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- It's difficult to give exact conversion information on translating traditional oven recipes to the crock pot. Below you will find some general guidelines for converting your favorite recipes to the crock pot. Since crock pots vary, you should consult your owner's manual for instructions.
- Crock pots 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 hrs on LOW. Most crock pot recipes recommend cooking 8-10 hrs 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 hrs to get a more tender texture, where chicken can be cooked on HIGH 2 1/2 to 3 hrs.
- Reduce the amount of liquid used in most oven recipes when using the LOW setting, since the crock pot retains all moisture which usually evaporates when cooking in the oven. Add in 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 possibly pasta is in the dish.
- Spices may need to be reduced or possibly increased. Whole herbs and spices increase their flavoring power in crock pot cooking while grnd spices may have lost some flavor. Add in grnd 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 lowfat milk don't hold up well when cooked 8-10 hrs. Add in these to sauces or possibly liquid about 2 hrs before serving when using LOW setting (or possibly 1 hour on HIGH). If you want to use lowfat milk in an 8-10 hour recipe, use evaporated lowfat 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.
- Sauteing vegetables (like onions, etc) is not necessary, (except for eggplant that should be parboiled or possibly sauteed prior due to its strong flavor).
- Just add in 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 crock pot with their full flavor.
- Dry beans can be cooked overnight on LOW as an alternative to soaking. Cover with water and add in 1 tsp. of baking soda. Drain and combine with other ingredients. Be sure beans are softened before adding to any sugar or possibly tomato mix.
- 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 in just before serving.
- For soups, add in 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 Crock potCooking Time ConversionsOven Crock pot15 to 30 min 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hrs on HIGH or possibly 4 to 6 hrs on LOW 35 to 45 min 2 to 3 hrs on HIGH or possibly 6 to 8 hrs on LOW 50 min to 3 hrs 4 to 5 hrs on HIGH or possibly 8 to 18 hrs on LOW Most raw meat and vegetable combinations will need at least 8 hrs on LOW.
- General Cooking Times for Specific Foods Pot Roast 8-12 hrs on LOW or possibly 4 to 5 hrs on HIGH Stew 10 to 12 hrs on LOW or possibly 4 to 5 hrs on HIGH Ribs 6 to 8 hrs on LOWStuffed Peppers 6 to 8 hrs on LOW or possibly 3 to 4 hrs on HIGH Brisket 10 to 12 hrs on LOWSwiss Steak 8 to 10 hrs on LOWCorned Beef and Cabbage 6 to 10 hrs on LOW or possibly 4 to 5 hrs on HIGH Casserole 4 to 9 hrs on LOW or possibly 2 to 4 hrs on HIGH (stirring occasionally)
- Rice 5 to 9 hrs on LOW or possibly 2 to 3 hrs on HIGH Meat Loaf 8 to 9 hrs on LOWDry Beans 1 to 2 hrs on HIGH plus 8 to 9 hrs on LOW Soup 6 to 12 hrs on LOW or possibly 2-6 hrs on HIGH Chicken 7 to 10 hrs on LOW or possibly 3 to 4 hrs on HIGH Vegetables 2 to 4 hrs on LOW with liquid added Baked Potato 8 to 10 hrs on LOWArtichoke 6 to 8 hrs on LOW or possibly 2 1/2 to 4 hrs on high (with water)
- Remember to check the owner's manual for your particular crock pot for full instructions on usage. The above cooking times are only VERY general guidelines.
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