20 Crock Pot Thanksgiving Recipes - Lydi Out Loud (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a crockpot and a slow cooker? ›

The pot of the slow cooker usually sits on a base that houses the heating element on the bottom, while Crockpots have their pots inside of a container (or crock) and get heating from all sides. Therefore, slow cookers heat up slower than crockpots, with the heat level higher on the bottom of the pot.

It can be tempting to fill a slow cooker to the top, especially if you're preparing a big-batch recipe or cooking for a crowd. But this will technically overfill the slow cooker. "When a slow cooker is too full, it may not heat the food evenly," explains Leal.

Size Matters: Choose an oven-safe bowl that fits inside your slow cooker. This bowl should be big enough to hold your meal but small enough to allow space around it. Filling Right: Aim to fill the oven-safe bowl two-thirds to three-quarters full to ensure even cooking.

Choose from 3 heat settings—high, low, and warm—for cooking flexibility and control with whatever you're making. The 4-quart capacity feeds 4+ people and is perfect for making family meals. Use the manual warm setting to keep food warm while you are serving, or for heating up leftovers.

Place the ground beef into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Break up the meat with a large spoon and add the water. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 6 hours. Once the beef is cooked through, carefully pour the excess grease and liquid from the slow cooker dish.

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it. Many slow cookers do have an automatic shutoff after 24 hours.

Leaving a slow cooker on overnight is generally considered safe as long as it is used properly and in good working condition. Slow cookers are designed to cook food at a low temperature for an extended period of time, and they are built with safety features such as temperature controls and automatic shut-off functions.

Can you put a Pyrex dish in a slow cooker? Yes, of course. Pyrex was developed to withstand heat and to be shatter-resistant. Even better - there are commercially available slow cooker liners that are disposable after each use.

Many slow cooker recipes are written for 6-quart models and can simply be halved for this size. If you'd like a little more room for leftovers or the ability to cook for a few guests now and then, a 3 1/2 to 4 1/2-quart pot is big enough for most medium-sized dishes.

“Small slow cookers such as the 1 to 1.5-quart models are a great option for those cooking meals for one,” says Grainer. “Whether you're entertaining at home or bringing food to share, small slow cookers are easy to transport and will keep dips, appetizers, sides, and sauces warm.”

Why put paper towel under crock pot lid? ›

The hack is easy enough: Simply place a sheet or two of paper towel between the lid and the pot, ensuring the seal remains tight. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the food.

Using foil in slow cookers can make serving easy, particularly with casserole recipes. Plus, you can wrap chicken in a foil packet and set it on top of all the other ingredients in the slow cooker, which can lead to more evenly cooked meat. So go ahead and use foil in your slow cooker, because those things are magic.

Our favorite slow cooker is the GreenPan Elite 8-in-1 Electric Slow Cooker. It maintained a steady, low temperature during testing, was easy to clean up, and the exterior stayed cool to the touch. Slow cookers: The countertop appliance you know and (maybe?) already love.

While there are some disadvantages to using a slow cooker, such as the risk of overcooking food or forgetting to turn it off, these generally pale in comparison to the benefits. For busy families or those who enjoy coming home to a hot meal, a slow cooker can be a great addition to any kitchen.

Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low. However, for all-day cooking or for less-tender cuts, you may want to use the low setting.