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.
How to Tweak Recipes to the Size of Your Slow Cooker
Updated on Mar. 20, 2019
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:
| 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 |
| 4 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 |
| 5 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.
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
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
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
Slow Cooker Spaghetti & MeatballsI’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Make more ground beef Crockpot recipes.
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour PorkThere's no need to visit a restaurant for a tasty sweet and sour dish. It's also great for meal planning, as the dish can be prepped and frozen, thawed and popped into the slow cooker when the mood hits.
Tuscan Pork StewTender chunks of pork slowly cook in a nicely seasoned, wine-infused sauce. Add some crushed red pepper flakes to this pork stew for a little extra kick.—Penny Hawkins, Mebane, North Carolina
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 Chop Potato DinnerTender chops cook on a bed of creamy potatoes in this all-in-one meal. It's a snap to assemble, thanks to frozen hash browns, canned soup, shredded cheese and french-fried onions. —Dawn Huizinga, Owatonna, Minnesota
Flavorful Lemon ChickenThis easy and delectable meal is bound to become a staple with your family. It's made with everyday ingredients, there's nothing complicated or fancy about this delicious recipe. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Slow-Cooked Reuben BratsSauerkraut gives these beer-simmered brats a big flavor boost, but it’s the special chili sauce and melted cheese that put them over the top. Top your favorite burger with some of the chili sauce; you won't be sorry. —Alana Simmons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken DipSlow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip will be the hit of the party. The combo of shredded chicken, cheese and wing sauce is melty, gooey and delicious.
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 MeinEasy chow mein is protein rich and packed with veggies. Feel free to follow this recipe as is or improvise, according to your preferences.
Chocolate Peanut Butter CakeDecorate like a professional baker and become everyone's favorite host when you bake this sweet and salty chocolate peanut butter cake.
Green Chicken ChiliThis green chicken chili recipe is loaded with tender shredded chicken and hearty navy beans. The spice level can be adjusted by adding extra chiles or finishing the dish with cooling sour cream.
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
Apple Pie Steel-Cut OatmealI absolutely love this slow-cooked oatmeal. The steel-cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family sprinkles toasted pecans on top whenever possible. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Shrimp ChowderMove over, clam chowder! This shrimp chowder recipe is family-approved and ready to hit the table.
Crockpot Apple CiderWith crockpot apple cider, there's no such thing as last-minute prep. When you're expecting guests, just load the slow cooker hours in advance and spend your time visiting instead.
Autumn Pumpkin ChiliWe have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington
Slow-Cooker Sirloin SteakMaking sirloin steak in a Crockpot is a simple, fool-proof method that gives you tender, fall-apart meat with plenty of gravy and none of the messy grease splatter.
Slow-Cooked Curry ChickenOur three children love the spicy flavors found in this Crock-Pot chicken curry. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York
Slow-Cooker Swiss SteakHearty, filling and totally hands-off, this easy slow-cooker Swiss steak recipe will satisfy the whole family.
“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
Crockpot Mac and CheeseThis Crockpot mac and cheese recipe is the perfect no-fuss recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks and holiday gatherings. It contains a few secret ingredients to make an effortless cheese sauce that's incredibly rich and creamy.
Slow-Cooked Turkey Sloppy JoesThis tangy sandwich filling is easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it goes over so well at gatherings large and small. I frequently take it to potlucks, and I'm always asked what my secret ingredient is! —Marylou LaRue, Freeland, Michigan
French Dip SandwichThe most essential elements of a French dip sandwich are tender, thinly sliced beef and a savory jus for dipping. When you use a slow cooker, you can prep in the morning for delicious sandwiches that are ready come dinnertime.
Slow-Roasted Chicken with VegetablesEven a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee
Reuben DipThis simple and delicious Reuben dip is prepared in the slow cooker and makes the perfect party appetizer. All the classic sandwich flavors are there, just creamier and more dippable.
Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Pot RoastI fixed this roast the first time I cooked for my husband-to-be more than 20 years ago. For dessert, I made chocolate pudding spooned over marshmallow. He thought he'd died and gone to heaven! —Carol Mulligan, Honeoye Falls, New York
Berry CobblerThis versatile berry cobbler is bursting with sweet, tart and juicy berry flavor.
Tangy Barbecue WingsI took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Chipotle Shredded BeefChipotle shredded beef is an ideal topping for rice bowls, burritos, nachos and more. It's fall-apart tender thanks to a long simmer in the slow cooker.
Slow-Cooker Vegetable SoupThis slow-cooker vegetable soup is an entire meal in a bowl, as it has beef, potatoes and of course, lots of veggies. It's also an almost entirely hands-off meal, as the slow cooker does most of the work for you.
