Tasty Meat You Can Prepare in a Slow Cooker

Introduction

In this day and age, food is easily prepared regardless of any time restrictions you may have with the use of slow cookers, these devices are so simple to use. All you need to do is set a combination of low heat with the addition of time and you are sure that the resulting meat will be soft as well as full of flavor and aroma – thanks to the use of various ingredients. If you enjoy beef, pork, chicken, or lamb, there is something for your appetite. In this article, we will be looking at some slow cooker meat dishes that are not only appetizing but simple to prepare while providing tips that will enhance taste and convenience.

Using a Slow Cooker: Pros

• Convenience: Cut up your meat & prepare any other ingredients that you plan on putting in your slow cooker, set up your device & forget about it.
• Taste Enhancement: When cooked slowly, a variety of ingredients combined provide a rich flavor of meat filled with aroma.
• Soft & Tender Meat: A low & slow method used with tougher pieces of meat that require prolonged periods to cook will contain juiciness in every bite.
• Energy Efficient: Compared to conventional ovens, slow cookers consume less energy, which is an advantage for cooks who consider energy usage.

Best Meat Slow Cooker Recipes

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A traditional beef stew is one of the best selections to be prepared in a slow cooker. It is a one pot meal with beef, carrots, potatoes, and broth which is quite delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 Pounds of beef chuck cut into chunks
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 carrots cut into slices
• 3 potatoes cut into cubes
• 1 onion cut into small pieces
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste.

Instructions

1. In a frying pan, brown the beef and then transfer it to the slow cooker.
2. Add all the ingredients together and stir them until they are well combined.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. You want the beef to become tender.

2. BBQ Pulled Pork

One of the best reasons for using a slow cooker to make pulled pork is that it is prepared quickly. Pulled pork can be generously flavored by coating the pork with barbecue sauce while it cooks in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 3 lb of pork shoulder
• 1 cup of barbecue sauce
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• Salt and cumin for seasoning.

Instructions

1. Put sliced onion and minced garlic in the base of the slow cooker.
2. Rub ground black pepper and salt into the pork shoulder and position it over the onions.
3. Apply the barbecue sauce onto the pork.
4. Put the setting onto low for about 8 hours or until the meat falls apart effortlessly.

3. Creamy Chicken and Rice

This comforting chicken and rice recipe is so easy to make. It is ideal as a one pot complete meal!

Ingredients

• Four chicken breasts.
• One cup of rice (it can be either white or brown).
• Three cups of chicken stock.
• One cup of mushroom gravy.
• 1 cup carrots frozen alongside peas.
• One teaspoon powder of garlic.
• And salt as well as pepper to your liking.

Instructions

1. Put chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
2. Then follow with rice, chicken stock, mushroom gravy, garlic powder, and seasoning of salt and pepper.
3. Leave the cooker on for 6-7 hours on low flames. Add peas and carrots in within the last 30 minutes.

4. Lamb Shanks Rosemary Style

If you are looking for something more gourmet then try lamb shanks cooked in slow heat. The meat will be tender and full of herbs flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lamb shanks
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season the lamb shanks with salt and black pepper. Sear the shanks in a hot skillet if desired.
2. Chuck the carrots, onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooking gadget.
3. Place the shanks in with the broth, and then place rosemary on top.
4. Cover the lamb with the lid and turn on the slow cooker on LOW for about 8–12 hours till the lamb has become tender, yet it has not fallen off the bone.
5. After 8 hours, check if the lamb has turned soft enough.

Tips for Cooking Meat in a Slow Cooker

1. Choose the Right Cut: The work achieving fork tenderness will be made easier with the right cuts of meat like the chuck, shoulder, and shank.
2. Don’t Overcrowd: This will make the meat cook evenly all around by allowing enough heat to circulate inside.
3. Layer Ingredients Wisely: Place the roots at the bottom of the pan as the bottom will cook more quickly than the remaining slow cooker surfaces.
4. Adjust Liquid Levels: For instance, two cups may be enough whereas three depending on the recipe could easily drown out the rest of the ingredients.

Conclusion

Preparing meat dishes in a slow cooker is a simple, yet effective approach to create tender, flavorful, and scrumptious meals with little effort. With a slow cooker, you can make everything from beef and vegetable stew, pulled pork, chicken and rice casserole, or lamb shanks. The options are limitless.