Slow cooker question

[shellbell3]

Just quick ? I have a casserole recipe I usually do in oven but thought I'd try it out in slow cooker. So with fluid would I have the same amount, more or less?
Just other recipes I've made in SC don't seem to need much fluid.
TIA

[Mad Scientist]

Hi Shell,

You usually only need about half the amount of fluid in the slow cooker because it doesn't evaporate. I actually don't add any stock or anything to my casseroles, just some tinned tomatoes, tomato paste and that's about it. If you find that it's a bit thick you can always add some stock etc towards the end or if it's too watery just add a bit of cornflour or plain flour. HTH! I love my slow cooker. I even make lasagna in it! Hehehehe.

[ShootingStar]

Im not a slow cooker expert.. i actually have my first casserole in ours as i type. Im using one of the Masterfoods casserole helper maker thingys, and it actually says on the packet if using a slow cooker, to add an extra 1/2 cup of water. As i said, first time using it so not sure how its gonna turn out but just something i thought id mension.

[Mad Scientist]

You do need some fluid in there but I find that adding extra water or stock to a casserole makes it to watery and you lose that lovely thickness that casseroles usually have from an oven or stove top cook. If the masterfoods thing is a powder then that's probably why they've said to add some water.....
Good luck with your casserole shooting star! My mouth is watering as I type!

[shellbell3]

Thanks guys, usually I add tin tomato soup and pineapple juice so will watch how much I add of the juice. Maybe just bit for taste and thicken if need to later on.
Kell, yeah I've made few those masterfood ones, quite nice and easy cause got all directions! Just bit salty I find. Let us know how it turns out.
Mad S, wow lasagne in it too! That sounds interesting.

[Visitor7]

Like Mad Scientist said, you usually don't need much liquid at all. But if it's a powder mix, then you'll need to add the stock or water in. If you're adding tomato soup and pineapple juice, I'd say that's plenty of liquid there.
I LOVE my slow cooker I use it about 4 times a week.

[Shanti]

We are using our slow cooker more now that it's getting cooler!! Yay. So handy when you have kids hey?

We do lamb shanks with a tin of crushed tomatoes, some garlic thrown in, salt and pepper to taste and about 1 cup of water maybe a bit more.... tastes divine!!!

[ShootingStar]

Nah its a liquid mix.. so yeh not sure. Though.. heres a trick.. if casseroles are ever too watery, just add a little corn flour.. easily thickens it up without any extra taste Ive added a few potatoes to it so i think theyll soak up some of the liquid.. Will see how it turns out i guess.. and will let you know!

[Mad Scientist]

Lasagna is great! You just mix up the mince raw with all the sauce, spices, garlic etc then layer it in the slow cooker pot as if you were going to cook it in the oven. It turns out pretty much the same as in the oven! You can cook chocolate cakes in them too apparently. Haven't tried that yet though. Hope the casserole turns out well Shell! Sounds yummy with the juice!