Beef StroganoffA classic beef stroganoff braise, the long cooking time in this recipe softens economical round steak to a juicy texture as it cooks down in beefy mushroom sauce with velvety sour cream.
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 ChiliBring out your largest saucepan, because this spicy chili packs some big flavors. One pot is all you need, though, to spoon ample servings of a thick, meaty stew that will make your guests’ eyes water for all the right reasons.
Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Chicken WingsI love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
Chicken CacciatoreThis chicken cacciatore recipe is simple—it’s just chicken simmered with onions, bell peppers and mushrooms in a robust tomato sauce. But the ingredients combine to create a rustic stew with hearty, rich, complex flavors.
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
Chicken Tamale PieBecause it cooks almost entirely in the slow cooker and uses a boxed cornbread mix, this two-layer chicken tamale pie is an easy and mostly hands-off dinner.
Coney Island Hot DogsHot dogs might be an American classic, but each of us has our own regional favorite that we’ll defend against all others. Make this Coney Island hot dogs recipe and you’ll be rooting for Detroit. It’s the meat sauce that sets this tasty hot dog apart.
Slow-Cooker Beef StewThis slow-cooker beef stew recipe certainly satisfies when it's chilly outside. Each spoonful delivers tender bites of beef, creamy potatoes and chunky vegetables in a rich mustard-seasoned broth.
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
Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable StewCome home to warm comfort food! This vegetable beef stew is based on my mom’s wonderful recipe, but I adjusted it for the slow cooker. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan to each bowl for a nice finishing touch. —Marcella West, Washburn, Illinois
Hamburger SoupHamburger soup is a humble soup made with vegetables and ground beef. The simple ingredients come together to create a hearty and robust soup that will satisfy your comfort food cravings without weighing you down.
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
Sunday Pot RoastWith the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois
Slow Cooker Cheesy CornThis slow cooker cheesy corn combines sweet corn with a creamy, melty cheese sauce—all made right in your slow cooker. It's the perfect comfort food for busy nights or holiday gatherings!
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 Chocolate Lava CakeEveryone who tries this dessert falls in love with it. Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze. —Latona Dwyer, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll PuddingPerfect for dessert or breakfast, this sinfully sweet cinnamon roll bread pudding recipe is made with day-old cinnamon rolls, eggs, milk and raisins for a satisfying treat that practically makes itself in the slow cooker.
Slow-Cooked Pork TacosSometimes I'll substitute Bibb lettuce leaves for the tortillas to make crunchy lettuce wraps instead of tacos. —Kathleen Wolf Naperville, Illinois
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
Crockpot StuffingIf you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often. —Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
Shredded Beef au JusMy mom found this recipe in a farm journal soon after she and my dad got married. The tender beef has been a family favorite for years, and my dad often requests it. —Danielle Brandt, Ruthton, Minnesota
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-Cooker 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
Barbecue Chicken SlidersBrining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri
Slow-Cooker 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
Refried Bean DipMy friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska
Slow-Cooked CarnitasSimmer up succulent pork the slow-cooker way. Sometimes, instead of using tortillas, I put the seasoned meat on top of shredded lettuce for a tasty salad. —Lisa Glogow, Aliso Viejo, California
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
“Secret’s in the Sauce” BBQ RibsA sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Stuffed Chicken RollsJust thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
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 SteakCube 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
Pulled Pork SandwichesThe slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Teriyaki 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
Lime Chicken TacosThis slow-cooker chicken tacos recipe is anything but boring or bland. Fresh lime juice, chili powder, salsa and corn give the tender chicken a burst of fresh flavor.
Slow Cooker BBQ ChickenOf all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti SauceThis homemade spaghetti sauce is loaded with sausage and beef and generously flavored with garlic and herbs. Using a slow cooker melds the flavors while you go about your day.
White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Slow Cooker LasagnaYou do not have to worry about dinner when you make slow-cooker lasagna. Simply layer a browned ground beef mixture with a cheesy filling and tomato sauce between no-bake lasagna noodles, and let it cook low and slow for a few hours. It is the perfect no-fuss weeknight meal.
Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin ChiliThis chili's special ingredient, pumpkin, makes it incredibly delicious and even more nutritious. Black beans, turkey, tomatoes and even chicken broth team up for a lovely slow-cooker meal that's bound to vanish in a flash. It's no surprise this pumpkin chili is one of our contest-winning recipes.
Forgotten JambalayaThis low-effort slow-cooker jambalaya recipe features chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, various vegetables, bold flavors and plenty of spice. It's the ultimate one-pot meal any time of year.
Slow-Cooker Short RibsIt is easy to learn how to cook short ribs in a slow cooker. The slow-cooker short ribs become so tender that you can cut the meat with a fork! The beef short ribs cook in a rich braising liquid that doubles as a gravy when it comes time to serve.
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
