15 Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

FAQs

What oven temperature is equivalent to a slow cooker? ›

Conversion to Oven

The low setting of a slow cooker ranges from 190°F to 200°F. To mimic this in an oven, set your temperature to approximately 325°F. The high setting of a slow cooker ranges from 290°F to 300°F; in oven terms, this is roughly equivalent to 375°F.

Utilizing aluminum foil balls in a slow cooker is a common practice, but not everyone understands why this technique is used. This method, simple yet effective, is employed to prevent the food from soaking in liquids or its own rendered fat during the cooking process.

The basics for oven temperatures

Low oven temperature: low oven temperature is considered to be between 120-150°C and is good for slow roasting and tenderising tough cuts of meat. This is akin to a slow cook temperature in the oven if you don't have a slow cooker.

I usually start with the oven at 80°C (176°F) and then see how it goes. If it seems like it will not be finished in time, I turn up the temperature to 100°C (212°F). I can also be found to, once in a while, to turn it all the way up to 120°C (248°F). But never any more than that.

If you have a Dutch oven and cast-iron skillet, you're well on your way to slow-cooking success. A roasting pan can be useful, too. Essentially, braising involves cooking food — meat, seafood or vegetables — in a sealed environment with some liquid. As it's heated, the braising liquid releases steam.

Another option for slow cooking without a slow cooker is to utilise your oven. Choose an oven-safe dish with a lid or tightly cover a regular baking dish with foil. This method is excellent for roasts, casseroles, and baked dishes.

Try putting a tea towel over the top of the slow cooker before replacing the lid. This absorbs the excess moisture, thickening the dish and deepening its flavours. The cloth can be replaced with a fresh one when needed, but usually one tea towel during the final couple of hours will do the trick.

Why is my beef tough in a slow cooker? ›

If you consistently notice tough beef, Carli says your slow cooker may not be working hard enough. “Try cooking for longer, or at a higher temp,” she advises.

Set on a Flat Surface

The best place to use a crockpot is on the kitchen counter. However, any heat-safe, flat surface will also suffice. Avoid setting your slow cooker on an uneven surface, and never place it near loose fabrics, including curtains, kitchen towels, or napkins.

The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent condensation from dripping back onto the food. Be sure to reach for a good-quality, sturdy paper towel that can absorb moisture effectively without falling apart.

Slow cooker bags line the base of your slow cooker to prevent food from making the inside of the pot dirty. Once the base of the pot is lined with the slow cooker bag, you can then add food and turn on your slow cooker. Most slow cooker bags are made to fit 3-7 quart oval and round slow cookers.

If you are making a “slow cooker recipe” in your oven, you'll want to add a bit more liquid to your pot. And you'll adjust the liquid for the type of cooking vessel you are using, for example a heavy cast-iron dutch oven will retain more moisture than a casserole dish.

Low Oven Temperature Water boils at 212F/100C, right? That means we want to slow-cook at 210F or 220F for an all-day cook or slightly higher 240F or 250F for a shorter cooking time. If you want to safely "hold" a dinner that's ready to eat but nobody's home yet, just lower the oven to 180F.

If you don't have a dedicated slow cooker but have oven-safe crockery such as casserole dishes or even clay pots, you can utilise them to achieve slow cooking. These retain heat well and provide a gentle, consistent cooking environment. Simply follow your desired recipe, and adjust the cooking time.