Create great Crock Pot meals using tips from the Just A Pinch Test Kitchen.
Cut food into even bite sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Also, make sure to never use frozen ingredients.
Don't add cold ingredients to a hot container.
Brown meats first.
Add browned meat to the slow cooker/crock pot. Be careful not to over fill.
Then, add vegetables to slow cooker/crock pot. Again, being careful not to over fill.
Fill 1/2 to 2/3 full with liquid. Cover. Always cook with the cover on.
Season liberally and add fresh herbs in the last 60 minutes of cooking. Avoid adding daily products until the last 60 minutes of cooking. Taste before serving; add spices as needed.