Slow Cooker Ideas & Tricks for Delicious Meals

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

• Save Time: Set it and forget it—use the delay start and “keep warm” functions to have dinner ready when you walk in the door.
• Healthier Cooking: Sealed, low-and-slow heat preserves nutrients and melds flavors—perfect for stews, braises, soups and more.
• Easy Cleanup: Removable ceramic insert wipes clean or goes in the dishwasher—no stuck-on mess.

What to Cook

Meats & Charcuterie

• Pulled pork, beef brisket or lamb shanks
• Homemade deli meats like pastrami or slow-cooked ham
• Marinate overnight, then cook 6–8 hrs on High for melt-in-your-mouth results

Soups & Broths

• Chicken stock, vegetable minestrone or creamy bisques
• No need to stir—just add ingredients and cook 4–6 hrs
• Use an immersion blender right in the pot for silky textures

Stews & Braises

• Beef bourguignon, coq au vin or vegetarian chili
• Brown meat or sauté onions first for extra color and depth
• Thicken sauces with a slurry of flour or cornstarch if desired

Desserts

• Brownies, fruit crisps and even crème brûlée
• Line the insert with parchment for easy removal
• Cook brownies 2–3 hrs or custards 4 hrs on Low

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Reduce added liquid: only add about one-third of the liquid a stovetop recipe calls for, since nothing evaporates.
• Plan for preheating: the cooker takes time to reach temperature—factor that into your schedule.
• Don’t lift the lid: every peek drops the temperature and delays cooking.
• Brown meats and aromatics first for improved flavor and color.
• Read your manual: functions and settings vary by model.
• Portion and freeze extra servings to cut food waste and have ready-made meals on hand.