Does the amount of meat change slow cooker time?

But if you're time-pressed, go ahead and use "High"; slow cookers are pretty forgiving. Just remember that variables such as the meat's fat content and density, the amount of liquid, the size and type of the vegetables and the quantity of food will all affect the cooking time , so these times are approximate.

Does the size of the crockpot affect cooking time?

When troubleshooting a meal-gone-wrong, often our first question is “How big is your slow cooker?” The size of your crockpot can affect the outcome of your meal . If your crockpot is smaller than what we recommend, you may need to cook your meal a little longer.

How do you cook small meals in a large slow cooker?

Making a Really Small Recipe in a Really Big Slow Cooker Add the recipe ingredients to the baking dish, sized so it's two-third to three-quarters full, then place the dish inside the bowl of the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook as directed.

What foods should be slow cooked?

The Best Foods to Cook in Your Slow Cooker Long-Cooking Cuts of Meat. Tough cuts of meat that turn out meltingly tender when cooked low and slow are made for this appliance. ... Whole Chicken & Chicken Thighs. ... Soups, Stews & Chilis. ... Dips. Jan 6, 2020

Does meat get more tender the longer you cook it in a slow cooker?

Collagen makes meat tough when cooked quickly, but when slow-cooked, it breaks down into gelatin, giving you that juicy, tender mouthfeel . Fattier — and cheaper — cuts of beef can also be good for slow cooking, because the fat helps to ensure the beef won't dry out while adding extra flavour.

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

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.

Why do you put a tea towel under the lid of a slow cooker?

Soak up the condensation Taste user Jenny says she puts a tea towel under her crockpot lid to catch water and stop it thinning too much . This technique is also a favourite with taste's food editor Miranda.

Why put paper towel under crockpot lid?

The hack is easy enough: Simply place a sheet or two of paper towel between the lid and the pot, ensuring the seal remains tight. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the food .

How long should you cook meat in a slow cooker?

Simply add the meat to your slow cooker with aromatics, stock and sauces and cook either on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 5-8 hours . How do you make meat tender in a slow cooker? Choosing a cut of beef best suited for low and slow cooking is the ideal way to get extra tender meat.

Does more meat take longer to cook?

Add a lot of meat and you add humidity and slow airflow so cooking takes a bit longer . Especially if the meat is cold because the humidity can condense on the meat cooling it.

Does half the weight mean half the cooking time?

For half of a recipe involving meat or vegetables, the cooking time will usually be a little more than half . When in doubt, weigh it. If there is an ingredient that is difficult to cut in half, use a food scale to weigh it. Measure the ingredient in full and cut the full measurement in half for your recipe.

How much meat can I put in a slow cooker?

You can easily fit around 5 lbs. of boneless chuck roast in the seven quart , probably 7–8 or more for pulled beef, and easily cook 2–3 lbs. of chuck for beef stew and still have tons of room for potatoes, carrots, onions, mushrooms, beef stock, etc. I've cooked 7–8 lb.

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (2024)

Slow cooker sandwiches take the fuss out of meal prep while adding big flavor at the same time. Perfect for any night of the week, slow cooker sandwich meat can be made in advance. These recipes are great for a small family dinner, but they're equally time-saving and efficient for feeding a big crowd. We've rounded up our favorite recipes that are just as good for weekly meal prep as they are for special party prep.

01of 16

Italian Beef Sandwiches

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (1)

This is not your mother's pot roast. These slow cooker Italian beef sandwiches bubble in the slow cooker with peppers, onions, and an easy garlic-cheese mix for extra flavor. We promise this slow cooker sandwich is sure to become the new and improved childhood fave.

02of 16

Sloppy Veggie Sandwiches

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (2)

An old-fashioned favorite gets a vegetarian twist in this slow cooker sandwich recipe. It's not your typical sloppy joe—we've substituted lentils for the ground beef in what will soon become your favorite slow cooker sandwiches. Since the flavors are the same, your family might never even notice the healthy upgrade.

03of 16

Spicy Cuban Flank Steak

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (3)

Zest up your steak sandwich with a squeeze (or three) of fresh lime juice. Homemade pico relish keeps these party pleasers authentically Cuban. When ready to serve, pile the slow cooker sandwich meat on Cuban or French rolls.

Buy It: Crock-Pot 4-Quart Slow Cooker ($50, Bed Bath & Beyond)

04of 16

Philly Cheese Pot Roast Sandwiches

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (4)

Dig into this hearty, homemade spin on classic Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Pot roast makes for the perfect slow cooker sandwich meat, and the whole thing gets topped with American cheese and pepperoncini peppers for a filling game-day offering made right in your slow cooker.

