Planning Ahead: Slow-Cooker Recipes

With a little morning prep you can return home to a fragrant slow-cooked dinner. Don't miss our slow-cooker tips & tricks below to get the most flavor from meals made in your slow-cooker.
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BULL'S-EYE Carolina Style Wildfire Pork

Slow-Cooked Beef and Wine Ragu

Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Slow-Cooked Green Beans, Tomatoes and Bacon

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Meatball Sub Simmer

Easy Slow-Cooker A.1. Swiss Steak

Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow-Cooker Chicken Curry

Slow-Cooker Apple Crisp

Slow-Cooker Tips & Tricks

Master the mystery of this appliance.

Don't fill it up. Your slow cooker should be one-half to two-thirds full. If it's too full, it will take too long to start simmering. If it's not full enough, you risk overcooking.
Keep it thrifty. This long, moist cooking method is ideal for inexpensive cuts of meat, since it provides plenty of time for tenderizing.
Leave it alone. Don't lift the lid, unless you want to extend the cooking time by 20 min. To check the progress, spin the lid until the condensation falls off. If the recipe gives you reason to lift the lid, replace it quickly.
Customize it. If you want to thicken the juices or concentrate flavors, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for the last 30 min.
Stick to the cooking time. Slow cookers work by simmering food at a low, even temperature, so adhere to the recipe.