Using a slow cooker to reheat food is generally safe, as long as proper food safety guidelines are followed. The low, slow heat of a slow cooker allows food to be brought up to safe temperatures without overcooking. However, there are some best practices to keep in mind when reheating food in a slow cooker.
Can you reheat food in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is safe to reheat food in a slow cooker as long as proper procedures are followed. The key is ensuring the food reaches safe internal temperatures high enough to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), leftover foods and casseroles should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F. Slow cookers can easily reach and maintain this temperature when set to the high setting.
It’s important to note that slow cookers heat food slower than traditional reheating methods like the stove or microwave. It can take several hours for a slow cooker to fully reheat leftovers or precooked foods to safe eating temperatures.
Benefits of using a slow cooker to reheat food
There are a few advantages to using a slow cooker for reheating leftovers and precooked foods:
- Consistent, even heating – The enclosed environment of a slow cooker heats food gradually all the way through, preventing hot or cold spots.
- Prevents overcooking – The low heat avoids overcooking food and drying it out like reheating in an oven or microwave can.
- Hands-off convenience – Once set, a slow cooker does the work with minimal monitoring needed.
- Frees up oven space – Using a slow cooker prevents tying up the oven when reheating large dishes.
- Saves energy – Slow cookers use less electricity than constantly running an oven or stove.
Tips for safe reheating in a slow cooker
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe, quality results when using a slow cooker to reheat leftovers:
- Thaw and portion food before reheating – Thaw frozen food completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Divide large amounts into smaller shallow containers to ensure thorough heating.
- Bring sauce to a boil – If reheating a sauce or stew, bring it to a rapid boil on the stovetop before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Keep food above 140°F – Food should not sit in the temperature danger zone between 40-140°F for more than 2 hours total before and during reheating.
- Use a food thermometer – Check internal temps in several spots to ensure food reaches 165°F minimum temperature.
- Don’t use the “warm” setting – Only use the low or high settings to properly reheat food to safe temperatures.
- Don’t reheat more than once – Only reheat leftovers once for food safety. Discard after reheating.
Foods that are safe to reheat in a slow cooker
Almost any fully cooked food can be safely reheated in a slow cooker as long as proper guidelines are followed. Here are some specific leftovers and precooked foods that reheat well:
| Food | Notes |
|---|---|
| Soups, stews, chilies | Bring liquid to a boil before adding to slow cooker to shorten reheating time. |
| Meats | Slice large cuts into smaller pieces and slice or shred roasts. |
| Casseroles | May need extra liquid added to prevent drying out. |
| Pasta dishes | Add extra sauce to coat pasta and prevent sticking. |
| Rice dishes | Fluff and stir rice before serving to redistribute moisture. |
| Chili | Check consistency and stir in extra broth if needed before serving. |
| Lasagna | Cut into smaller individual portions before reheating. |
Foods to avoid reheating in a slow cooker
Some foods don’t reheat well in a slow cooker or require special handling. Avoid reheating these foods or take precautions:
- Vegetables – Cooked veggies can overcook or develop a mushy texture. Add later in process if combining with other ingredients.
- Breads – Bread can dry out. Wrap in foil and add near the end of reheating time.
- Fried foods – These lose their crispy texture. Reheat in oven instead.
- Dairy-based dishes – Curdling can occur, especially with acidic ingredients like tomatoes. Heat gently on stovetop instead.
- Seafood – Delicate proteins like fish and shellfish can overcook. Reheat gently on stovetop on low.
How to reheat specific foods in a slow cooker
Use these tips when reheating certain leftovers in a slow cooker:
Chili
- Skim off any fat before reheating.
- Add 1⁄4 cup broth per quart of chili to account for evaporation.
- Stir well before serving to redistribute moisture.
Stews and braised meats
- Remove large pieces of meat and reheat separately in sauce.
- Defat braising liquid if needed before reheating.
- Add water or broth if the liquid has reduced too much.
Casseroles
- Cover dish with foil to prevent drying out.
- For creamy casseroles, stir occasionally and add milk or broth if needed.
- For crispy toppings, add later in reheating process or broil after reheating.
Pasta dishes
- Add extra sauce to coat pasta, up to 1 cup per 3-4 servings.
- Undercook pasta slightly before assembling casserole to avoid mushy textures.
- Baked pasta casseroles may need extra moisture. Add stock or milk.
Rice
- Fluff and stir rice before serving to redistribute moisture.
- For fried rice, stir in a beaten egg toward the end to restore texture.
- Add extra broth or water if rice seems dry.
Serving reheated food from a slow cooker
Once food reaches safe internal temperatures, follow these tips for serving:
- Use a thermometer to double check temperatures before serving.
- Discard any leftovers after reheating – do not refrigerate.
- Transfer food to a serving dish instead of eating directly from the slow cooker.
- For potlucks or buffets, use a chafing dish or warming tray to keep food hot.
- Add any garnishes like herbs just before serving for best flavor and texture.
Slow cooker food safety tips
When reheating food in a slow cooker, keep these food safety guidelines in mind:
- Always thaw frozen food completely before reheating in a slow cooker.
- Bring sauces, soups, and stews to a boil before adding to the slow cooker.
- Cut large portions into smaller pieces to allow thorough heating.
- Keep perishable food out of the danger zone of 40-140°F.
- Use a food thermometer to verify safe internal temperatures.
- Discard any leftovers after reheating – do not save again.
- Wash hands, utensils, and slow cooker well after use.
Conclusion
Reheating food in a slow cooker can be a safe method when guidelines are followed properly. The low, gradual heat brings food to safe eating temperatures without overcooking. When handling food safely and taking precautions, using a slow cooker is a convenient way to reheat many foods to serve again.