How to Tweak Recipes to the Size of Your Slow Cooker
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Don't let the size of your slow cooker get in the way of trying out a new recipe. We'll show you how to convert slow cooker recipes to fit in almost any size crock.
As a cook, there are few things as disappointing as finding a yummy-looking new recipe (like one of these wow-worthy recipes) only to realize you don’t have the right equipment to make it. For slow cooker recipes it can be especially frustrating. You likely only own one size, and it can be a pain trying to convert slow cooker recipes to fit.
Luckily, we did the heavy lifting for you and created this handy chart. All you have to do is find the size of the recipe’s slow cooker in the left hand column, then scroll over to find the size of your slow cooker. The corresponding cell represents the amount you need to multiple (or divide!) ingredients by to get the recipe to fit.
Conversion Chart:Â
| Your Slow Cooker Size |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recipe Slow Cooker Size |
2 qt. | 3 qt. | 4 qt. | 5 qt. | 6 qt. | 7 qt. | 8 qt. |
| 2 qt. | – | multiply by 1-1/2 |
multiply by 2 |
multiply by 2-1/2 |
multiply by 3 |
multiply by 3-1/2 |
multiply by 4 |
| 3 qt. | divide by 1-1/2 |
– | multiple by 1-1/3 |
multiple by 1-2/3 |
multiply by 2 |
multiple by 2-1/3 |
multiple by 2-2/3 |
| 4Â qt. | divide by 2 |
divide by 1-1/3 |
– | multiple by 1-1/4 |
multiply by 1-1/2 |
multiply by 1-3/4 |
multiply by 2 |
| 5Â qt. | divide by 2-1/2 |
divide by 1-2/3 |
divide by 1-1/4 |
– | multiply by 1-1/5 |
multiply by 1-2/5 |
multiply by 1-3/5 |
| 6 qt. | divide by 3 |
divide by 2 |
divide by 1-1/2 |
divide by 1-1/5 |
– | multiply by 1-1/6 |
multiply by 1-1/3 |
| 7 qt. | divide by 3-1/2 |
divide by 2-1/3 |
divide by 1-3/4 |
divide by 1-2/5 |
divide by 1-1/6 |
– | multiply by 1-1/7 |
| 8 qt. | divide by 4 |
divide by 2-2/3 |
divide by 2 |
divide by 1-3/5 |
divide by 1-1/3 |
divide by 1-1/7 |
– |
Conversion Tips
Before you begin, keep in mind that both manufacturers and the USDA recommend that your slow cooker be filled at least halfway, but never more than two-thirds. This precaution is to ensure food cooks safely and evenly. (Here are more common slow cooker mistakes and tips to avoid them).
For convenience, we only included whole-quart slow cookers in our conversion chart. If you have a half-quart slow cooker, we suggest rounding up to the next nearest whole size. For example, if you’re converting a recipe for an 8-quart slow cooker to fit in your 1-1/2 quart slow cooker, look to the 2-quart conversion metrics to determine how much of an ingredient you’ll need.
You’ll also notice that the multiplication factors are fairly specific. Depending on the recipe, you can eyeball the math. In some recipes, a little extra or a little less of one ingredient isn’t going to make or break the dish. A big pot of stew or soup, for example, is more forgiving than our slow cooker cheesecake.
If you’re in the market for a new slow cooker, you might want to consider how many people you plan to cook for before buying a specific size. The following chart can help you decide:
| Number of People | Slow Cooker Size |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 1-1/2 quart |
| 2 people | 2- to 3-1/2 quart |
| 3-4 people | 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 quart |
| 4-5 people | 4-1/2 to 5 quart |
And there you have it! Converting recipes isn’t as daunting as it seems—especially when you have the right factor. Now, time to get cooking! (Need some inspiration? Check out our 100 more shared slow cooker recipes.)
What could be more comforting (or easy!) than a slow cooker mac and cheese? Nothing! This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish, and I've never met anyone who didn't ask for second helpings of the cheesy dish. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Here’s a look at our most popular slow-cooker recipes from 2023.
