Stovetop Cooking Time | Crockpot Cooking Time | |
High Temp | Low Temp | |
15-30 minutes | 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hrs | 4 - 8 hours |
35-45 minutes | 3 - 4 hours | 6 - 10 hours |
50 minutes - 3 hours | 4 - 6 hours | 8 - 16 hour |
Seasoning: Spices will be diluted overtime as they cook in a crockpot. So add spices in the last hour of cooking.
Ground Beef: Brown ground beef before adding to the crockpot. It will taste better and have better texture this way.
Raw Vegetables: Uncooked vegetables like carrots, potatoes and onions should be place at the bottom of the crockpot for faster cooking.
Dairy: Add sour cream, heavy cream and other dairy ingredients during the last hour of cooking.
Cleaning: Do not add cold water to a hot crockpot to clean it. Either let it cool down or add warm soapy water.
Garnish: Many vegetables will lose their color in a slow cooker. Add a colorful garnish like fresh parsley, chives, tomatoes, red peppers or cheese for color.
Cooking Tip: Keep your crockpot at least half full to avoid overheating and overcooking food.
Thickening: Add a cornstarch in the final hour of cooking to thicken juices.
Use your crockpot outside in the summer to help keep your house cool.
What are your favorite crockpot tips?
A wonderful addition to any kitchen is your crockpot! If you are having a gathering, have big eaters, or just want to have your meal cooking while you are working during the day or away having a life, get all of your crockpots going.
Do you find yourself bringing home fast food at the end of a busy day?