The cold, rainy season is coming up soon, and I know most of us are eager to go outside and play in the snow or simply enjoy the cool breeze. However, if you get cold easily, staying inside your home while eating a warm meal is the ideal setting for you. So, if you’re looking for some hearty crockpot meals to warm you up even on the coldest of days, here are 15 hearty crockpot meals perfect for winter!
What is a crockpot?
A slow cooker is a type of cooking pot that is typically made of ceramic, metal, or even porcelain. It is usually completely surrounded by an electrical unit containing a heating element. The heating element can be placed on all four sides of the pot or only on the bottom. A simple metal heating plate with no sides is a common variation; your cooking pot simply sits on top.
They are all topped with a glass, metal, or ceramic lid. These lids are intended to form a low-pressure seal, preventing moisture from escaping the pot. Slow cooking food can be done with a variety of kitchen appliances. Modern programmable rice cookers, for example, typically include a slow cook function. A multi-purpose appliance that can deep fry, sear, and stew can also slow cook.
Despite the fact that it must be left on for hours, the average slow cooker uses less power than an oven. This is due to the way a slow cooker works. Depending on the brand, a slow cooker may cycle on and off to maintain heat or simply heat at a constant temperature. This is ideal for anyone looking to save as much money as possible.
Are Crockpot Liners Safe To Use ?
Yes, Crockpot liners are completely safe to use. The FDA has determined that the small amount of chemicals that may pass from plastic to food poses no health risk. However, you should avoid products containing BPA, as this is the most serious health concern with plastics. Also, be cautious when removing the Crockpot liners because they can be extremely hot and cause burns.
How Crockpot Works ?
Slow cooking is similar to cooking on the stovetop or in a Dutch oven. Heat in a slow cooker starts at the bottom and works its way up the sides, then into the food. The steam produced by the heat forms a vacuum seal with the lid. Low, consistent temperatures aid in the retention of moisture during cooking. The liquid neither evaporates nor condenses.
What is The Best Crockpot/slow Cooker ?
This is our in-depth guide to determining which slow cooker is the best crock pot for you. We’ve given you three questions to think about.
WHAT IS MY BUDGET?
There are a variety of great slow cooker options available, ranging from browning multi-cookers to a slow cooker that stirs your soup for you, but features come at a cost.
Don’t be concerned if you have a limited budget. There are many low-cost slow cookers of various sizes available that will allow you to prepare great slow cooker recipes just as well as their more expensive counterparts. If that’s the case, get a basic slow cooker in the size you require and you’ll be fine.
To cook the majority of our recipes, we recommend that readers have a large (6 quart or larger) and a small (4 quart or smaller) slow cooker. If that is not in your budget, we frequently share a trick for converting your 6 quart slow cooker into a smaller unit as needed by inserting a heat-safe bowl inside.
Consider whether you want to invest in a longer-term slow cooker with a ceramic insert or if you want to sacrifice some longevity for a must-have feature like nonstick coating.
If you have a limited budget, you can start thinking about different features and options based on your requirements.
Perhaps you want a slow cooker that is nonstick and programmable, or if you travel frequently, you might want a model that can be carried with one hand. Use the next two questions to consider those features.
WHAT DO I LIKE TO COOK?
There are features for almost every requirement out there. Consider the types of slow cooker meals you enjoy the most and choose the best crock pot model for your needs.
If you enjoy making casseroles, you might want to consider the casserole crock that so many people adore. It is available in both manual and programmable versions.
If you enjoy cooking roasts, hams, and poultry, a unit with a built-in meat thermometer may be preferable.
Is ground beef a go-to ingredient in your crock pot meals? A browning unit can be a game changer.
HOW DO I USE MY SLOW COOKER THE MOST?
Is your slow cooker primarily used to get dinner on the table during the week? You might want to invest in a programmable slow cooker to save your dinner when you’re stuck in traffic. Alternatively, those that adjust the cooking time to fit your schedule. Perhaps your slow cooker is primarily a party animal that comes out to play when you’re feeding a large group of people.
