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It's no secret that I recently tried to get on the electric pressure cooker bandwagon--and surprisingly I was not a fan (I was expecting to love it)! So, I have to say that I was a little skeptical when I was asked if I would try the new Crock-Pot® Express Crock Multi-Cooker (which we are giving away below!) and share my honest opinion for today's sponsored post*. I absolutely LOVE my Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker, so I decided it was worth giving the pressure cooker one more try using a different brand.
For this experiment, I decided to make a recipe that could be made in a slow cooker, but would require some stove top prep cooking first. Cutting out extra dirty dishes is definitely one of the advantages I did see with the electric pressure cooker when I tried it; you can do any sautéing that is required right in the appliance. I also picked a recipe that's typically best cooked for a long period, Bolognese Sauce.
Bolognese Sauce
Based on my previous experience with pressure cookers, surprisingly, the Crock-Pot® Express Crock was easy to use. I guess a little practice is what it takes with these appliances, but I have to say (and I promise no one is paying me to say this!) half the problems I had before with pressure cookers were a non-issue with this one. And, in addition to being a pressure cooker, it can also steam, slow cook, and brown/sauté foods as well.
There were some differences I noticed right away. First of all the insert stayed put instead of spinning all around when I was using the sauté function. Secondly, the recipes that came with the machine were very straightforward. I feel that when you are using a new appliance with a variety of buttons it's nice when the directions tell you exactly what to push and when with no assumptions! And lastly, I was pleased to see there was a "start button." Much like you feel the need to hit "save" on a document or "exit" before closing a program, this was something I felt was missing on similar appliances in the past.
In the end, the Bolognese Sauce tasted great and only took a fraction of the time. Here's the recipe for you!
Bolognese Sauce (Pressure Cooked)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 4 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 4 ribs celery (diced)
- 4 ounces diced pancetta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (red or black, plus extra for taste)
- 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
Instructions
- Press BROWN/SAUTE, set the temperature to HIGH and then press START/STOP. Add the olive oil and cook the onions, carrots and celery while stirring until they begin to soften, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add the pancetta, beef and pork, season with a few shakes of salt and pepper and cook while stirring until brown all the way through, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add the wine and cook until reduced by half, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper along with both cans of tomatoes. Press START/STOP to turn off the saute function.
- Secure the lid. Press MEAT/STEW, set pressure to HIGH and adjust the time to 15 minutes. Make sure the STEAM RELEASE VALVE is in the "SEAL" (closed position). Press START/STOP.
- Once cooking is complete and the pressure is released (either manually or automatically), open the lid.
- Optional, but recommended: Spoon off some of the liquid and/or turn back on to the BROWN/SAUTE setting to boil off the liquid for a thicker sauce (as pictured).
- Serve on a bed of cooked whole-wheat noodles topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
- Gluten-free if served over gluten-free noodles.
- Dairy-free if parmesan cheese topping is omitted.
Nutrition Facts
About the Crock-Pot® Express Crock + a Meal Plan
With it's multi-functionality, the Crock-Pot® Express Crock can be used to make many other recipes as well. Not only does it work as a pressure cooker, but it also can make all of your slow cooker meals, too. This one appliance can actually slow cook, pressure cook, steam, and brown and saute. Having so many ways to use it, the meal ideas are endless. Here is a weekly plan for some inspiration to get you started!
Meal Plan
Monday
The Best Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot
Tuesday
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken
Wednesday
Easy Steak Chili
Thursday
Gluten-free, Dairy-free Carrot Soup
Friday
Flank Steak Fajitas
Saturday
Cauliflower Soup
Sunday
Sunday Sauce
Giveaway
Now it's time to give away a Crock-Pot® Express Crock so you can try it yourself! Enter below and one lucky winner will be chosen and notified by January 5th, 2018 via email (so make sure you use a good email address).
*This post is sponsored by the Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker brand, however all opinions are mine alone.
Mary says
You've picqued my interest in pressure cookers with this post. I previously felt overwhelmed trying it. Would like to try one now!
Mary Ann says
I've been wanting a pressure cooker and this would be great to combine multiple functions. I love my Crockpot brand slow cooker and am excited to try the new gadget!
Amy Mackey says
I also find the Instant Pot a bit intimidating.... so I’d love to give this crock pot version a try. Seems more straight forward!! This recipe looks delicious!
Julia says
I think it would make my life easier when I forget to put my meal in to slow cook in the morning. I could just pressure cook it instead.
Brenda Lukehart says
I've been eyeing this lovely kitchen appliance, now I just may need one.
