According to Statista.com, in 2019, 11.6 million slow cookers were sold in the U.S. That means a lot of people are turning to crockpot cooking for their meals. Crockpots are very easy to use and can cook entire meals throughout the day while at work.
Also, because of the slow, low cooking time and temperature, even tough cuts of meat can become juicy and tender. With the cost of meat increasing, many people find that they are purchasing less expensive cuts of meat and using their crockpots to tenderize the meat as it slowly cooks.
This cooking method turns out delicious foods, whether the cook is freeing up stove space and using the crackpot for vegetables, pasta, and other sides or making complete meals. It is an easy way to prepare meals in the morning and have them ready to eat at night.
The Benefits of Crockpot Cooking
There are many benefits of crockpot cooking. Here are some of the great things about cooking in a slow cooker:
- The slow cooking time enables flavors to distribute
- Because crockpots use a low temperature, there is no scorching food
- Many meals can be prepared entirely in a slow cooker, reducing the need for several pots and pans
- Slow cookers don’t heat the house as ovens do
Top Recipes
There are many recipes that home cooks love to make in a crockpot or slow cooker. Here are some of the best crockpot recipes:
- Low Cooker Short Ribs: This rib recipe is unique in that it opts for a sweet and tart finish with the addition of orange juice and apples.
- Beef Stew: Most crockpot cooks swear that this is the ONLY way to make beef stew. Filled with vegetables like carrots, celery, peas, and gold potatoes, this stew recipe is a complete meal in one pot.
- Teriyaki Pulled Pork: Most people think of barbecue when they think of pulled pork, but this take uses teriyaki and Worcestershire sauce for a sweet, salty, herbaceous flavor profile.
- Crockpot Smothered Pork Chop Recipe: This is another set-and-go recipe. Just add the recipe contents, which include both mushroom and chicken soups and some cut mushrooms. Serve with a crisp salad and mashed potatoes and your meal is complete.
- Seafood Chowder: Seafood chowder doesn’t have to be difficult. Just add seasonings, potato, and mushroom soup along with clams, shrimp, and crab and set the cooker for 4-5 hours and the soup will be perfectly done.
Tips for Using a Crockpot
Here are some tips from The Spruce Eats, to help maximize cooking options when using a slow cooker:
- Brown meats before you put them in the crockpot.
- Add all the dairy last.
- Don’t overcrowd the meat or it may not cook evenly.
- Defrost the meat and veggies before adding them to the crockpot.
- Tough meats will need longer cooking times.
Recipes Readily Available Online
Many companies include recipes with their crockpot instructions, but there are also websites like The Kitchen Community who feature crockpot recipes that are sure to satisfy picky eaters.
No matter what type of dish you are looking for or what you plan to make, you are sure to find a wide variety of slow cooker recipes as close as your computer. Look for some of the best crockpot recipes online or from your favorite recipe books.
