Slow cooker question

MrsSave

I hope this is in the correct place.

I am going to make a casserole in the slow cooker tomorrow, but was just wondering whether I am able to throw everything in this evening (including the sealed meat) so that all I need to do in the morning is to switch it on? I have a pretty early start, leaving the house much earlier than usual so really don't fancy getting up any earlier to prep the veg and seal the meat.

Thank you.

Pollycat

I don't seal meat for the slo-cooker, just toss it in seasoned flour.
I'd prep the veg tonight & leave it in water & drain it tomorrow.

heuchera

I think you can but if it's a ceramic pot I'd leave it to warm up to room temperature first rather than putting a refridgerator-cool pot directly into the slow cooker.

Owl

I prep everything, leave it all in SC, on the side, apart from the meat. The meat I leave in the fridge, then in the morning add meat, turn on and leave. Come home to tea mmmmmm.......
Bear in mind my kitchen is not heated!! I also don't sear meat, just throw everything in! Oh, and if I'm adding pearl barley or lentils I don't add them until the morning.

bellaquidsin

It would not be a good idea to sear the meat and then leave it sitting in the pot overnight as it would be warm enough for the bacteria to thrive.


As you have a very early start the extra time should compensate for not searing the meat and give you a very yummy result when you return home.


Bella.

MrsSave

Thank you. I've prepped all the veg and they're sitting in saucepans of water, the meat in the fridge ready. Should be nice and easy in the morning!!! Thanks

Horace

Why faff and leave the veggies in saucepans of water overnight - sling them in the slow cooker and cover them with water, in the morning sling in the meat and switch it on.

MrsSave

I added stock to it so there would then be too much water!