This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
You do not need a mini slow cooker to enjoy small batch meals. With a few simple adjustments, your large slow cooker can easily be used to prepare recipes for one or two. This approach helps you get the convenience of slow cooking while keeping the portions just the right size.
Benefits of Cooking Small Meals in a Large Slow Cooker
- No Extra Appliances Needed: Use the slow cooker you already have.
- Cost Effective: Get more use out of your large slow cooker.
- Versatile: Easily cook both small and large portions.
- Consistent Cooking: A large slow cooker still maintains even heat for smaller meals.
How To Adapt Recipes For Smaller Portions
- Use an Insert or Oven-Safe Dish: Place a heatproof bowl or baking dish inside your slow cooker. Choose one that is big enough for the food but leaves space around the sides for circulation.
- Fill to the Right Level: Aim to fill the insert two-thirds to three-quarters full. Underfilling can make food cook too quickly. Overfilling can cause uneven results.
- Adjust Time and Temperature: Smaller amounts cook faster. Begin checking for doneness 20 to 30 percent earlier than the recipe suggests.
- Keep the Lid On: Each time the lid is lifted, heat escapes and cooking slows. Resist checking until near the end of cooking.
Slow Cooker Time Conversion Guide
Use this guide to adjust recipes between the low and high settings on your slow cooker:
- 6 to 8 hours on Low = 3 to 4 hours on High
- 7 to 9 hours on Low = 4 to 5 hours on High
- 8 to 10 hours on Low = 5 to 6 hours on High
These times are approximate, since every slow cooker heats a little differently. Always check for doneness toward the end of the cooking time.
Expert Tips
- Brown meat before slow cooking for richer flavor
- Layer vegetables with the firmest, like carrots or potatoes, on the bottom
- Cut ingredients into similar sizes for even cooking
- Go lighter on seasonings at first, then taste and adjust at the end
- Always thaw frozen food before adding it to the pot
When To Consider A Smaller Slow Cooker
If you cook for one most of the time, a 1.5 to 2 quart slow cooker can be handy. This size is perfect for small batch soups, stews, and small roasts. Smaller models are also useful for dips and sauces at parties.
Slow Cooker vs. Crock Pot
Crockpot is a brand of slow cooker known for its stoneware insert surrounded by a heating element. “Slow cooker” is the general term and can describe many models from different brands. Both work well for cooking small meals using the methods above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Use an oven-safe bowl or smaller dish inside your large slow cooker to create the right cooking environment for smaller portions.
Not necessarily. A large slow cooker can handle both small and big meals. If you only ever cook for one, a 1.5 to 2 quart model may be convenient, but it isn’t required.
A 1.5 to 2 quart slow cooker works best for single serving recipes. However, you can still cook for one in a large slow cooker by using the bowl method.
You can find a collection of single serving and small slow cooker recipes on our Slow Cooker Recipes page. These recipes are designed for one or two people and are easy to make in either a small or large slow cooker.
RELATED: Empty Nest Recipe Ideas – The Joy Of Cooking For Two
For information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
I’ve looked at the smaller crockpots, and none of them seem to have a timer on them. All I see is the dial for high, low, and off, and some of them have warm. Am I missing something?
I completely understand where you’re coming from. In my experience too, smaller slow cookers typically don’t come with timers. They usually feature basic settings like high, low, and warm. The one I personally use is from Elite Gourmet, which has these three settings. It’s been quite effective for my needs. If you’re interested, you can find the exact model I use on our Store Page. It sounds like your observations about the available options are spot on!
Hi – if I’m cooking for 2, do I need to double the ingredients in your “for 1” recipes? Most of the recipes say either specifically for one, or for one or two. Thank you!
All of our recipes can be doubled successfully and we recommend using larger baking dishes and pans.
I am thrilled to have found your recipes. I am alone now after cooking for a family and find it extremely difficult. I either eat said recipes for days, yes I do freeze, or just don’t bother. I made your fetticine Alfredo tonite and I loved it! Thank you for such easy and awesome recipes.
May I add, I am disabled and your recipes are quite easy for me to make. Oh I am so excited!
Putting a smaller dish in a large cooker is a great idea, thanks for posting it. Definitely will use that idea
If I put a dish in side my large crockpot for a single person meal; do I have to add water down the side
No, you do not need to add water inside your large crockpot. Just make sure the bowl you use inside the crockpot is oven-safe and fill it about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
I have an original “Crockpot”, I think it’s 1.5, but it doesn’t say on it. Can’t find my little book at the moment, but I’m pretty sure. Anyway, it has no dial at all. I used it once for a small pot of beef stew. It just s3med to be on high all of the time so I kept my eye on it. It came out very well! My problem is I’m afraid to try anything else in it unless I’m here all day to keep an eye on it. Any suggestions? Sorry so long..
Hi Jacqui,
The problem with so many small slow cookers is that they don’t come with timers. The ones I use just have a warm, low, and high setting. I think your best bet with yours is to keep an eye on it, unfortunately.
I have a 4qt, if I cook the smaller portion in the oven safe bowl is the cooking time the same? That is my problem…everything is usually overcooked which you mentioned may happen if the slow cooker size is too big.
Hi Andi,
Yes, the cooking time will be the same.
Joanie
The last time I signed up for something (crochet) I started getting all kinds of things popping up on my computer screen. I really don’t want to do that again. Will I only get these recipes from you and nothing else?
You will only receive emails from me. I send out a weekly newsletter on Friday afternoons. Occasionally, a separate email will go out if there is a special giveaway we’re offering but that happens rarely.
Thank you.
Joanie
What is the LOVELY Blue cooker in the picture.
Laurie,
It’s a Hamilton Beach Party Crock and I’m not sure they make them anymore, unfortunately. I did a quick check and it’s not on Amazon or Walmart online. The party crock is a 1.5-quart.
Joanie
It is a thing of beauty!!! I was going to ask about it also! Thanks for all you do!
I have a 4quart insta pot. Will that work?
Gloria,
I’m really not sure that it will work. I haven’t tried modifying the Instant Pot and would not recommend it.