How to Convert Slow Cooker to Oven

There are so many delicious Crockpot recipes out there. After all, slow cooker recipes are great when you have a long time to let your food simmer, like while at work or running errands. However, perhaps you don't have a Crockpot yet, or maybe you just need to get dinner on the table without waiting four to eight hours for it!

The good thing is that you can convert your favorite recipes for the slow cooker to an oven or stovetop recipe with ease.

Once you know the conversion secret, you can use it for all your favorite slow-cooking dishes. This way, you'll save so much time without adding any extra effort to your plate. Let's find out how to do it!

Jump to:

• FAQ's for converting slow cooker to oven cooking
• Slow cooker times
• Oven cooking times
• How to convert crockpot recipes to oven
• Troubleshooting
• Best crockpot recipes

FAQ's for converting slow cooker to oven cooking

The first step in successfully converting slow-cooker recipes to an oven-based method is reviewing a few general guidelines. This will help you better understand the cooking methods so that your meal turns out perfectly—whether it's the first time you make it or the hundredth!

Slow cooker times

The most common slow cooker times you'll find in a recipe are eight hours on the low setting and four hours on the high setting. These times are ideal when cooking dishes like chicken breast or pork chops and root vegetables for a small family.

Plus, you can safely convert between eight hours/low heat and four hours/high heat. For example, if a recipe tells you to cook on the high setting for four hours, but you won't be home in that amount of time, you can set the Crockpot on low for eight hours.

However, those aren't the only two settings you'll use. These are some general rule-of-thumb combinations for Crockpot cooking:

• A large roast (6+ lbs) cooks on low for 9 ½ hours or high for 7 ½ hours
• A pork loin (3-4 lbs) cooks on low for 6 hours or high for 5 hours
• A 6-lb chicken or bone-in turkey cooks on low for 7 ½ hours or high for 6 ¼ hours

For best results, double-check that the thickest part of the meat is properly cooked by using an instant-read meat thermometer. By the way, due to the unique way a slow cooker works, the manufacturers at Crockpot warn that 2-3 hours on low is generally not enough cook time to bring meat to a safe temperature.

Oven cooking times

Your best option when it comes to converting a slow cooker recipe to a conventional oven recipe is a dutch oven. As mentioned above, you can also use the pot from your slow cooker, but you won't be able to use it on the stovetop.

An enameled cast iron dutch oven has a saute function, so you can start hearty meat dishes on the stove with a good sear. This simple cooking technique locks in so much moisture and flavor.

Then, simply add the rest of your ingredients as the recipe directs and place the whole thing, covered, into a 325-degree oven (165 degrees Celsius.)

How to convert crockpot recipes to oven

The following conversion chart lists the general timeframe to use when cooking a slow cooker recipe in the oven. However, the exact conversion time depends upon the size of your meal, the accuracy of your oven temperature, and the amount of liquid in the recipe.

You should always check your meat with a thermometer before pulling it out of the oven.

• 4-6 hours low (2-3 hours high) in slow cooker = 15-30 minutes in oven
• 6-8 hours low (3-4 hours high) in slow cooker = 35-45 minutes in oven
• 8-12 hours low (4-6 hours high) in slow cooker = 1-3 hours in oven

Keep in mind, meats cook best when braised at a lower temperature (325 degrees F). However, if you're converting a meatless recipe, you can bump the temp up to 350 degrees F. It'll save you a bit more time.

Also, Crockpots generally retain more moisture than dutch ovens. For that reason, I recommend adding an extra cup of liquid so that your meat doesn't dry out.

Troubleshooting

Even with a great recipe, sometimes things go a little sideways. Here are a few common hiccups when converting slow cooker recipes to the oven—and how to fix them without breaking a sweat:

• What if my meat turns out dry?
  Add more liquid next time (start with an extra ½ to 1 cup). Make sure your pot is tightly covered, and don’t crank the oven above 325°F for meat dishes. Also, check it a little earlier—your oven may run hotter than expected.
• How do I know when my dish is done?
  For meat dishes, always check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. Chicken should hit 165°F, and most roasts are ready around 190–200°F if you want them fall-apart tender. For stews or casseroles, you’re looking for bubbling sauce and fork-tender veggies.
• Can I use a baking dish instead of a Dutch oven?
  You can, but cover it tightly with foil and expect to lose a little more moisture. A deep, covered dish works best for long cooking times. Glass pans are great for casseroles but not ideal for slow-cooked meat.
• What if my slow cooker recipe says "don’t stir" or "layer ingredients"?
  Stick with those instructions! Just recreate the same layers in your oven-safe pot or dish. For example, layer the veggies on the bottom and the meat on top if that’s what your Crockpot recipe calls for.
• My sauce got too thick—help!
  Add a splash of broth, water, or milk toward the end of cooking. Ovens let off more steam than a slow cooker, so sauces can reduce faster. Keep an eye on it the last 20–30 minutes and adjust if needed.
• The flavor just isn’t the same—why?
  Slow cookers blend flavors over time. In the oven, flavors can be bolder or more separated. Try browning your meat and sautéing onions or garlic first on the stovetop for that rich, layered flavor that mimics hours of slow cooking.

Best crockpot recipes

Using the right recipe is key to a delicious meal. Here are some Crockpot recipes that are not only delicious but also convert easily into dutch oven recipes.

• Chicken and Gravy
• Slow Cooker Steak and Potatoes
• Copycat Panera Butternut Squash Soup
• Crack Chicken
• Pork Chops with Mushroom Soup
• Crockpot Meatballs and Gravy
• Roast Beef with French Onion Soup

Once you know the basics, converting slow cooker recipes to the oven is easy—and fast! Try it tonight with one of the recipes above, and let me know how it goes in the comments. I love hearing from fellow comfort food lovers!