Slow Cooker to the Rescue!

So you’re not the world’s best cook … or you could be, if you had the time. But, really, who has the time? Enter your secret weapon—the slow cooker. While that episode of This Is Us may have done slow cookers no favors (and don’t worry—they’re safe!), this classic kitchen tool can’t be beat when it comes to healthy, homemade meals.

Your slow cooker can save you money, too—it tenderizes less expensive pieces of meat and uses less electricity than the oven. Whether you opt for homemade chili or pot roast for dinner, or you cook a breakfast casserole overnight, use these tips for the best results:

• Always start with a clean pot.

• Put your veggies in the cooker first—they take longer to cook than meat and poultry.

• After veggies, add your meat—just be sure to always thaw it first.

• Keep the lid on while cooking—every time you lift it, you add cooking time.

• Refrigerate any leftovers immediately after eating.

Your slow cooker does the work—you take the credit. That’s a cooking win.