Is it ok not to brown meat first? (slow cooker)

Hey guys

Just wondering if it's ok not to brown the meat first when using a slow cooker?
I've just put some chicken on but couldn't be bothered cooking it first and washing the pan! I'm not so worried if it's doesn't turn out as good but I just hope it won't ruin it!

Tanks!

I rarely brown the meat first - mainly because I usually get it ready the night before and put it in the fridge o/night then pop it on a timer in the morning before heading off to work. They've turned out fine.

It's okay to not brown the meat first, but I would only not brown if I was leaving it in for the longer suggested time on the recipe (usually there's a range 4-6 hrs, or whatever, so leave it for the 6 hrs). DTMS?

I have never browned meat and I have cooked beef, chicken and lamb in mine.

:yeahthat:
I rarely do either.

Never do anymore, they still work out ok.

I have never browned meat and my slow cooked meals have all been perfect. Enjoy your meal :)

ive never browned the meat when using my slow cooker

another for the "i have never browned meat before putting it in the slow cooker club"

Ditto what everyone else has said - I never have. I always thought it was to seal in taste of the meat but it has always tasted great without browning.

I've never browned the meat first. Why dirty another dish?

I sometimes do, but that's only if I can really be bothered. It rarely happens, and the food always comes out good.

I also freeze ingredients for a SC meal (eg for the sausage casserole recipe I cut up the onions, raw sausages, add in the herbs / spices, tinned tomatoes etc) and freeze that in a container - I just then in the morning throw the whole thing into the SC and put it on low, it's all cooked when I get home that night.

I usually only brown mince before it goes in cause of bacteria, and I actually read that on a website too that the only mince that really should be browned first is mince.

I haven't browned mine either.

Astrolady - I didn't know that about mince.

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I usually only brown mince before it goes in cause of bacteria, and I actually read that on a website too that the only mince that really should be browned first is mince.

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i'd read that too

plus, i like my mince in itty bitty bits, and you really can't achieve that if you don't brown it and break it down first!

never brown anything else unless i'm looking for that flavour in a gravy i'm making to put in it (so kinda wanting to sear it and release a little of the flavour for making gravy)

I thought people only brown it for the brown colour.. so the meat doesn't look 'dull' ..I've never done it but my mum always does.

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I thought people only brown it for the brown colour.. so the meat doesn't look 'dull' ..I've never done it but my mum always does.

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:yeahthat:

Kazbah great idea about freezing it all first to chuck in in the morning - do you whack it in frozen or defrost it overnight first?

I don't.

I've also read in Jamie Oliver's cook books that he doesn't either - he thinks it makes no difference to how it turns out!

BW