335 + Low Fat Crock-Pot Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

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.

Note: All cook times are approximate. Appropriate cook time varies according to specific meat characteristics for fat content and connective tissue as well as other ingredients added to dish, including liquid, size of meat cubes, type of vegetable, size of vegetable dice, how high slow cooker is filled, etc.

If a recipe calls for cooking on the HIGH setting for three hours, you can cook it for seven hours on the LOW setting instead. Or if a recipe calls for eight hours on HIGH, it can be cooked for up to 12 hours on LOW.

Yes, you can add raw steak to a slow cooker to cook it to your desired doneness level.

Yes. A crockpot left on is no different than leaving a light on all day. That's why it takes 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low to cook anything.

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.

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.

Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.

Can you overcook meat in a slow cooker on low? ›

Yep. Even slow cooking doesn't prevent overcooking if your brisket is in for too long or too hot. Here's what happens to your brisket if it's been overcooked too long in a liquid…

Due to the nature of a slow cooker, there is no need to stir the food unless it specifically says to in your recipe. In fact, taking the lid off to stir food causes the slow cooker to lose a significant amount of heat, extending the cooking time required. Therefore, it is best not to remove the lid for stirring.

For safe and successful cooking

Never let food sit more than two hours before turning on the crock pot. Keep the lid on.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours (RECOMMENDED) or on high for 4-6 hours OR until roast is tender. Once tender, shred roast into small pieces and continue to cook on low for 20-30 minutes for the roast to absorb juices.

If a dish usually takes: 15-30 mins, cook it for 1-2 hours on High or 4-6 hours on Low. 30 mins – 1 hour, cook it for 2-3 hours on High or 5-7 hours on Low. 1-2 hours, cook it for 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.

Crock-Pot™ Slow Cookers reach the simmer point and stabilize on both "High" and "Low" at about 209°F. If cooking with the high setting and food has been cooking for less than 5-6 hours, then turn the setting to low to slow down the cooking process. Reheating is not recommended.

Oven cooking is often faster than slow cooking. As a general rule, a dish that takes 6–8 hours on a slow cooker's low setting might only need 2–3 hours in the oven at 325°F. Always check for doneness earlier than the original recipe suggests, especially if you're converting for the first time.