You Can Skip Cleaning Your Slow Cooker With This Trick
Updated: Nov. 01, 2019Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.
From making mouthwatering roasts to luscious cheesecakes, is there anything your slow cooker can't do? Well, we have yet to find a slow cooker that can clean itself! Luckily, these liners make the job easy.
After making a melty mess with your famous slow-cooker mac and cheese recipe, you’ve probably told yourself, “The insert just needs to soak overnight.” But thanks to a simple hack, you no longer have to donate counter space for an entire day before you can scrub everything clean.
Behold, the slow cooker liner.
These not-so-ordinary plastic bags could ultimately change the way you cook forever. By using slow cooker liners, you’ll turn cleanup into a 5-second process. Picture this: After your next party, you’re just about ready to head up to bed when you turn to see a slow cooker with the remnants of that delicious cheddar bacon dip. Well, boo. Instead of bringing out the big guns to scrape off every bit of dried cheese, you can simply remove the liner, throw it away and hit the sack. That’s it!
But isn’t cooking with plastic bad for you?
You’re in the clear: The Food and Drug Administration has approved slow cooker liners, they’re BPA-free, and they don’t affect the flavor of your food. Made of heavy-duty plastic, these liners are designed to withstand the hot temperatures and long cook times of your slow cooker, so please don’t reach for any plastic bag! Another time-saving material we love? Parchment paper.
How much do they cost?
There’s one downside: These liners can be quite expensive for a plastic bag. Each liner will set you back about $1. But we recommend trying before you scoff. After all, how much do you value your time? This may be the time-saving game changer you’ve waiting for. You can pick up a pack of slow-cooker liners at your local grocery store, or online.
Will you try one?
If you’re willing to pony up the cash for this cooking hack, you’ll be able to make no-hassle dishes morning, noon and night. (Like these easy recipes prepped in just 15 minutes!) So we say, try a liner and spend less time over the sink scrubbing. After all, the whole point of using your slow cooker is to save time and relax!
Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
The genius combination of seasonings and citrus in this tender roast reminds us why we cherish tasty recipes. It's nice to serve with hot noodles to soak up any extra citrus gravy. —Laura Brodine, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili
My 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
Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal but keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chuck Roast
My husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooked recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York
Conga Lime Pork
Dinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Slow-Cooked White Bean Chili
My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this delicious slow-cooked chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas
So-Easy Spaghetti Sauce
This traditional, thick pasta sauce is a cinch to prepare. It has a pleasantly mild flavor and goes with any kind of cooked pasta. If you like, use ground turkey or chicken instead of the beef.—Cathy Johnson, Somerset, Pennsylvania
Herbed Chicken with Wild Rice
My family is always very busy. With three kids involved in many different after-school and evening activities, it’s nice to come home to a meal that’s already prepared and ready to eat! —Becky Gifford, Conway, Arkansas
Pork Chop Cacciatore
It’s hard to believe the wonderful flavor of these tender chops could come from such an easy recipe! Our taste panel loved it. Pair with noodles and a simple green salad, and dinner’s served. Tracy Hiatt Grice - Somerset, Wisconsin
Satisfying Beef Stew
This beef stew is so hearty and tastes even better the next day—if there are leftovers! It goes great with corn bread or any crusty loaf. —Abbey Mueller, Enid, Oklahoma
Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot Roast
This dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Mexican Chicken Chili
Corn and black beans give this satisfying chili Mexican flair the whole family will love. Adjust the cayenne if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio
Slow Cooker Tamale Pie
Canned beans and cornbread muffin mix speed up the prep on this crowd-pleasing main dish that’s perfect for busy evenings and carry-in dinners. —Jill Pokrivka, York, Pennsylvania
Old-Fashioned Dressing
Remember Grandma's delicious turkey dressing? Taste it again combined with flavorful herbs and crisp veggies in this family-favorite dressing. You'll love the fact you can make it in your slow cooker. —Sherry Vink, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada
Mom's Italian Beef Sandwiches
My mom made the best Italian beef. I’ve added to it over the years, but it’s still her recipe. She made these sandwiches for family reunions, and there were never leftovers. —Mary McVey, Colfax, North Carolina
Chipotle Shredded Beef
This beef is delicious whether you serve it all rolled up in a tortilla, with corn salsa in a burrito, in a bun or over rice or mashed potatoes. So many options! —Darcy Williams, Omaha, Nebraska
Chili Coney Dogs
From 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
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
This slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe always goes over big with my family. The chicken thighs turn out just right, every time. —Gigi Miller, Stoughton, Wisconsin
Moist & Tender Turkey Breast
This easy turkey recipe is sure to be popular in your home. Everyone will love the taste, and you'll love how quickly it comes together. —Heidi Vawdrey, Riverton, Utah
"Everything" Stuffing
My 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
Zesty Beef Stew
Preparation couldn't be simpler for this hearty no-fuss stew! I created this dish when I didn't have some of my usual ingredients for vegetable beef soup. My husband says it's the best I ever made! —Margaret Turza, South Bend, Indiana
Country Rib Sandwiches
Perfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida
Fiesta-Twisted Brunswick Stew
Traditionally made with game meat, this updated Brunswick stew, using spicy sausage, is a modern mom’s best friend. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Bacon-Beef Barley Soup
Here’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenage boys! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup will really hit the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan
Sweet-and-Sour Beef Stew
This chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
Shredded Beef au Jus
My 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
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings
The meat literally falls off the bones of these wings! Spice lovers will get a kick out of the big sprinkling of red pepper flakes. —Sue Bayless, Prior Lake, MinnesotaPopular Videos
