To keep a pot roast<\/a> from drying out, your slow cooker needs liquid to create a moist environment, and that can include meat or vegetable stock, wine or water. This doesn't mean the meat should be submerged; a cup or two of liquid will be enough, since the cooker is covered and liquids stay trapped inside.<\/p>\r\n If you want the dish to be saucy, or you're making a beef stew<\/a>, add enough liquid to come about 1\/3 of the way up on the meats in the slow cooker. This allows your meat to braise, not boil. Boiling creates tough meat!<\/p>\r\n\r\n Place your meat on the bottom of the slow cooker, so it's closest to the heat source. Add your other ingredients and liquids, then set your cooker to \"low.\" Plan for 6-9 hours of cooking time for your warming slow cooker meal<\/a>. This long, slow braise breaks down the connective tissue and fat, creating deliciously soft and juicy meat.<\/p>\r\nEach slow cooker meal's cooking time differs depending on the meat and its weight. The low setting is important so you don't overcook it, potentially leaving you with a dry or tough meal. If you're wondering how long your meat will take to cook in a crock pot, we recommend consulting Crockpot's cook time guide<\/a> for guidance.\r\nBe Patient<\/h3>\r\nCheck the dish halfway through. But don't lift the lid.<\/em> Doing so lets heat and moisture escape, putting the texture of your meat at risk. If you can't resist the temptation to check on your dish and do find yourself lifting the lid, make sure it's for as short amount of time as possible. Keep it under a minute, preferably 30 seconds or less, to make sure too much heat isn't released.\r\n
Cook Low and Slow<\/h3>\r\n
Does meat get more tender the longer you cook it in a slow cooker?<\/h4>\r\nNot if you're using a leaner cut in the slow cooker, like chicken breast or pork chops. To help keep these cuts moist, decrease the cook time to 2-4 hours. While it cooks, check out our collection of crockpot chicken breast recipes<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[dam-video dam-id=\"34304\"]\r\n
How to Fix Dry or Tough Meat<\/h2>\r\nYou may be able to salvage a roast that's dry by adding more liquid. However, trying to figure out how to fix tough meat in the slow cooker can be a little trickier. For this reason we like to repurpose the meat instead. Let the meat cool, then use forks or your fingers to pull the overcooked meat into shreds. Then, use the meat to create new dishes. Add it to a sauce and gently simmer for recipes like pulled pork<\/a> or a spicy chicken chili<\/a>.\r\n
Why is my pot roast still tough?<\/h4>\r\nIt\u2019s because you haven\u2019t let the collagen break down. Extend the cook time, make sure there's enough liquid and keep an eye on the dish.\r\n\r\n\t\t\t