Perfecting the

Cheesy Mexican Lasagna

October

EVERYDAY FOOD

“I make a batch of this comforting soup on Sunday and enjoy it all week long.” —LAURA REGE, ASSOCIATE FOOD EDITOR

what’s for dinner?

SLOW, STEADY. . . READY!

You’ve got to love a device that lets you leave the kitchen and return hours later to an amazing meal. These slow-cooker recipes, from a rustic white-bean soup to a beef stew made with olives and oranges, require minimal prep and yield maximum flavor.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LENNART WEIBULL

SLOW-COOKER SECRETS

Get the best taste and texture with these pro tips.

1

SEASON AHEAD

To intensify their flavors, season meats and poultry with salt and pepper, then keep them covered in the fridge overnight.

2

BROWN ALL OVER

Sear meats in a hot pan to develop a crust before adding them to the slow cooker: The meat and cooking liquid will be more delicious as a result. Some slowcooker models let you brown right in the pot before turning the heat down and adding other ingredients.

3

UP YOUR AROMATICS

Sautéing onions, leeks, or shallots before putting them into the cooker lends a subtle sweetness.

4

BROIL UNTIL CRISP

After slow-cooking meats, you can broil them to achieve a caramelized crust.

5

COOK DOWN

To make sauces richer and thicker, strain any liquid left in the cooker into a pot on the stove top, then reduce.

6

FINISH STRONG

Mix in flavor bombs like fresh herbs, olives, and citrus juice right before serving.

White-Bean Soup Sicilian-Style Beef Stew

Cilantro-Chutney Chicken Vietnamese Baby Back Ribs