If you’ve been wanting a cooking method that is not only low-maintenance but also produces delicious meals, then you need to try a slow cooker! Don’t let the lengthy cooking time fool you – slow cooker recipes are super easy, can help save money, and tase great! So, follow along for all the benefits of slow cooking so you can whip up a scrumptious cooked meal!
If you’re wondering the difference between a Crock-Pot vs Slow Cooker, read our article here.
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What are the benefits of low and slow cooking?
Believe it or not, there are actually a ton of benefits for both your health and your sanity when using a slow cooker. Before we get into those benefits, you do need to keep in mind that the slow cooking process isn’t suited for every type of meal. We recommend using a slow cooker if you’re making a veggie or meat stew, soups, casseroles, etc. Those types of meals!
Now let’s look at the benefits of slow cookers.
- By now you probably know that with a slow cooker, you’ll most likely be using a low temperature and a long cooking time. This extended cooking time actually helps distribute flavor better.
- Low heat/low settings reduce the risk of scorching the food (which is very possible when cooking with high temperatures)
- You only need to wash one pot (and some parts of a slow cooker are dishwasher safe)!
- They use less electricity than a standard oven
- Less expensive cuts of meat (chuck steaks, roast, etc) are tenderized in a longer cooking process
- They’re great for meal preparation for the week (instead of feeling the need to order take-out for lunch or dinner)
- A pressure cooker can be left unattended for most of the day, making the cooking job easier for you!
Is slow cooking healthy?
Incorporating slow cooker recipes into your meals is actually really healthy! Because they rely on less heat to cook the food, the risk of nutrient destruction is lower. On the other hand, if you were to cook with high heat constantly, you’d most likely destroy some important nutrients in your food.
Additionally, when preparing slow cooker meals, you’re more often than not using broths and various vegetables – which are really healthy!
Is slow cooking meat healthier?
Slow cooking meat is actually one of the healthiest ways you can prepare it. When you are cooking meat over high temperatures, the protein and fat in the meat can interact with the heat and form harmful compounds. Additionally, as we mentioned above – slow cooking less expensive types of meat (that are tough cuts) is the best way to cook chuck steaks or a roast.
What are the health benefits of a slow cooker?
Above we talked about some overall benefits of using a slow cooker. But are there specific health benefits one can receive from slow, moist cooking? Why yes, there are! Let’s take a look at some of the benefits below.
- Easy way to prepare food which helps eliminate the temptation of ordering take-out (which is not as healthy)
- Helps preserve nutrients in your food by cooking with lower temperatures
- Cooking meat in a slow cooker is one of the healthiest ways to cook – there is less risk for meat to form harmful compounds
What is the best way to cook with a slow cooker?
It really depends on what you decide to make! There are so many slow cooker recipes out there that there’s always a new recipe you can try out. Whether you’re cooking for a BBQ or a family dinner, slow cooking really is the way to go.
Here are some of our very own favorite Crock-Pot/Slow Cooker recipes that we encourage you to incorporate into your meals:
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Casserole
Shredded Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
