Crock pot cooking saves time with passive slow braising. Learn a simple meal formula for tender meats, root vegetables, broth and herbs that boost flavor, nutrients and batch prep efficiency!!
The crock pot is one of the biggest time saving tools in the kitchen! We’re all busy, and whenever you can incorporate what I call “passive cooking” (crock pot, pressure cooker, roasting– all activities that don’t require you to be stirring or tending), you are saving yourself time. Plus, you can cook in bulk and employ the “cook once; eat thrice” rule. Always cook more than you need so you can easily incorporate the leftovers into at least two more meals.
I use my crock pot pretty much weekly for making meat dishes, stews, or broth. It’s basically braised meat that cooks long and slowly, which preserves the nutrients, gives it an excellent flavor, and makes the meat super fall-off-the-bone tender.
Here is my basic easy crockpot meal formula.
You can customize this however you like: leave out alliums if you are low FODMAP. Add in leafy greens 30 minutes before the dish is ready.
1. Coat bottom of the crock with a little olive oil, then cover with chopped onion. I chop mine pretty thickly.
2. I’ll layer garlic over that, then typically add some root veggies like sweet potatoes, parsnips or celery root (adjust root vegetables as needed depending on what diet plan you follow).
3. Then I’ll add the meat: either chicken legs, a lamb shank, rack of lamb, a pot roast, or pork butt.
4. Next add broth and/or wine. Today’s has some chicken stock and leftover red wine.
5. Then I cover it with spices. Today I used oregano and thyme from my herb garden and added a couple bay leaves. It depends on the meat. For pork butt I’ll typically make a spice rub with chile powder and cumin, for example, or for pot roast I’ll use herbes de provence (thyme, rosemary, oregano, lavender– all of which I have in my garden! Click here for my AWESOME crockpot carnitas using pork shoulder or butt.
Get creative and use whatever herb and spice combinations appeal to you: oregano-rosemary-thyme; basil; cumin, coriander, chile powder, cayenne; curry/turmeric and indian spices; fennel-dill; whatever you can come up with! I always use tons of garlic, sea salt and cracked pepper.
6. Depending on the meat, set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4. Cooking on low best preserves the nutrients.
Want more? Try Pot roast (with crock pot directions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a crock pot helpful for busy schedules?
A crock pot allows slow, hands off cooking that requires minimal supervision. After basic preparation, meals cook steadily for hours without constant attention. This method reduces kitchen stress and makes consistent home cooking achievable during demanding workweeks.
What does cook once, eat thrice mean?
This strategy encourages preparing larger portions so leftovers can serve as future meals. A slow cooked roast, for example, can become lunch or another dinner the next day. This approach improves meal planning efficiency and reduces food waste.
Why does slow cooking make meat more tender?
Low temperature cooking over several hours breaks down collagen and connective tissue in tougher cuts. This creates a tender texture and allows flavors from broth and herbs to infuse deeply, enhancing both taste and nutrient availability.
What ingredients form the base of a simple crock pot meal?
A balanced base typically includes olive oil, onion, garlic, root vegetables, a braising cut of meat, broth or wine, and herbs or spices. Layering these ingredients builds depth while keeping preparation straightforward and adaptable.
Can crock pot recipes be adjusted for special diets?
Yes, slow cooker meals are easy to modify. Ingredients such as onion or garlic can be omitted for low FODMAP plans. Root vegetables and seasonings can be tailored to match gluten free, grain free, or other dietary preferences.
What types of meat work best in a crock pot?
Braising cuts such as chicken thighs, lamb shanks, pot roast, or pork shoulder respond well to slow cooking. These cuts become tender as connective tissue softens, creating rich flavor and consistent texture throughout the dish.
How should slow cooked meals be seasoned?
Fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, and rosemary pair well with sea salt and cracked pepper. Spice blends like cumin or curry add depth. Cooking on low for six to eight hours allows seasonings to integrate fully while preserving nutrients.
Welcome to my site! I am a holistic nutrition consultant based in California, though I work with clients all over the world. I love houseplants, dogs, snow sports, and music that doesn't suck.
