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

Chunks of meat browning in a pot on a gas stove before slow cooking

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

Chunks of meat browning in a pot on a gas stove before slow cooking

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.