Slow cookers are a versatile kitchen appliance that allow you to prepare delicious home-cooked meals with minimal effort. Also known as crockpots, slow cookers utilize low heat over an extended period of time to tenderize meats and vegetables, blending flavors into delicious one-pot meals. With a slow cooker, it’s easy to put together a meal in the morning before work, let it cook all day, and come home to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner. But what exactly should you cook in your slow cooker to take full advantage of its abilities? Here are some recommendations for making the most of this handy kitchen gadget.
Meats that Work Well in a Slow Cooker
Tougher, fattier cuts of meat are ideal for slow cooking, as the low heat helps break down connective tissues and melt away fat over time. This results in tender, fall-apart meats in dishes like stews, chilies, and shredded meats. Some excellent options include:
- Beef chuck roast
- Pork shoulder
- Beef brisket
- Chicken thighs
- Pork loin
These meats become succulent and flavorful after 6-8 hours in a slow cooker. Whole chickens also cook up moist and delicious. For seafood, firmer fish like halibut and salmon hold up well to low, moist heat.
Vegetables Suited for Slow Cooking
Hardy vegetables work best in a slow cooker, as more delicate veggies can overcook. Great options include:
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Onions
- Celery
- Sweet potatoes
- Beans
- Lentils
- Corn
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
Cut veggies into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. Quick-cooking veggies like spinach, broccoli and asparagus can be added in the last 30 minutes.
Beans Cook Perfectly in a Slow Cooker
Dried beans are ideal for the low, moist heat environment of a slow cooker. Kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, and others turn out with a tender bite without getting mushy. No need for overnight soaking – just place dried beans in the slow cooker and cover with water, then let cook 7-8 hours on low. The beans soak up the flavorful liquid as they cook.
Whole Grains Work Well
While recipes with pasta or white rice are not recommended, whole grains like brown rice, farro, barley, and quinoa achieve the perfect texture with slow cooking. Add them along with ample liquid at the start, and they will become fluffy and tender. The natural flavor of whole grains pairs nicely with slow cooker recipes.
Dairy Additions
Milk, half and half, and coconut milk add a nice creaminess to slow cooker dishes. Grated cheese can be added towards the end of cooking time for dishes like mac and cheese or cheesy dips. Soft cheeses like goat cheese will hold their shape better than hard cheeses. Evaporated milk helps reduce curdling in long-cooking milk-based dishes.
Flavorful Sauces and Liquids
The key to infusing slow cooker dishes with flavor is the cooking liquid. Tomato sauce, salsa, broth, wine, and fruit juices all impart delicious flavor. Avoid creamy sauces as they can curdle with extended cooking. About 1 cup of liquid is needed per hour of cooking time. Leave a little room at the top for sauce to simmer.
Herbs, Spices and Seasonings
Layer in robust herbs, spices and seasonings to give slow cooker meals complex flavor. Garlic, onions, chili powder, cumin, oregano, basil, and bay leaves all hold up well. Salt and pepper can be added at the end to adjust seasonings. Go easy on dried herbs, as their flavor intensifies over long cooking.
Thickening Agents
Naturally thick sauces can be achieved by reducing the cooking liquid. Quick-cooking grains like barley or quinoa also lend thickness. For thicker stews and braises, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water at the end. Flour can lead to a pasty texture. Mashed potatoes also thicken.
Food Safety Tips
To ensure food safety with your slow cooker:
- Use meats trimmed of excess fat
- Keep perishable ingredients chilled until ready to cook
- Don’t lift the lid during the first 2 hours of cooking
- Cook on low or high, but not on a warm setting
- Check that internal meat temperatures reach safe levels
- Discard any leftovers not consumed after 2 days
Following these guidelines prevents bacterial growth.
Tips for Easy Clean Up
While slow cookers make dinner prep easy, they can leave behind a messy pot to scrub. Here are some tips for easy clean up:
- Use cooking liners – these disposable bags make cleaning a breeze.
- Soak the crock – Let it soak in soapy water before washing.
- Use non-stick spray – Spray the crock first for easy food release.
- Wash soon after cooking – Don’t let food dry on.
- Use abrasives – Baking soda loosens stuck-on food.
- Handwash – Most crocks can’t go in the dishwasher.
With the right techniques, clean up doesn’t have to be a chore.
