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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.
R Thompson says
These recipes look great! I will definitely try all of them.
Suzy Grant says
Love the concept of only one appliance to do it all.
Holley Searle says
I am committed to healthier eating for my family of 7 in 2018. I think the Crockpot Express would be a great resource for making quick, easy meals!
Susan Christy says
I spend too much on take-out because I don't feel like cooking when I get home. A faster way to get dinner on the table would save me money and calories!
Maura says
Looks so interesting. I look forward to trying it.
ellen says
Looks delicious
Hannah Conner says
I'd like to try the Crock Pot Express because I've been focusing on making real food for my 15 month old daughter in hopes that she doesn't end up experience the fast food junkie phase of life like her momma. I want to teach her by example how to eat to nourish, and this kitchen tool seems like a wonderful addition to foster my "healthy baby" mentality! Thank you for offering this chance to win!
Julie Gedgaud says
I recently was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I will be going back to a more natural "Paleo" diet, but all the cooking without using prepared foods can be daunting. I have been looking at several different brands of these "instant cookers" thinking one might help me prepare more healthy meals in less time.
Jennifer says
A tool like this would help me serve my husband & 7 children sooner!!!
rhonda says
I love kitchen gadgets and haven't tried pressure cooking yet.
jberry says
I'd love to make a quick batch of Beef Short Ribs in a pinch.
Kim says
After working all day, it is hard to get motivated to make a healthy meal for one person. This would make it much quicker with less cooking time and less clean-up. Winning this would be a great way to start the New Year.
Debby says
I would like to win the Crock-Pot® Express Crock Multi-Cooker to give to my daughter, who is a missionary on a limited income. She loves to cook healthy meals, but doesn't always have a lot of time to do that after a long day at work.
Juli says
Sounds good!
Jenna says
I'm a fan of my crock pot - but with 8 people living in the house, it can be a lil crazy figure out who gets to slow cook what - would be nice to have a second apparatus to join the mix! (;
Christen Graham says
I’d love to win.
Jenny Petersen says
I think this would help me to eat and serve my growing family nutritious foods in the high-paced life we find ourself in. Thank you!
Shaunta says
I’m still in the early stages of eating clean. But I am realizing any help in making this easier, quicker, and less clean up AND it’ll be healthier for my family... sounds like a match made in heaven! :)
erica says
I would love to win so I can make homemade dinners faster for my family.
Denise W says
I would love to own the Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker. I love to use my slow cooker and my pressure cooker so I think this multi-cooker would be the best of both worlds. I especially look forward to using the saute function and not having to use another pan for browning before using a slow cooker.
Lori says
Iwould love to try making the Crockpot Express Crock.
Lacy S. says
I would love to try this because I love my slow cooker, but would love to have more functions on one.
Rach says
This Crock Pot Multi cooker sounds amazing! I'm pretty sure need one!!
Dolin says
This looks like a great addition to a kitchen. My current Crock Pot is on it's last legs and I was debating if I should buy one of these multi cookers.
Michele VanLandingham says
My current crock pot is quite old and my interest in a pressure cooker is brand new. The Express Crock Multi Cooker would solve both!
Jen Leffers says
My sister has a pressure cooker and loves it but I've been too afraid to try one! Now that Lisa says this one is easier, I'm on board to give it a go! Anything that makes my life with three boys and a work-a-holic husband easier is good news!
Sandi P says
I'd love to try out this new appliance, I love my current crockpot but it's pretty old!
Wendy says
Would love to try a pressure cooker!
Barbara says
Would really love to try this appliance.
LinGui says
I love my crockpot so would love to try this appliance
Rita says
That sauce sounds delicious. I would love the chance to try the pressure cooker. Time saving is needed at my house.
Claire says
Thanks for the recipe! While I love the pressure cooker I have, I am a big fan of any Crock Pot product! I would love to see how this works.
Karolyn says
I would love to try this! I am in the market for a crock pot anyway, as my pot recently cracked:(
Ann Garrett says
Would love to win this! I trust your opinion and am thankful for your website.
Ali says
My crockpot is my best friend with our busy evenings. Would love to get my hands on one of these as I am sure it’ll step up my dinner game. Thank you Lisa for always giving us amazing and easy recipes to keep our families healthy!
Liz says
I love my crockpot and this would even more convenient and time saving for those really busy days
sandytrif says
I have been wanting to try this type of product as well. This one sounds great. Would love to try it out.
Sabrina Rosch says
So many people I know are on the pressure cooker band wagon. I'm intrigued to know if I would like it to.
Leslie says
I would love to try this fabulous new appliance.
Tammy Loro says
Yes please! I've used traditional crockpot slow cooker 2-3 times a week since the early 80's!! I've researched the instant pot but would really like this one! Thank you for the opportunity and generous giveaway!