Why does my slow cooker overcook everything?

You're not adding the right amount of ingredients. Slow cookers should be “at least halfway, but no more than two-thirds full,” write Vance and Lacalamita. Anything less may cause your food to overcook, and conversely, if it's too full, your food may not cook fully.

What is the number 1 rated side dish for Thanksgiving?

1. Holiday Stuffing. This easy recipe for Holiday Stuffing is our number one must-have Thanksgiving side dish!

How many sides should a Thanksgiving dinner have?

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

Does meat get more tender the longer you cook it in a slow cooker?

Your meat will be juicier and more tender The longer cooking time and the low heat complement each other perfectly. As a result, even though the meat is cooked for far longer, it doesn't dry out because the temperature is low. As a result, this is the best way to retain all the natural juices of the meat.

What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker?

Tender vegetables Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker?

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

Can you put raw meat in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can add raw steak to a slow cooker to cook it to your desired doneness level. Slow cooking steak is a convenient way to cook steak over several hours, tenderizing it and adding exceptional flavor along the way.

What is the best meat to cook in a slow cooker?

Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.

Why do I get anxiety during Thanksgiving?

People may feel overwhelmed by the amount of money they will need to spend. They may have high expectations from friends about receiving gifts or cards. But experts report these kinds of expectations can raise stress and anxiety levels, resulting in depression, family fights, or even mental breakdowns.

How can I make Thanksgiving more enjoyable?

There's no better to infuse a little humor into the situation than during a family gathering. Gather a supply of Thanksgiving jokes, puns or even good ol' fashioned dad jokes and you'll have everyone laughing around the table in no time.

Is hosting Thanksgiving stressful?

Thanksgiving can be stressful ... and hosting adds yet another layer of pressure. Mindfulness expert Kathleen Hall shared tips on how to minimize stress over Thanksgiving. It's in your best interest to pre-plan as much as possible.

Take the Stress Out of Thanksgiving with These Slow Cooker Recipes (2024)

You can make so much in the slow cooker—yes, even the turkey!

By Christopher Michel and Chloe GormanUpdated: Oct 10, 2023

Take the Stress Out of Thanksgiving with These Slow Cooker Recipes (1)

When cooking a huge, multi-course meal like the Thanksgiving feast, it pays to break out as many of your cooking appliances as possible. While the oven is handling the turkey (or some Thanksgiving casseroles), and the stovetop is tied up with a few other items, your slow cooker can pitch in with a largely hands-off dish or two. It's just smart!

Below, find nearly thirty of our favorite Thanksgiving Crockpot recipes. Any one of these is guaranteed delicious and easy to make. Or borrow a neighbor's slow cooker and make two!

Herbed Turkey with Beets and Brussels Sprouts

Technically a chicken recipe, this will also work with a smaller, 8-9 pound turkey. If you like crispy skin, you can just broil it for 10-15 minutes in the oven right at the end.

Get the recipe for Herbed Turkey with Beets and Brussels Sprouts.

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

These creamy spuds come together while you prepare the rest of your meal.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.

Slow Cooker Applesauce Spice Cake

This easy cake can cook while you're finishing up Thanksgiving dinner, and will be ready when you're done eating! If you want to go the extra mile, you can even use homemade applesauce from your Crock Pot.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Applesauce Spice Cake.

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Apple Cider Fondue

Serve an appetizer that guests won't be able to stop eating! Once made, this cheesy fondue is easy to transfer to a slow cooker, where it'll keep well for hours.

Get the recipe for Apple Cider Fondue.

Butternut Squash Soup

This sweet fall soup makes an excellent appetizer! You can start it in a pot, then transfer the contents to a slow cooker after step one, where it will keep most of the day, while you get the rest of the meal ready.

Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Soup.

Slow Cooker Pear Cider

Fill your cup with a steaming ladleful of hot cider!

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Pear Cider.

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Slow Cooker Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate

Is it dessert, or a co*cktail? This yummy sweet treat is tasty enough to call it both. Just make sure you use some homemade whipped cream on top!

Get the recipe for Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate.

Pecan-Stuffed "Baked" Apples

Sweet, delicious, and packed with fall flavor, this easy-making recipe solves your dessert situation with a minimum of fuss.

Get the recipe for Pecan-Stuffed "Baked" Apples.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup

Soup for Thanksgiving?!? When it's a cinnamon-y, gingery sweet potato purée, yes please! This surprising addition makes an excellent appetizer for a traditional or vegetarian Thanksgiving.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup.

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