Debbie Lawrence says
Glad to hear the comparison between two different products with pretty much the same functions.
Jean Marie Caulder says
Just would I need! I would absolutely love to try this one! Thanks for the opportunity!
Jill Kloppenburg says
I haven’t been a fan of instant pot either, but woulda love to give this one a try!
Trish says
I would love to have this!
Alison Foito says
Looks good can’t wait tontry
Terrylee says
I need to replace my slow cooker, it is from the 1970's, I have an electric pressure cooker and love it, but the multi-functionality of this crock pot cooker might be the right choice for me
Corey Belden says
We live by our multi cooker, but the Crockpot one has some nice features.
Ruth Cox says
My daughter loves her instant pot, and has been encouraging me to get one.
Martha W says
I like to have more multiuse appliances since I don't have a big kitchen or a lot of shelf space. This seems perfect. Thanks
Valerie Urnis says
I have heard about this crock pot multi cooker also from a friend who said you could sauté in it as well as slow cook or pressure cook. This really makes me want to try it!
Allyson Miller says
I like the idea of the pressure cooker craze, but have been hesitant to purchase one due to some of the “you love it or hate it” reviews! This one sounds cool since you can use it as a slow-cooker too!
Chelsie says
I need a way to feed my family whole foods that doesn't take so long to prepare. We have some health issues I'd like to clear up nutritionally. This would help me a lot!
Vicky fagan says
I would love a Crock Pot brand multi cooker as I gave always trusted crock pot brand the most!
Frances Ward says
In seeing (and tasting) all the delicious meals my stepdaughter recently made using a different brand of this same type of appliance, I was going to investigate getting my own. This should be a great appliance since Crock-Pot is a trusted name. Fast way to make a healthy dinner!
Echo Baxter says
I love trying your recipes and I hope that our family has an opportunity to use the insta Crock-Pot. Merry Christmas.
Jennifer says
I have been disappointed in the past using the new pressure cookers. I would love to try this to try a different brand. I think it could save me a lot of time to be able to prepare good meals at home.
a says
hmmm... looks like a teflon, nonstick insert..? ... bad, bad, bad...toxic!
Holly says
I love the ease of your recipes. Your steak chili and slow cooker chicken broth are go-to recipes for me. Thank you!
Amanda Reese says
Sounds like the perfect appliance!
Laurie Decker says
I would love to try cooking in a pressure cooker but have been scared by all the stories I've geard about exploding pots!
Ksmith says
I love my slow cooker but haven’t tried the instant pot yet! If I won one I’d be happy to give it a shot
Scott says
We use one of the other pressure cookers and struggle with similar issues to what you have and would love to try again with the crock pot version.
Nicole says
I love my crockpot slow cookers and would love to use an all in one pressure cooker that would allow me to be able to easily get dinner on the table at night for my family. I am an RN who works night shift so it is tough to get dinner ready for the family without shorting myself on sleep! It would be amazing to have it all....home cooked meals and sleep!
Stephanie Scott says
I haven't yet become a fan of the pressure cooker. The model that i received 2 years ago disappointed to no end. So it wpuld be nice ti find one that does the trick. I'm excited to try this recipe but al scared I'll waste a whole lot of food if I try it in my current model.
Mandi says
I love the pressure cookers. I've had great success wiwith previous pressure cookers. I'm looking for one with bigger capacity.
Gingrr says
I would love to try this multi cooker for easier meal prep for dinners.
Dorothy Citak says
I am a senior so having fewer cookers to juggle would really be a blessing. Also my old pressure cooker just got disabled so this multi cooker would fill in nicely
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SusieBookworm says
You had me at the easy-to-use directions/instructions. Would love to try one of these.
Katy says
My mom keeps telling me I need to use a pressure cooker it is so easy and convent. After seeing this post maybe it’s a sign that now is the time to start.
Heather Battles says
Am a skeptic but willing to get on the bandwagon.
Dhs says
I would make soup in the new Crockpot Multicooker.
Marissa Wolfe says
Ok, I’m intrigued and would love to try/win this!
Gioia says
I do love using a crock pot, especially in the winter. I have been thinking a lot about getting an electric pressure cooker, but I must admit that I have never used any sort of a pressure cooker and it has put me off. As explained above, I like the idea that this appliance is explained well and so that would be helpful to me. I am somewhat nervous about using different appliances, even if I want to. Thank you for such a fair and honest appraisal of this new appliance.
Melody says
I would love to try the new pressure cooker. I love the Crock Pot brand!
Leslie Storey says
I love my crockpot and while I am not interested in another device that is just a pressure cooker, this one intrigues me as I could use it for many things.