If you’re a crockpot addict like me, you’re likely trying to figure out if there is any way to turn your traditional recipes into slowcooker ones. The good news is that all kinds of ‘traditional’ recipes can be changed around a bit to turn out great when cooked in a slow cooker. We’ll get to the specifics here shortly, right after talking a look at some of the benefits of crockpot cooking. It obviously saves you time since all you have to do is add the ingredients to your slow cooker and the meal practically cooks itself. On that same note, it’s also very convenient because you are not tied down and can go about your busy day and then get home to a hot meal. What’s even better is that my kids and I are now eating better by using the crockpot. Before I would go through the drive-thru or order in a pizza when I had a busy day. We got to the point where we did this several times a week and it just wasn’t healthy or weight-friendly. Now I just plan some crockpot meals ahead of time and they are ready when we’re ready to eat.

Back to changing your traditional recipes for the crockpot. Here are some tips.

Cooking Times:

15-30min = 1.5-2 hrs High or 4-6 hrs Low in Crock pot

35-45min = 3-4 hrs High or 6-10 hrs Low in Crock pot

50min-3hrs = 4-6 hrs High or 8-18 hrs Low in Crock pot

Other Tips:

• Cook pasta ahead of time and then add it during the last 30 minutes.
• To avoid overcooking veggies, add them toward the end depending on how long they need to cook.
• With a lot of beef dishes, it helps to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot.
• You can add frozen veggies halfway through the cooking process.

Use these tips and start converting your favorite traditional recipes into crockpot recipes. I’ve used these tips successfully to make all sorts of soups and stews, casseroles as well as various meat dishes from roasts to barbecued chicken. One of my favorite recipes that I’ve modified for the slow cooker is this crockpot butternut squash soup. I encourage you to make it this week. You’re gonna love it. Then try a different crockpot recipe each week until you find a whole assortment your family will love. There are two big benefits to this. You are eating healthier and saving the money you would otherwise spend on fast food or pizza.

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