fits properly in the slow cooker before use.
Add Vegetables Underneath
Place root veggies, potatoes, etc under the rack so they simmer in the liquid for extra flavor.
Monitor Temperatures
Always use a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer to check temperatures.
Prevent Toppling
For rounded racks, you may need toprop up one side with a ball of foil to keep them stable.
Flip Halfway
For long cook times, flip or rotate meats halfway through to promote even cooking.
Add Seasonings
Sprinkle seasonings like herbs, garlic, or pepper over meats and veggies prior to cooking.
Use Liners or Foil
Place slow cooker liners or foil under the rack to simplify cleanup.
Skip Precooking
The low heat of the slow cooker means you can skip browning meats first in most cases.
Common Questions about Using Roasting Racks in Slow Cookers
What size roasting rack do I need for my slow cooker?
Choose a roasting rack that is around 2 inches smaller than the diameter of your slow cooker so it can fit securely inside. Always measure your slow cooker before buying.
Should the rack touch the sides?
No, you want a little space between the rack and the slow cooker sides for optimal heat circulation. The rack should not be snug against the edges.
Can I cook without the rack?
Yes, the roasting rack is optional. You can cook foods directly in the slow cooker base. The rack simply provides some additional benefits.
Do I need to add liquid with the rack?
Yes, you still need to add liquid like broth or water to create steam and moisture in the slow cooker. The rack sits above the liquid.
Can I use a baking rack instead?
You can use a basic oven baking rack, but a roasting rack designed for slow cookers will likely work better and sit flat.
Should I spray the rack?
You can spray the rack lightly with nonstick spray which can make cleanup easier. This is optional.
Sample Recipes Using a Roasting Rack
Pork Loin
– 3 lb pork loin
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp each salt, pepper, paprika
Place roasting rack in slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients and pour into slow cooker. Place pork on rack. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Chicken and Potatoes
– 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp pepper
Place roasting rack in slow cooker. Toss potatoes with oil and seasonings and spread in bottom of slow cooker. Place chicken on rack on top. Pour in broth. Cook on low 6-8 hours until chicken is fully cooked (165°F).
Beef Roast
– 3 lb beef roast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp each dried thyme, salt, pepper
– 1 bay leaf
Place roasting rack in slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except roast and mix. Put roast on rack. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until beef reaches 145°F. Discard bay leaf before serving.
Conclusion
Using a roasting rack in your slow cooker provides many benefits for cooking meat, poultry, and vegetables. The rack promotes more even cooking by allowing air flow and prevents food from sitting in liquid. A stainless steel roasting rack designed to fit your slow cooker size is ideal. Be sure to follow recipe instructions and always use a food thermometer to verify safe finished temperatures. With the simple addition of a roasting rack, you can expand the usefulness of your slow cooker for tender and flavorful dishes.