98: Potato ChowderOne of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
97: Slow Cooker Pork ChopsEveryone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
95: Minister's DelightA friend gave me this recipe several years ago. She said a local minister's wife fixed it every Sunday, so she named it accordingly —Mary Ann Potter, Blue Springs, Missouri
93: Slow-Cooked Sweet 'n' Sour PorkEven though a co-worker gave me this recipe more than 20 years ago, my family still enjoys it today. -Martha Nickerson of Hancock, Maine
91: Seafood CioppinoIf you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic cioppino recipe is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Pork Chile VerdePork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Easy Chow MeinSome years ago, our daughter welcomed me home from a hospital stay with this Asian dish and a copy of the recipe. Now I freeze leftovers for fast future meals. —Kay Bade, Mitchell, South Dakota
Fudgy Peanut Butter CakeI clipped this easy peanut butter cake recipe from a newspaper years ago. The house smells fantastic while it's slow cooking. My husband and son enjoy the cake with ice cream and nuts on top. —Bonnie Evans, Norcross, Georgia
Green Chile Chicken ChiliThe prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas
Slow-Cooked Chicken a la KingWhen I know I'll be having a busy day with little time for cooking, I prepare this tasty main dish. Brimming with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it smells so good while cooking. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Shrimp ChowderI simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana
Slow-Cooker Apple CiderThere's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
Slow-Cooked SirloinMy family of five likes to eat beef, so this recipe is a favorite. I usually serve slow-cooker sirloin with homemade bread or rolls to soak up the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, North Dakota
"Everything" StuffingMy family goes crazy for this stuffing that I make in the slow cooker. It freezes well so we can enjoy it long after Thanksgiving has passed. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Party Time BeansA friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted the slightly sweet slow-cooked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served the beans and shared the recipe many times since. —Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia
Beef in Onion GravyI double this super recipe to feed our family of four so I'm sure to have leftovers to send with my husband to work for lunch. His co-workers tell him he's lucky to have someone who fixes him such special meals. It's our secret that it's an easy slow cooker dinner! —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
French Dip Sandwiches with OnionsWhen I want to impress company, these satisfying sandwiches are my first pick for the menu. I serve them au jus, with the cooking juices in individual bowls for dipping. —Florence Robinson, Lenox, Iowa
Reuben DipThis slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Berry CobblerI adapted my mom's yummy cobbler recipe for slow cooking. With the hot summers here in Arizona, we can still enjoy this comforting dessert, and I don't have to turn on the oven. —Karen Jarocki, Yuma, Arizona
Slow-Cooker Vegetable SoupWhat a treat to come home from work and have this savory soup ready to eat. It's a nice traditional beef soup with old-fashioned goodness. We pair it with crusty rolls topped with melted mozzarella cheese. — Heather Thurmeier, Pense, Saskatchewan
Steak StroganoffThis slow-cooker recipe makes a traditional dinner completely fuss free. Serve this tender sirloin steak with a flavorful gravy over noodles for a home-style meal that your whole family is sure to request time and again. —Lisa VanEgmond, Annapolis, Illinois
Fabulous FajitasI've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
Spicy Touchdown ChiliFor me, football, cool weather and chili just seem to go together. Whether I’m cheering on the local team on a Friday night or enjoying a Saturday afternoon of Oklahoma Sooner football with some friends, I enjoy serving this chili on game day. —Chris Neal, Quapaw, Oklahoma
Contest-Winning Chicken CacciatoreMy husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and smell this wonderful slow cooker chicken cacciatore. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot RoastThis dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Pumpkin Pie PuddingMy husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it's especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota
Chili Coney DogsFrom the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Slow-Cooker Beef StewWhen there's a chill in the air, nothing beats this beef stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooker beef stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and meat. —Earnestine Wilson, Waco, Texas
Sirloin Roast with GravyThis recipe is perfect for my husband, who is a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. The peppery, fork-tender roast combined with the rich gravy creates a tasty centerpiece for any meal. —Rita Clark, Monument, Colorado
Barbecued Pork Chop SupperI start these slow cooker BBQ pork chops in the morning and enjoy a tasty supper later with no last-minute work. We just get to eat! —Jacqueline Jones, Round Lake Beach, Illinois
Beef Barley Lentil SoupI serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
Shredded French DipA chuck roast slow-simmered in a beefy broth is delicious when shredded and spooned onto rolls. I serve the cooking juices in individual cups for dipping. —Carla Kimball, Callaway, Nebraska
Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll PuddingA slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Creamy Celery Beef StroganoffCream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
30: Slow-Cooker Milk-Can SupperHere’s a slow-cooked version of an old campfire classic. Pioneers and cowboys would cook this kind of meal over a milk can on an open fire, letting the flavors and textures blend together beautifully. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and CabbageThis corned beef and cabbage slow-cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick's Day a few years ago. Now it's a regular in my menu planning. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland
Slow-Cooker Chuck RoastMy husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooker chuck roast recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York
Slow-Cooked Stuffed PeppersMy favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Slow-Cooked Lemon ChickenGarlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware
Slow-Cooker Pizza CasseroleA comforting casserole with mass appeal is just what you need when cooking for a crowd. For added convenience, it stays warm in a slow cooker. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
21: Slow-Cooker Pot RoastBecause I work full time, this slow cooker pot roast is my go-to when I want a hearty, home cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this roast simmering. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
French DipFor a sandwich with more pizazz than the traditional French dip, give this recipe a try. The seasonings give the broth a wonderful flavor, and the meat cooks up tender and juicy. This slow-cooked version will soon be a favorite at your house too. —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Creamy Italian ChickenItalian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida
Potluck Macaroni and CheeseYou'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Cube Steaks with GravyCube steaks and gravy are a hearty home-style dinner your family will love after a busy day. The slow-cooked beef is wonderful served over mashed potatoes or noodles. —Judy Long, Limestone, Tennessee
Slow-Cooker Chicken ThighsHere’s a real sensation: Asian-style slow-cooker chicken thighs and rice. They always go over big with my family. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
9: Lime Chicken TacosOur fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
4: Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin ChiliMy family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
3: Forgotten JambalayaDuring chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
1: Flavorful Pot RoastOn hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling meal-in-one, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over top.
—Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Originally Published: September 15, 2018
