A hearty stew made with mild Italian sausage and Italian vegetables in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Crock Pot Cooking
Don't overlook the slow cooker as being just as valuable a kitchen tool as your stove or oven. While it's long been recognized as an ideal way to cook roasts and stews, it can do so much more - and we'll show you how.
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Pro Tip:
The crock pot should be filled 2/3rds full when cooking for best results. Scale recipes up or down to fit your size crock pot.
Crock Pot 101
A properly working crock pot uses as about as much electricity and resources as a light bulb - making it more economical than using your stove! Also, it won't heat up your kitchen in the summer months.
crock pot cooking time conversion chart
| Crockpot | ||
| Oven Or Stovetop | High Temp 300F | Low Temp 200F |
| 15-30 minutes | 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hours | 4 - 8 hours |
| 35-45 minutes | 3 - 4 hours | 6 - 10 hours |
| 50 minutes - 3 hours | 4 - 6 hours | 8 - 16 hours |
Cooking Times
Times listed with the recipes are guidelines - actual cooking times may vary based on the brand of crock pot, size, amount of liquid or food, how full your crock pot is, how dense the ingredients are, and the temperature of the foods when you add them.
Savory Italian Sausage Stew
Meatball Sub Sandwich
Take an easy classic and make it even easier with a slow cooker! Meatballs and pasta sauce in the crock pot, thrown on toasted buns with a bit of melty mozzarella.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Sloppy Jane Sandwiches
The sloppy Jane is lesser known, but no less of a party favorite. Hot dogs, slow-cooked with baked beans and chili sauce make up the sloppy favorite of those who pick dogs over...
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Barbecue Green Beans
Beans slow-cooked with bacon, BBQ sauce, and onions make for an extra-savory side dish that changes the green bean game.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Breakfast Burritos
Slow-cooked tomato, onion, and ham mixed with Monterey jack and cheddar is a marvelous mix for early morning tortillas.
Method: crock pot
Time: 1-2 hours
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Chicken Paprikash
Chicken pieces are slow cooked in a mixture of tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion, and seasonings. The finished sauce is mixed with sour cream and served over egg noodles.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Spicy Jamaican Coconut Fish Stew
This slow-cooker fish stew with tomatoes, coconut milk, and a squeeze of lime juice is simultaneously hearty and refreshing.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Yankee Beans
Made with onion, bacon, garlic, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, maple syrup, tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, ham bone
Method: stovetop, crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Jamaican-Style Pork Tenderloin
The Caribbean-influenced mixture of allspice, apple jelly, and hot sauce will keep you coming back for more of this slow-cooked tenderloin.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Asian Pork Strips
Strips of lean pork stewed in the crockpot with soy sauce, garlic, and BBQ sauce get the perfect complement from little bursts of tropical pineapple flavor.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Mexican Meatballs
Looking for a recipe that is easy to prepare but with tons of flavor? These zesty Mexican meatballs in a rich vegetable sauce are delicious over rice or pasta.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Basic Meatloaf
The low heat of the slowcooker is the key to keeping this ultra-simple meatloaf ultra-moist. Ketchup is the classic topping, but it's easy to add in a couple dashes of hot sauce for a...
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Fresh Tomato Sauce
Fresh, homemade tomato sauce makes a world of a difference in pastas, pizzas, and everything in between. A real tomato sauce takes all day to make, so just let the crockpot do the...
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Turkey Meatloaf
Made with breadcrumbs, yellow onions, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, tomato paste, ground turkey
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Chicken And Biscuit Dumplings
This twist on a classic chicken and dumplings dish turns out perfectly in the crock pot
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
This slow cooked sweet potato lentil stew is a flavorful and nutritious dish packed with protein and veggies. Use vegetable broth to make it vegan-friendly.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Apple Cider Stew
Made with onion, dried thyme, salt, carrots, potatoes, apples, apple cider, beef or venison stew meat
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
40 Clove Garlic Vampire Chicken
Made with French bread, garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, Italian parsley, black pepper, roasting or fryer chicken, celery
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Leeks with potatoes, carrots, and onions slow-cooked with butter and finished with some evaporated milk for a creamy touch.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Wild Rice Chili
Made with chili powder, water, condensed beef broth, ground beef, onion, garlic, wild rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Oxtail Stew
The crockpot is perfect for this stew because oxtails need a long cooking time with low heat to become tender.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Swedish Meatballs
Tender meatballs made from a combination of pork and beef and served in a traditional-style sauce.
