Tip - Oven To Crockpot Conversion

Oven to Crockpot Conversion

General Information 

It's difficult to give exact conversion information on translating traditional oven 
recipes to the crockpot. 

Below you will find some general guidelines for converting your favorite recipes to the
crockpot. Since crockpots vary, you should consult your owner's manual for instructions. 

Crockpots may vary but generally, the LOW setting is about 200 degrees F. and the HIGH 
setting is about 300 degrees F. One hour on HIGH is approximately equal to 2 to 2-1/2 hours 
on LOW. Most crockpot recipes recommend cooking 8-10 hours on LOW. Some recipes recommend 
the HIGH setting based on the nature and texture of the food. You will have to judge your 
recipe accordingly. For example, beef cuts will be better cooked on LOW for 8-10 hours to 
get a more tender texture, where chicken can be cooked on HIGH 2-1/2 to 3 hours. 

Reduce the amount of liquid used in most oven recipes when using the LOW setting, since 
the crockpot retains all moisture that usually evaporates when cooking in the oven. 
Add liquids for sauces about an hour before done. You will normally end up with more liquid 
at the end of cooking times, not less. A general rule is to reduce liquids by half, 
unless rice or pasta is in the dish.

Spices may need to be reduced or increased. Whole herbs and spices increase their flavoring 
power in crockpot cooking while ground spices may have lost some flavor. Add ground spices 
during the last hour of cooking. Whole leaf and herbs will probably need to be reduced by half.

Rice, noodles, macaroni, seafood, Chinese vegetables and milk do not hold up well when cooked 
8-10 hours. Add these to sauces or liquid about 2 hours before serving when using LOW setting
(or 1 hour on HIGH). If you want to use milk in an 8-10 hour recipe, use evaporated milk.

Browning meats before cooking is a personal choice. It's not necessary but it will reduce 
the fat content of some meats if you brown it before cooking.

Sautéing vegetables (like onions, etc) is not necessary, (except for eggplant which should be 
parboiled or sautéed prior due to its strong flavor). Just add them to the pot with everything 
else. You may wish to reduce quantities of stronger vegetables since they will permeate the 
other foods in the crockpot with their full flavor.


Dry beans can be cooked overnight on LOW as an alternative to soaking. Cover with water and 
add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Drain and combine with other ingredients. Be sure beans are
softened before adding to any sugar or tomato mixture. 

For best results, use long-grain parboiled/converted raw rice in recipes, and use standard
liquid amounts instead of reducing the liquid. For mixed recipes requiring pasta, it's best 
to cook the pasta separately to al dente texture and add just before serving. 

For soups, add water only to cover ingredients. If thinner soup is desired, more liquid can 
be added at the end of the cooking time. 

General Oven to Crockpot Cooking Time Conversions

     Oven                                     Crockpot
15 to 30 minutes        1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours on HIGH  or 4 to 6 hours on LOW
35 to 45 minutes        2 to 3 hours on HIGH          or 6 to 8 hours on LOW
50 minutes to 3 hours   4 to 5 hours on HIGH          or 8 to 18 hours on LOW

Most uncooked meat and vegetable combinations will require at least 8 hours on LOW.