9 Genius Slow Cooker Hacks to Take Your Meals from Bland to Bold

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Hack #2: Don’t Skip the Browning Step

Browning steak in a frying pan with text "don't skip the browning step"

One of the best shortcuts to richer, more complex crockpot meals is browning your meat and aromatics first. Searing chicken, beef, or pork in a hot pan before adding it to your slow cooker caramelizes the surface, locking in deep, savory flavors. The same goes for onions and garlic—sautéing them in a little butter or olive oil before tossing them in adds richness that a slow cooker alone can’t achieve.

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9 Genius Slow Cooker Hacks to Take Your Meals from Bland to Bold

Hack #2: Don’t Skip the Browning Step

Browning steak in a frying pan with text "don't skip the browning step"

One of the best shortcuts to richer, more complex crockpot meals is browning your meat and aromatics first. Searing chicken, beef, or pork in a hot pan before adding it to your slow cooker caramelizes the surface, locking in deep, savory flavors. The same goes for onions and garlic—sautéing them in a little butter or olive oil before tossing them in adds richness that a slow cooker alone can’t achieve.