Best Crockpot recipes for two (2024)

FAQs

What size crockpot is best for 2 people? ›

The Small-Batch Queen: 2- or 3-quart slow cooker

These are great for small-batch cooking, as they prep just enough food for a couple of people. You won't be able to fit larger cuts of meat in this model, so if you cook for two people, but like cooking roasts, opt for a larger model.

Just be cautious of different cooking times when making two dishes. Some recipes require a longer time in the slow cooker than others. But you don't necessarily have to start cooking your two dishes at the same time and can easily add your second dish after the other one has cooked for a while.

If you're cooking for yourself or for only two people, a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2-quart slow cooker might be large enough. It's great for smaller amounts of soups and stews. Many slow cooker recipes are written for 6-quart models and can simply be halved for this size.

Size Matters: Choose an oven-safe bowl that fits inside your slow cooker. This bowl should be big enough to hold your meal but small enough to allow space around it. Filling Right: Aim to fill the oven-safe bowl two-thirds to three-quarters full to ensure even cooking.

Size of your Slow Cooker

The size of your crockpot can affect the outcome of your meal. If your crockpot is smaller than what we recommend, you may need to cook your meal a little longer. If it's larger than what we recommend you may need to shorten the cooking time.

You may find a few models with settings for steaming and making yogurt, but slow cookers are largely single-use appliances. Multicookers offer an array of possibilities. Beyond pressure cooking and slow cooking, you may get functions for yogurt, rice, steaming, sauteing and sous vide.

It is possible to overcook beef stew in a slow cooker. If you cook it on high for too long, the beef can become tough and dry.

'So easy! Placed all ingredients in respective bags, set and forget for four hours on auto. 'Chicken and beef were both cooked to tender – easiest way to get out the bag is to pour into a jug and then serve. '

Eat immediately or place leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate. Don't reheat in a slow cooker. Do not reheat food or leftovers in a slow cooker; instead reheat on stove top or microwave (165 F or above) and transfer to slow cooker to keep warm (140 F or above).

⭐️ 5 to 7-quart slow cooker: The most common and popular size range. This capacity offers the most flexibility for most people. These pots accommodate large roasts or whole chickens. Find the best slow cooker for your needs and budget.

What is too full for a slow cooker? ›

"When a slow cooker is too full, it may not heat the food evenly," explains Leal. As a result, some parts of the dish may overcook, while others remain undercooked. "This can also increase the risk of foodborne illness, because the food might not reach a safe temperature throughout," she says.

Avoid overcrowding: For the best results, fill a slow cooker between one-half and two-thirds full. Go ahead and cook big roasts and whole chickens; just make sure you use a large crock and that the lid fits snugly on top. Trim fat: For silky sauces and gravies, take a minute or two and cut the excess fat from the meat.

Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point.

You will get better results with Pyrex and metal cooking containers in a lot of situations. Can you put a Pyrex dish in a slow cooker? Yes, of course.

Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it. Many slow cookers do have an automatic shutoff after 24 hours.

Whether you're cooking for two, or making a meal for the whole family, the slow cooker's generous 3.5 litre capacity can easily cook up to 4 portions at a time.

4-QUART: A good size for singles or couples; or for making one course for a family, such as potatoes or vegetables. Whole meal recipes for one or two persons can usually be accommodated in a 4-quart pressure cooker. 6-QUART: The most popular size for many families with two or more persons.

If you're cooking for one or two, a 1.5-3 litre pot should give you plenty of space to create some tasty meals. A cooker that's 3-5l will serve three or four people. Any more guests than that (or just big appetites) and you'll need a dish with room for 5-6l.

What size slow cooker do I need? Slow cookers range in capacity, from a compact 1.5 litres up to 7 litres. As a general guide, a 1.5 to 2.3-litre capacity is great for two people, a larger 4 to 4.5 litres will feed four, and 5.5 to 7 litres is ideal for four to six people.