Using a slow cooker to help you make food quickly may seem like a contradiction. But while it’s true that start-to-finish cooking times are quite long, slow cookers are actually ideal time-saving tools for busy cooks. Once the ingredients are prepared and placed in the cooker, they require no further attention until you arrive home after a long day, ready to serve up a hot meal.
The following top-rated recipes require only 15 minutes of prep time, so you can turn on the machine and go about your day — perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
 Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple SoupA few shortcuts help this soup to come together in a flash. The ingredient list calls for prepared squash puree (either homemade or canned), and an immersion blender allows you to blend the mixture directly in the slow cooker. |
 CarnitasThis classic Mexican dish is lightened up with this recipe, as the pork is simmered in flavorful citrus juices instead of lard. Warm some tortillas, cut a few lime wedges and dinner is served. |
 Thai Red Curry BeefRed curry paste, coconut milk and fish sauce add authentic Thai flavors to this hearty beef dish. Make a side of steamed jasmine rice ahead for serving; it’s perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. |
 Slow-Cooker Braised Lamb ShanksAfter simmering for six hours in the slow cooker, these lamb shanks are falling-off-the-bone tender — and impressive enough to serve when entertaining. Blending the ingredients when they’re finished cooking ensures a thick, rich sauce. |
 Stout-Braised Short RibsThese hearty beef short ribs are slow-cooked in stout, a beer made with dark-roasted barley, which lends a rich, deep color and bittersweet flavor to the beer. Served with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, these are perfect for a chilly, cozy night in. |
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Thank you very much Olivia Ware! I shall be making this mouthwatering dish this weekend!
Hi Eri, that recipe for Braised Short Ribs uses our Short Rib Braising Base, which you can find here:
https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/braised-short-rib-starter-sauce/
I’ve pasted the recipe below. Enjoy!
4 lb. beef short ribs, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbs. olive o8il
1 jar (24.5 oz.) short rib braising base
Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Dredge the ribs in the flour and shake off the excess.
In the stovetop-safe insert of a slow cooker or in a large fry pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Working in batches, brown the short ribs on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
If using a slow-cooker insert, return all the ribs to the insert, add the braising base and transfer the insert to the slow-cooker base. If using a fry pan, transfer the ribs to a slow cooker and add the braising base. Cover and cook on low according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the meat is tender, 6 to 7 hours.
Transfer the ribs to a plate. Skim the fat off the sauce. Set the slow-cooker insert on the stovetop. If you used a regular slow cooker, transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Simmer over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve the short ribs with the sauce. Serves 4 to 6.
How do I get the recipe for the dish pictured at the top of the page directly underneath the Title?
Looks delicious.