05of 16

BBQ Veggie Joes

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (5)

Fifteen minutes is all you need to prep these potluck-perfect slow cooker sandwiches. Set out fun condiments such as tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and potato chips, then let guests top their own healthy slow cooker sandwiches.

Healthy Fall Potluck Recipes

Meatball Sandwiches

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (6)

These slow cooker sandwiches are perfect for parties! Top the saucy beef meatballs with plenty of cheese and serve inside hoagie buns.

07of 16

Juicy Grape Pulled Pork

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (7)

Roasted grapes and onions add a sweet twist to slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches. For the ultimate soul food, grab two flaky biscuits to act as the bread in this epic slow cooker sandwich.

08of 16

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (8)

Make hot Italian sausage subs for a crowd with this easy slow cooker sandwich recipe. This simple Italian sandwich recipe makes enough meat for 12 subs, so it's great for a party or potluck.

13 Potluck Tips That Will Make Your Party a Success

09of 16

Southwestern Shredded Beef Sandwiches

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (9)

Green chiles, fresh cilantro, and a dash of cumin bring sizzlin' Southwestern flair to these super simple slow cooker sandwiches. A sprinkle of melted cheddar cheese on top adds a delicious finish.

10of 16

Pulled Pork with Strawberry BBQ Sauce

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (10)

A homemade barbecue sauce starts out sweet with juicy strawberries and finishes spicy and full of flavor thanks to hot pepper sauce, garlic, and a touch of rosemary. Complete our saucy, slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches with soft rolls, and serve with fresh green tomato slices.

11of 16

Porter and Roasted Red Pepper Sloppy Joes

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (11)

Who would've thought that sloppy joes would be better with beer? As it turns out, pouring a fizzy bottle of your favorite dark brew into the slow cooker along with all the basics might just make for the best slow cooker sandwiches you've ever had.

12of 16

Pesto Chicken Sandwiches

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (12)

Stop the presses! You don't need a panini press to enjoy a delicious bistro-style sandwich. Slow cooker chicken sandwiches only get better when the chicken simmers with veggies and Italian herbs all day long. When ready to serve, just layer over basil pesto and ciabatta for a colorful dinner anytime.

13of 16

Greek Sloppy Joe Pitas

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (13)

These Mediterranean-inspired slow cooker sandwiches put a fresh, healthier spin on classic sloppy joes. Filled with traditional Greek gyro ingredients, such as ground lamb and garbanzo beans, they're a full-of-flavor healthy lunch on the go.

Our Fastest-Ever Mediterranean Recipes for Every Meal of the Day

14of 16

Cola-Chipotle Pork Tortas

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (14)

Tortas are traditional Mexican sandwiches made with fresh vegetables, zesty sauces, and different kinds of meat. In this recipe, pork roast simmers with cola and chipotle sauce to make a delightfully flavorful filling for your new favorite slow cooker sandwich.

27 Must-Try Mexican Recipes to Spice Up Your Weekly Menu

15of 16

Sloppy Turkey and Veggie Sandwiches

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (15)

Lighten up classic sloppy joes with lean ground turkey breast and plenty of fresh veggies, including bell peppers and cremini mushrooms. A dollop of tangy goat cheese-yogurt sauce adds extra zip to these slow cooker sandwiches.

Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes that Make Nutritious Eating Easy

16of 16

Balsamic-Honey Pulled Pork Sliders

View Recipe

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (16)

Say good-bye to boring barbecue. These mini slow cooker pork sandwiches get their sweet and tangy bite from the balsamic vinegar in the homemade sauce.

Easy and Irresistible Slow Cooker BBQ Recipes

16 Slow Cooker Sandwich Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners (2024)

Italian Beef Sandwiches

Sloppy Veggie Sandwiches

Spicy Cuban Flank Steak

Philly Cheese Pot Roast Sandwiches

BBQ Veggie Joes

Meatball Sandwiches

Juicy Grape Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

Southwestern Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Pulled Pork with Strawberry BBQ Sauce

Porter and Roasted Red Pepper Sloppy Joes

Pesto Chicken Sandwiches

Greek Sloppy Joe Pitas

Cola-Chipotle Pork Tortas

Sloppy Turkey and Veggie Sandwiches

Balsamic-Honey Pulled Pork Sliders

FAQs

Does the amount of meat change slow cooker time? ›

Does half the weight mean half the cooking time? ›