Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

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Your Slow Cooker Can Be Your Best Friend On A Busy Day!

We've all been there! What am I going to make for dinner? When things are so hectic, and especially if you are a mom or dad with a full time job, who has time to think about cooking? With a little preparation and pre-planning, those days can be a thing of the past with the help of a very handy little kitchen appliance...your slow cooker! Many of you know it as a Crock-Pot, but whatever you call it, you will soon find that you can't live without it when things get crazy.

Slow Cooker Advantages


Hamilton Beach 33956 Set 'n Forget 5-Quart Slow Cooker, White

Slow cookers come in many shapes, sizes and colors. And with the latest technology, you can choose from the standard dial control to digital and even programmable! There is virtually one for any size meal! From making dips for entertaining to a full meal to feed the entire family. The possibilities are endless!

One advantage to slow cooking is, it uses a lot less liquid than conventional oven cooking. Because of the dome shaped lid, the steam collects at the top and drops back in for a constant return. And, it is almost impossible to over cook. In fact, generally, the longer it cooks, the tastier it will get. Imagine coming home from work to a house filled with the aromas of a hot meal. Just set the table and enjoy! All it takes is a little bit of preparation, most of which can even be done the night before. And for even more convenience, prepare more than you need. Use what you want for the current meal and freeze the leftovers for another meal. The leftovers can be stored in a freezer container with a well fitting lid and labeled with the date. Take it out next month, plop it in the slow cooker again and there you go!

How To Use Your Slow Cooker


Campbell's Slow Cooker Recipes

Almost anything that can be made in your conventional oven, can also be made in your slow cooker. Most cookers come with an instruction guide as well as some recipes to get you started. As a general rule, two hours on low is equal to one hour on high, so adjust your recipes according to your schedule. Keep it simple by pre-browning meats and chopping other ingredients to bite-size pieces to ensure evenly cooked foods. Do not add any dairy products or fresh cheeses until the last hour of cooking to prevent spoilage. Also, it is best to wait until the end to add pasta and noodles, etc. Evaporated milk or condensed soups are perfect for the slow cooker!

The capacity of your slow cooker is the amount the pot can hold when filled to the rim. This is not recommended though. As a general rule, it is best to add about a quart less than the crock will hold. So in other words, if your slow cooker is listed as a 6-quart, you will get the best results by making about 5 quarts or less.

Many things will affect how long it will take for a recipe to cook completely. The water and fat content, beginning temperature of the food and the size of the food. Most meat and veggie combinations will take at least 7 hours on low. If the meat in your recipe has a high fat content, you will need less liquid. Also, to prevent your meat from sitting and cooking in too much fat (such as in a meatloaf recipe), add several thick slices of onion under it. Slow cookers also have very little evaporation. So when making soups or stews, reduce the liquid as called for in your original recipe. You can always add more liquid later if it is too thick. But, if you are making a vegetable type casserole, be sure to have enough liquid to prevent scorching on the sides.


Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook

Do not lift the lid unnecessarily while cooking in your Crock-Pot. This will result in major heat loss and will take awhile to get it back to the point that it was. Stirring is usually not necessary unless you are cooking on high. Even then, do so at a minimum. If your recipe has too much liquid at the end of cooking, remove the lid and turn to high for at least 30-45 minutes. Your slow cooker should be at least half full for best results. If not, you may need to check for doneness 1 to 2 hours earlier, so be sure to choose your Crock-Pot size accordingly. Always allow a two inch space at the top of soups and stews for simmering. Meat and poultry require at least 7 to 8 hours on low to thoroughly cook. Do not use frozen or uncooked meats.

If your morning schedule does not allow you enough time to prepare your slow cooker meal, prepare it the night before and cover and refrigerate in the pot. In the morning, place the crock in the cold cooker base and select the appropriate setting. This is one of the many great benefits of slow cooking! You will thank yourself later!

I am about to share with you some of my favorite Crock Pot recipes. These are recipes that are used and created by me and my family, so they are tried and true. I like to make things as simple and cost effective as possible, and my slow cooker does just that for me. I will be adding more recipes when I can, and if you have a few that you would like to add, please do!!



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What is your favorite slow cooker recipe?

  • bloomingrose Dec 18, 2011 @ 2:46 am | delete
    This is one of my favorite lenses! I did bookmark it!
  • nolinel Jun 15, 2011 @ 2:51 am | delete
    It is a grey, cold and rainy day here in Cape Town South Africa. Just the day to try your soup recipe. Thanks....
  • pajnhiaj Jun 11, 2011 @ 3:24 pm | delete
    i am going to try the ham and bbq. i love what you have on here and i am going to give most of them a try. a slower cooker makes my life easier especially with two active little kids and a special needs daughter. thanks!
  • NYThroughTheLens May 4, 2011 @ 1:21 pm | delete
    Excellent lens. I love my slow cooker!
  • ---Chazz May 2, 2011 @ 2:18 pm | delete
    Good lens. You've convinced me to get a slow cooker!
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carlajo73

Hello, I'm Carla. I live in a little town in Pennsylvania. I am married with three wonderful children... more »

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