Yes, you can absolutely put uncooked meat into a slow cooker when making a meal. In fact, that's how many slow cooker recipes are designed. Slow cookers are excellent for cooking meats, as the low and slow cooking method helps tenderize tough cuts and allows flavors to develop and meld together over time.
When using uncooked meat in a slow cooker, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Prep the meat: Before adding the meat to the slow cooker, you can trim any excess fat and season it with your desired herbs, spices, and marinades for added flavor.
Add liquid or sauce: Most slow cooker recipes that involve uncooked meat will also call for some form of liquid or sauce. This helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking process and infuses it with flavors. Common liquids include broth, water, tomato sauce, or a combination of ingredients to create a sauce.
Follow recipe guidelines: It's essential to follow the instructions in your specific recipe, including recommended cooking times and settings. Different meats and cuts will require varying cooking times to reach the desired level of tenderness.
Safety precautions: To ensure food safety, it's crucial to place the uncooked meat directly into the preheated slow cooker. Avoid leaving raw meat at room temperature for an extended period before cooking, as this can lead to bacterial growth.
Slow cooker size: Make sure the slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the amount of meat you are using. It's best to leave some space at the top for the slow cooker to work efficiently.
Once the uncooked meat, liquid, and any other ingredients are in the slow cooker, cover it with the lid and let it cook for the recommended time and temperature setting. The result should be a delicious, tender, and flavorful dish ready to enjoy.
Always use a food thermometer to check that the meat has reached a safe internal temperature. For most meats, this is typically around 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to 165°F (74°C) for well-done. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).