All Hail The Crockpot: Winter's Best Cooking Device

If you haven’t prayed at the alter of the crockpot, we’re here to make you a convert. The summer has its grill, and the winter has its crockpot, the perfect cooking device for this time of year. The weather is cold, football is on, you’re posted up on the couch and it requires very little work to yield outstanding results. Plus, it’s extremely affordable since you can buy inexpensive cuts of meat and have versatile leftovers for several days. There truly is no kitchen tool that gives you a better results with such little effort.

Here are ten outstanding, easy-to-execute recipes that are so good that you might just forget the grill next summer and keep the crockpot plugged in year round.

A few Pro Tips before we begin…
1. Meats with a bit of fat (pork shoulder, chicken thighs, beef chuck) work best in the pot because they cook for such a long period of time and they remain extremely juicy and tender.
2. Always use the “low” setting if your crockpot has multiple temperatures.
3. You always want some liquid in the pot but you don’t need to completely cover the meat.
4. You’ll probably need more salt than you think so make sure to keep tasting and don’t be shy.
5. Since the pot is covered and sealed, the liquid and sauces won’t reduce and boil away. So, if you want a delicious and flavorful sauce, reserve the cooking liquid and reduce on the stove by ⅓ to ½, about 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to adjust seasoning AFTER you reduce because the flavors and salt will become concentrated as you reduce the sauce.

Crockpot Pineapple-Ginger Glazed Ham
Ham is a great meat to mix with a little something sweet, and pineapple is the perfect sweet compliment to some honey-baked ham. Add to that some ginger, maple syrup, and cloves and you’ve got yourself a recipe for...what’s the opposite of disaster? I don’t think it’s technically “deliciousness,” but let’s just go with that.

RECIPE HERE

Crockpot Cheeseburgers
Most men know how to grill up a burger in no time, but for an alternative take on the classic man-made meat sandwich, try to crockpot a burger. Somewhere between a Philly cheese steak and a sloppy joe, it might just be the juiciest burger you’ll ever taste.

RECIPE HERE

Crockpot Shredded Beef
Crockpots were made for cooking delicious meat low and slow to keep all the juices and flavors in. Is there anything better than making the perfect juicy and flavorful shredded beef? The best part about this recipe is the results are infinitely versatile, sandwiches, tacos, salads, or on its own smothered in its own juices, it all works.

RECIPE HERE

Pulled Pork Tacos
Speaking of tacos, shredded beef ain’t the only way to go for some south of the border food action. You can always create some pulled pork amazingness in your crockpot with this recipe. For some alternative flavors, try adding Chinese or Korean seasonings like soy, garlic, ginger, and siracha for a whole new vibe.

RECIPE HERE

Crockpot Ravioli
Maybe you’re more an Italian food man instead of a taco guy. No problem, there are plenty of Italian recipes for the crockpot. Start with this basic cheese ravioli. It’s so simple and easy, you won’t even remember making it. You’ll...uh oh bad joke coming...fuhgeddaboudit...

RECIPE HERE

Pizza Chicken
Do you want pizza tonight? Or do you want chicken? I dunno...how about some pizza chicken? Yes, please. Bring the pizza flavor to your chicken casserole!

RECIPE HERE

Spicy Chicken Wings
Let nothing come between a man and his wings...except maybe a crockpot. Because if you slow cook your chicken wings, we promise they’ll be the most deliciously tender wings you’ve ever tasted.

RECIPE HERE

Crispy Orange Chicken
Is it cold outside? Is a run to Panda Express not possible in this snow? If so, try slow cooking your way to the Chinese New Year with this kickass recipe.

RECIPE HERE

Chicken and Dumplings

If you had a Southern mother, she probably made you some chicken and dumplings. And if she did it right, she probably slow cooked them. Here’s a perfect recipe to bring back all those delicious childhood memories.

RECIPE HERE

Crockpot French Toast Casserole
If I have to say anything but “Crockpot French Toast Casserole,” then you don’t deserve to taste this beautiful buffet of breakfasty taste sensations.

RECIPE HERE

For more great recipes check out this site: A Year Of Slow Cooking

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