You might want to consider a three-pot buffet slow cooker or one that is known to travel well in the car.
If you’re looking for a gift for a camping enthusiast or a college student, consider getting them a unit that allows them to do any browning steps IN the slow cooker. It truly transforms their slow cooker into an all-in-one appliance.
15. WEEKDAY RAGÙ WITH VEGGIES
Weekday Ragù with Veggies is bursting with vegetables and flavor! It’s ideal for busy days and picky eaters! Make in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot for a quick weeknight meal!
14. SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE
It’s time to get back to basics with slow cooking now that it’s autumn, so I’m sharing my favorite recipe for slow cooker chicken casserole.
13. SLOW COOKER APPLE CIDER BEEF STEW
Are you depressed because of the cold weather? This hearty Apple Cider Beef Stew is the kind of stick-to-your-ribs lunch or dinner that will lift your spirits. It also travels well, making it ideal for sharing and for parties & potlucks.
12. SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK SANDWICHES
Slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches are the simplest way to make one of the most delicious American sandwiches I’ve ever Had.
11. EASY SLOW-COOKER OXTAIL SOUP
To make this oxtail soup, I use a whole oxtail (skinned and cut into segments by my butcher), seasonal heritage rainbow carrots, celery, onions, and garlic from my veg box, and a whole bottle of locally brewed oatmeal stout.
10. SLOW COOKER LASAGNA
Using the Slow Cooker Lasagna is a favorite dish in our house. The flavors in this crockpot lasagna are incredible! The marinara sauce and seasoned Italian sausage, The layers of buttery lasagna noodles, the ricotta and parsley combination, and the combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and Romano cheeses are PERFECT!
9. SLOW COOKER 3 BEAN CHILI RECIPE
This delicious Slow Cooker 3 Bean Chili Recipe will quickly become a family favorite! Made with delicious flavors that you’ll love, this dish is simple to prepare and leave to cook in your crockpot.
8. CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
This delicious Crockpot Spaghetti Casserole is full of Italian flavors and the sauce has just the right amount of sweetness. This spaghetti casserole requires very little effort on your part.
7. GLUTEN-FREE SLOW COOKER FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES
These Gluten-free French Dip Sandwiches are one of our favorite slow cooker meals, and they make a hearty, filling dinner! Get out your slow cooker for this simple gluten-free dinner!
6. SLOW COOKER KOREAN SHORT RIBS {GLUTEN-FREE}
Slow Cooker Short Ribs are deliciously fall-off-the-bone tender and require only 5 minutes of prep time. These Korean Beef Short Ribs are ideal for elegant suppers, homemade takeaways, and quick lunches. Gluten-free diets are permitted. The post contains freezer instructions.
5. SLOW COOKER SHEPHERD’S PIE
My slow cooker shepherd’s pie is a simple meal that the whole family will enjoy. It is ideal for a family mealtime when you are short on time. Prepare it earlier in the day and then leave it to work its magic in the slow cooker.
4. SLOW COOKER BEEF & POTATOES AU GRATIN
Take all the work out of your favorite potatoes. Add some ground beef, extra seasonings, and lots of cheese? And this Slow Cooker Beef & Potatoes Au Gratin is a hearty meal that the entire family will enjoy.
3. KALE AND ALE SLOW COOKER STEW (VEGAN)
This slow cooker kale and ale stew is bursting with flavor from fresh thyme and paprika. This hearty vegan stew is loaded with vegetables.
2. CAJUN CHICKEN SAUSAGE CHILI
Chicken Sausage Cajun Chili cooked in the slow cooker! A Paleo-friendly, high-protein meal that’s also loaded with vegetables. In a slow cooker, this dish is simple to prepare. A filling and delicious meal for a large group. Paleo + Gluten Free + Low Calorie
1. BEST BBQ PULLED PORK – INSTANT POT AND SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS
This is the BEST BBQ Pulled Pork – Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Recipe. A tangy, mouthwatering BBQ sauce, as well as tender, fall-apart pulled pork.
Did you find the best recipe to try in this article ?
Please tell us which one and how was your experience making it ?
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