Oven to Crockpot Conversion

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Oven to Crockpot Conversion

General Information

It's difficult to give exact conversion information on translating

traditional oven recipes to the crockpot. Below you will find some general

guidelines for converting your favorite recipes to the crockpot. Since

crockpots vary, you should consult your owner's manual for instructions.

Crockpots 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 hours on LOW. Most crockpot recipes

recommend cooking 8-10 hours 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 hours to get a more tender texture, where chicken can be cooked on HIGH

2-1/2 to 3 hours.

Reduce the amount of liquid used in most oven recipes when using the LOW

setting, since the crockpot retains all moisture that usually evaporates when

cooking in the oven. Add 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 pasta is in the

dish.

Spices may need to be reduced or increased. Whole herbs and spices increase

their flavoring power in crockpot cooking while ground spices may have lost

some flavor. Add ground 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 milk do not hold

up well when cooked 8-10 hours. Add these to sauces or liquid about 2 hours

before serving when using LOW setting (or 1 hour on HIGH). If you want to use

milk in an 8-10 hour recipe, use evaporated 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.

Sautéing vegetables (like onions, etc) is not necessary, (except for

eggplant which should be parboiled or sautéed prior due to its strong

flavor). Just add 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 crockpot with their full flavor.

Dry beans can be cooked overnight on LOW as an alternative to soaking.

Cover with water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Drain and combine with

other ingredients. Be sure beans are softened before adding to any sugar or

tomato mixture.

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 just before serving.

For soups, add 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 Crockpot

Cooking Time Conversions

Oven Crockpot

15 to 30 minutes 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours on HIGH or 4 to 6 hours on

LOW

35 to 45 minutes 2 to 3 hours on HIGH or 6 to 8 hours on LOW

50 minutes to 3 hours 4 to 5 hours on HIGH or 8 to 18 hours on LOW

Most uncooked meat and vegetable combinations will require at least 8 hours

on LOW.

General Cooking Times for Specific Foods

Pot Roast 8-12 hours on LOW or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH

Stew 10 to 12 hours on LOW or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH

Ribs 6 to 8 hours on LOW

Stuffed Peppers 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH

Brisket 10 to 12 hours on LOW

Swiss Steak 8 to 10 hours on LOW

Corned Beef & Cabbage 6 to 10 hours on LOW or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH

Casserole 4 to 9 hours on LOW or 2 to 4 hours on HIGH (stirring occasionally)

Rice 5 to 9 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH

Meat Loaf 8 to 9 hours on LOW

Dry Beans 1 to 2 hours on HIGH plus 8 to 9 hours on LOW

Soup 6 to 12 hours on LOW or 2-6 hours on HIGH

Chicken 7 to 10 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH

Vegetables 2 to 4 hours on LOW with liquid added

Baked Potato 8 to 10 hours on LOW

Artichoke 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 2-1/2 to 4 hours on high (with water)

Remember to check the owner's manual for your particular crockpot for full

instructions on usage. The above cooking times are only VERY general

guidelines.