The Benefits of a Slow Cooker – Plus Recipes

A slow cooker, is a staple appliance in so many kitchens. It makes meal prep easy and it lets you leave it to work its magic while the food cooks infusing flavors for a delicious meal. If you have been thinking about buying a slow cooker or wondering if you should dust the one you have off and use it, check out this list of and helpful tips below.

I enjoy using my slow cooker because it makes hectic dinner times easy. There are so many advantages of having a slow cooker. My favorite is that it cooks all day while I am doing other things. Here are a few of the many benefits of using a slow cooker to make mealtime easier.

Tenderizes meat

It’s amazing how a slow cooker can turn tough cuts of meat into a delicious home-cooked meal. Since crock pots cook with low temperatures over a long period of time, the moisture is locked in resulting in tender meat. Even though you can use any type of meat in a slow cooker, these cuts of meat are made for the slow cooker:

• Chuck roast or rump roast – This is marbled fat and connective tissues that melt into flavor beautifully in a slow cooker.
• Beef brisket – Another tough cut that becomes wonderfully tender and flavorful after cooking for several hours.
• Beef short ribs – Rich in flavor and full of connective tissue, beef short ribs are so tender when cooked slowly.
• Pork Shoulder – Has a higher fat content compared to other pork cuts which keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
• Lamb Shanks – These are great to use in slow-cooked stews.

Slow Cooker Picks

Triple Slow Cooker

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Programmable slow cooker

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manual slow cooker

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Convenient

Using a slow cooker to make dinner is almost like having someone cook for you; early in the day toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it and forget it while it cooks. No need to hover over a stove cooking. Most slow cookers have timers, so when the food is done cooking, you can keep it warm until you are ready to eat, perfect for a busy day.

Economical

Another major advantage of slow cooking is how energy-efficient they are. By using low heat for an extended time, less energy is used. Compared to an oven; a slow cooker uses about the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb. In addition, most tough cuts of meat are usually cheaper cuts of meat so it’s a win-win.

Hands off cooking

One of the best things about a slow cooker is that it cooks your food while you go about your day. Toss in the ingredients early in the day, set the time and walk away. Even without a lot of fuss and monitoring of your food, a slow cooker delivers tender, flavorful meals every time.

Today, most slow cookers have timers, and a warm setting. If your dish is cooked, and you aren’t ready to eat, the slow cooker keeps your food warm until you are ready.

Easy clean-up

One-pot meals are always easy to clean up. In addition, slow cookers have a removable ceramic pot that in most cases is dishwasher safe. You can also buy reusable or disposable liners that will also make clean-up a breeze.

Versatile

Depending on what your slow cooking needs are, some slow cooker have more bells and whistles than others. Basic slow cookers only have low cook and high cook settings, there are some with timers as well. Others have multiple functions such as pressure cooking and steaming, some have food thermometers and even wi-fi connectivity.

Frees up other appliances

If you are cooking a large meal or for a crowd, the slow cooker can free up your oven and stove for other uses.

Slow Cooker Accessories

Silicone Dividers

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Heat resistant mat for slow cooker

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Slow cooker travel bag

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Slow cooker tips and tricks

Slow cooking can turn meals into tasty dishes with very little effort. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your slow cooker meal.

1. Layer the ingredients

Start with sturdy ingredients like root vegetables on the bottom of the pot. Then place the protein in the middle which will help it absorb flavors from below and above. Then add the more delicate components, spices and seasonings.

2. Add dairy at the end

When dairy products are overheated, they can curdle, so it’s best to add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This way, you will preserve the creamy texture and avoid and unappetizing appearance.

3. Brown the meat before slow-cooking it

While you don’t have to brown the met before tossing it in the slow cooker, it can elevate the flavor. The meat will not brown once it’s in the slow cooker due to the amount of moisture. So if you prefer a dish with complex flavor, give the meat a sear first, it only takes a few minutes.

4. Use the right amount of liquid

Depending on what you are making in your slow cooker, you may or may not need a lot of liquid. Soups and stews typically need more liquid in than a roast will. Once all of the ingredients are layered into the slow cooker, pour your liquid in.

5. Avoid overfilling the slow cooker

To ensure that your slow cooker cooks effectively and prevents overflows, keep it fill no more than two-thirds full. Filling it too much can affect cooking time and heat circulation.

6. Plan ahead

Most slow cooker recipes take at least 4 hours to cook, and many take longer. Plan accordingly so that you food will be ready when you are to eat.

What can you cook in a slow cooker?

You can make a wide variety of foods in a slow cooker- anything from breakfast to dessert. Any slow-cooked food such as braised foods as well as soups and stews are a great way to get started if you are new to slow cooking.

• Soups & Stews
• Beans
• Large cuts of meat
• Casseroles
• Eggs
• Oatmeal
• Dips
• Simple desserts
• Warm beverages

Slow cooker recipes

Whether you are craving a savory stew or a delicious side dish, here is a collection of slow cooker recipes to inspire you. So grab your slow cooker and get cooking!

Crockpot Chicken Marbella – A remake of the classic recipe from the Silver Palate Cookbook. It’s a sweet, savory and tangy dish.

Crockpot Southwest Chicken – An easy hearty meal that is the perfect balance of savory and spicy.

Crockpot Turkey Meatloaf – A twist on traditional meatloaf, it’s tender juicy and delicious weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Slow Cooker Asian Pork – Marinated pork that is slowly cooked for several hours.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Homemade Sauce – Made with simple wholesome ingredients.

Crockpot Shredded Beef Burritos – A slow cooked chuck roast simmered with tomatoes and chilis.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore – A slow cooker version of a classic comfort food recipe.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Tender beef, potatoes, carrots and mushrooms in a velvety broth, the perfect comfort food.

Beef Brisket – Simple ingredients and perfect for a Sunday dinner.

Slow Cooker Pizza Dip – Perfect for a gamed-day appetizer.

Slow Cooker Green Beans – Sweet, tangy and easy to make.

Slow Cooker Corn Chowder – Warm, filling and rich-tasting soup made in a slow cooker.

Visit my slow cooker section, for more slow cooker recipes!

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