Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken
Today I want to share some of my favorite slow cooker recipes and practical tips. With cooler weather settling in and life finally slowing down a bit, it’s the perfect season to dig out the Crock-Pot and let dinner take care of itself.
Lately the HH and I have been craving a hearty pot roast, and with the new recliner arriving tomorrow, comfort food is definitely on the menu. A slow-cooked dinner and a cozy spot to relax—what more could you want?
Rustic Split Pea and Ham
Crock-Pot season is here, and there’s something so satisfying about tossing ingredients into a slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a completed meal. By dinnertime, all I usually want to do is change into pajamas, so having dinner ready without fuss is a big win.
Slow cookers are practically magical. They elevate the classic “set it and forget it” approach and reward you with the comforting aromas of a meal slowly coming together. The anticipation that builds as the scent spreads through the house is part of the charm.
Below are a few of my go-to slow cooker recipes and tips to make crockpot cooking even easier and more reliable.
White Beans and Ham
Start with thawed meat when possible for food safety
Food safety guidelines recommend starting with thawed meat in the slow cooker. While I admit I sometimes slide frozen meat in when I’m short on time, thawing first is the safest approach and helps ensure even cooking.
Resist lifting the lid
It’s tempting to check on your meal, but lifting the lid lets heat escape and can significantly increase cooking time. Try to avoid opening the pot until you’re close to the end of the recommended cooking time.
Only add dairy in the last 15 minutes
Dairy products can break down and separate during long cooking periods, which can affect texture and appearance. For the best results, stir in milk, cream, or cheese during the final quarter hour of cooking.
Double recipes when possible
Take advantage of the effort you’ve already put in: when a recipe allows, make a double batch. Soups (non-cream-based), chilis, and stews freeze well and give you an extra meal for later with minimal extra work.
Leftover Pot Roast Stew
Crock pot cooking temperatures
As a general guideline, the low setting on most slow cookers is around 200°F (93°C), while the high setting is about 300°F (149°C). Use low for long, slow braises and high when you need a shorter cooking window.
Browning meat improves flavor
Searing meat before adding it to the slow cooker creates richer flavor and better color. That said, I understand the appeal of a true “dump and go” meal—if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, especially for certain pot roast recipes.
Mississippi Pot Roast
Add fresh herbs near the end
Rather than adding delicate herbs at the start, add them during the last hour of cooking. Prolonged heat can dull bright herb flavors, so adding them near the end preserves freshness and aroma.
Those are some of my favorite slow cooker recipes and time-saving tips. What are yours? Do you have a go-to slow cooker recipe or a clever trick that makes crockpot cooking easier? Please share—I’d love to hear your favorites.
Have a great weekend,
~Mavis
Lasagna Soup