Method: crock pot, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Venison Chili
Corn and beans stew with the venison in a tangy tomato sauce for a hearty bowl on a cold day. Garnish with sour cream and scallions for presentation points.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Pizza Soup
All your favorite pizza flavors are in this wonderful soup. Italian sausage, pepperoni, fresh mushrooms, bell pepper and diced tomatoes make this a hearty and tasty meal.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Rotel Cheese Dip
This cheese dip is creamy, gooey, and delicious, with subtle chile heat. A must-have at any party, this cheesy dip is quick and simple to make.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Short Rib Tomato Sauce
Meaty short ribs sauteed with garlic and onions, deglazed with red wine, and slow cooked with tomato and basil make a mouthwateringly savory sauce for some very lucky pasta.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
White Chicken Chili With Corn
A savory delight! This slow cooked chili isn't just yummy, it's also a prize winner. It uses chicken thighs which stay more tender and moist than white meat chicken.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Easy Brownie Mix Brownies
Crock pot brownies made from brownie mix are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without heating up your kitchen! These delicious treats are easy to make and taste...
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Smoky Shredded Sirloin Soft Tacos
Beef sirloin is slow cooked with onions and green peppers in a tangy sauce made with red wine, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, liquid smoke, cumin and hot sauce. Serve with...
Method: crock pot, oven
Time: over 5 hours
Fish Stew
Snapper or flounder in a white wine broth with tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini nails the balance between warming, hearty soup and light, veggie-based meal.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Classic Chicken Soup
There's nothing like a bowl of good chicken soup to hit the spot when you need it. This one's a keeper, cooking chicken from scratch is the key to a savory broth that can warm up...
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Sausage And Egg Casserole
A great breakfast for house guests or holidays. Fix it the night before and in the morning breakfast is served!
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Juicy Flank Steak In Mushroom Sauce
Sauterne wine can be replaced with another sweet wine in this truly delicious flank steak recipe (that is not only tasty but simple to prepare)
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Chicken and Rice Gumbo Soup
Hot, spicy gumbo and rice is a dish that everybody should learn. Packed with sausage, chicken, and okra, a bowl of this gumbo is as filling as it gets.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Black Bean and Potato Soup
This crock pot soup mixes ham, potatoes, and black beans in a spiced beef broth for a hearty meal. Perfect with some cool sour cream on top!
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Easy Minestrone Soup
Looking for a convenient and hearty soup? This easy minestrone combines chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, veggies, and Italian seasonings in a slow cooker, creating a delicous meal...
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Chicken And Rice Soup
This chicken and rice soup is as "set it and forget it" as it gets. Plenty of chopped veggies help make up a savory soup that's a whole meal in a bowl.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Turkey Tenderloin And Wild Rice
Sliced turkey tenderloin on top of a seasoned mixture of wild rice and veggies slow-cooked with chicken broth and sherry. Delicious!
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Ground Beef Pasta Goulash
This ground beef pasta goulash is a hearty and delicious meal that your whole family will love. This recipe is easy to make and can be made ahead of time, so it's perfect for...
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Bourbon Cocktail Meatballs
These glazed meatballs will be a hit at your next cocktail party. A cup of bourbon for the barbecue glaze already has you breaking out the good stuff, so why not pour up a...
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Beef Taco Filling
The slow-simmered mixture of ground beef, onions, taco sauce, pinto beans and seasonings makes for some delicious and easy tacos!
Method: stovetop, crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Stuffed Pattypan Squash
Stuffed pattypan squash: the perfect way to sneak some veggies into your diet while enjoying a tasty meal.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Tuna Noodle Casserole With Mixed Vegetables
A homestyle tuna casserole made in the crock pot - with a delicious nutty twist to it!
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Bigos
When it comes to Slavic cuisine, Bigos is definitely one of the most iconic and beloved dishes. This slow cooker version follows tradition with cabbage, sauerkraut, and a variety of meats.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Chicken Cajun Smoked Sausage Stew
This is a serious Cajun stew. Smoked sausage and diced chicken join carrots, celery, and onions in a Cajun-spiked tomato broth that simmers away in the crockpot until...
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Beef and Bourbon
If you've ever sipped a neat, high-quality bourbon with a steak, you'll understand what's so phenomenal about this pairing.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Cauliflower And Cheese Soup
This cauliflower and cheese soup is so much more than that. Carrots, onion, and celery pureed along with cauliflower create a rich veggie base.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Steak Fajitas
Flank steak is the traditional cut of beef used in fajitas. The crock pot helps make it tender with its low and slow cooking.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Apple Cider Turkey Breast
Crockpot turkey breast with a sweet, holiday-flavored twist. A bit of apple cider slow cooked with the turkey adds plenty of flavor while keeping the recipe low-effort as can...
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Veal And Tomato Stew
Easiest veal ever. Just brown the meat in a pan before tossing it in the slow cooker with mushrooms, peppers, and tomatoes. Perfect with some wilted greens on the side.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
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Beer makes batters better, meat more tender, and sauces more flavorful.