Top Slow Cooker Recipe Recommendations
Here are some top-rated easy yet delicious slow cooker recipes to try:
Soups and Stews
- Beef Stew
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Vegetable Chili
Roasts and Shredded Meats
- Pulled Pork
- Pot Roast
- Shredded Chicken
- Carnitas
- BBQ Ribs
Meatless Main Dishes
- Vegetarian Chili
- Red Beans and Rice
- Minestrone Soup
- Vegan Lentil Curry
- Vegetable Lasagna
Breakfast
- Steel Cut Oats
- Breakfast Casserole
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Overnight French Toast
Dips and Appetizers
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Reuben Dip
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Meatballs in Sauce
- BBQ Cocktail Sausages
The options are endless with a slow cooker – get creative and enjoy delicious, stress-free homemade meals any day of the week!
Slow Cooker Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks for making the most of your slow cooker:
- Prep ingredients ahead – Chop veggies and measure spices the night before.
- Brown meats first – Searing meats before slow cooking enhances flavor.
- Layer wisely – Place root veggies and potatoes on the bottom. Keep delicate herbs for the end.
- Use the right cuts – Choose well-marbled, bone-in meats for moistness and flavor.
- Add acid – A splash of vinegar or lemon juice brightens flavors.
- Embrace the shield – Slow cookers retain moisture when covered.
- Give a flavor boost – Use broth, tomatoes, wine, or sauce for richness.
- Thicken it up – Mash beans or stir in cornstarch, quinoa, or oats.
- Go low and slow – Cook on low heat for best texture and moisture.
- Mind food safety – Don’t cook foods for extended periods on just “warm.”
Master these tips and make the most of slow cooking for easy homemade meals!
Common Slow Cooker Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned home cooks can run into trouble when using a slow cooker. Watch out for these common mistakes:
- Not browning meats – Skipping this step leads to less flavorful dishes.
- Not using enough liquid – Cooks need at least 1 cup of liquid per hour.
- Overcrowding – Contents need room to cook evenly.
- Lifting the lid – Each time the lid is lifted, 15-20 minutes of heat escapes.
- Cooking on warm – Only cook foods on low or high settings.
- Forgetting to add veggies – Hearty veggies add nutrition and texture.
- Adding dairy too early – Milk products can curdle if cooked too long.
- Overspicing – Dried spices intensify over long cooking.
- Not stirring – Give a stir towards the end to evenly distribute flavor.
- Letting food cool in crock – Transfer hot food to shallow containers ASAP.
Avoiding these missteps results in tender, flavorful slow cooker creations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common slow cooker questions:
What is the benefit of using a slow cooker?
Slow cookers make it easy to prepare home-cooked meals with minimal hands-on time. Just assemble ingredients in the morning and come home to a complete, hot meal after work. Slow cooking also tenderizes tough cuts of meat into fall-apart deliciousness.
What size slow cooker do I need?
For 1-2 people, a 3-4 quart slow cooker is ideal. For 3-4 people, go with a 5-6 quart size. Larger families may prefer a 6-7 quart cooker. Always leave 2/3 headspace for food to simmer.
How long can food stay in a slow cooker?
Cook food for the minimum recommended time, then switch to warm for up to 4 hours. Perishable foods left longer can enter the danger zone for bacterial growth. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Can I prep ingredients the night before?
Yes, chopping veggies and measuring ingredients ahead cuts down on morning prep. Store prepped ingredients separately in the fridge overnight.
What temperature should I cook food on?
For most recipes, cooking on low for 6-8 hours produces the best results. Quicker dishes can cook on high for 4-6 hours. Refer to your manual for model-specific guidelines.
Do I need to stir during cooking?
Stirring is not necessary, but can help evenly distribute flavors and prevent bottom burning at the end. Take care not to lift the lid frequently.
Conclusion
Slow cookers offer a simple way to infuse dishes with flavor and tenderness with minimal effort. Almost any hearty meal can be adapted to the slow cooker. With some simple guidelines, almost anyone can whip up delicious stews, roasts, soups and more on busy weeknights. Experiment with some classic recipes, try out some new flavor combinations, and enjoy the convenience of coming home to a wholesome homemade dinner ready to eat. Slow cooking makes preparing home-cooked meals easy, budget-friendly and fun for even novice cooks. Embrace this kitchen wonder and gain the benefits of effortless, nourishing homemade meals any night of the week.