It's difficult to give exact conversion information on translating traditional oven recipes to the crockpot. Below you will find some general guidelines for converting your favorite recipes to the crockpot. Since crockpots vary, you should consult your owner's manual for instructions.
• Crockpots may vary but generally, the LOW setting is about 200
degrees F. and the HIGH setting is about 300 degrees F. One hour on
HIGH is approximately equal to 2 to 2-1/2 hours on LOW. Most crockpot
recipes recommend cooking 8-10 hours on LOW. Some recipes recommend
the HIGH setting based on the nature and texture of the food. You will
have to judge your recipe accordingly. For example, beef cuts will be
better cooked on LOW for 8-10 hours to get a more tender texture, where
chicken can be cooked on HIGH 2-1/2 to 3 hours.
•
Reduce the amount of liquid used in most oven recipes when using the
LOW setting, since the crockpot retains all moisture that usually evaporates
when cooking in the oven. Add liquids for sauces about an hour before done.
You will normally end up with more liquid at the end of cooking times, not
less. A general rule is to reduce liquids by half, unless rice or pasta is in
the dish.
•
Spices may need to be reduced or increased. Whole herbs and spices
increase their flavoring power in crockpot cooking while ground spices
may have lost some flavor. Add ground spices during the last hour of cooking. Whole leaf and herbs will probably need to be reduced by half.
•
Rice, noodles, macaroni, seafood, Chinese vegetables and milk do not
hold up well when cooked 8-10 hours. Add these to sauces or liquid about
2 hours before serving when using LOW setting (or 1 hour on HIGH). If you want to use milk in an 8-10 hour recipe, use evaporated milk.
•
Browning meats before cooking is a personal choice. It's not necessary
but it will reduce the fat content of some meats if you brown it before
cooking.
•
Sautéing vegetables (like onions, etc) is not necessary, (except for eggplant which should be parboiled or sautéed prior due to its strong flavor). Just add them
to the pot with everything else. You may wish to reduce quantities of stronger vegetables since they will permeate the other foods in the crockpot with their full flavor.
• Dry beans can be cooked overnight on LOW as an alternative to soaking. Cover with water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Drain and combine with other ingredients. Be sure beans are softened before adding to any sugar or tomato mixture.
•
For best results, use long-grain parboiled/converted raw rice in recipes, and use standard liquid amounts instead of reducing the liquid. For mixed recipes requiring pasta, it's best to cook the pasta separately to al dente texture and add just before serving.
•
For soups, add water only to cover ingredients. If thinner soup is desired, more liquid can be added at the end of the cooking time.
| General Oven to Crockpot Cooking Time Conversions |
| Oven |
Crockpot |
| 15 to 30 minutes | 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours on HIGH
or 4 to 6 hours on LOW |
| 35 to 45 minutes | 2 to 3 hours on HIGH
or 6 to 8 hours on LOW |
| 50 minutes to 3 hours | 4 to 5 hours on HIGH
or 8 to 18 hours on LOW |
| Note: Most uncooked meat and vegetable combinations will require at least 8 hours on LOW. |
| General Crockpot Cooking Times for Specific Foods |
| Pot Roast | 8-12 hours on LOW
or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH |
| Stew | 10 to 12 hours on LOW
or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH |
| Ribs | 6 to 8 hours on LOW |
| Stuffed Peppers | 6 to 8 hours on LOW
or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH |
| Brisket | 10 to 12 hours on LOW |
| Swiss Steak | 8 to 10 hours on LOW |
| Corned Beef & Cabbage | 6 to 10 hours on LOW
or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH |
| Casserole | 4 to 9 hours on LOW
or 2 to 4 hours on HIGH
(stirring occasionally) |
| Rice | 5 to 9 hours on LOW
or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH |
| Meat Loaf | 8 to 9 hours on LOW |
| Dry Beans | 1 to 2 hours on HIGH
plus 8 to 9 hours on LOW |
| Soup | 6 to 12 hours on LOW
or 2-6 hours on HIGH |
| Chicken | 7 to 10 hours on LOW
or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH |
| Vegetables | 2 to 4 hours on LOW
with liquid added |
| Baked Potato | 8 to 10 hours on LOW |
| Artichoke | 6 to 8 hours on LOW
or 2-1/2 to 4 hours on high
(with water) |
| Note: Remember to check the owner's manual for your particular crockpot for full instructions on usage. The above cooking times are only VERY general guidelines. |
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