How long to cook liver and onions in slow cooker

Harrison Clayton June 18, 2023 4

Are you looking for a delicious and tender liver and onions recipe? Cooking liver and onions in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the liver to become incredibly tender and juicy.

When it comes to cooking liver and onions in a slow cooker, the cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your liver slices. In general, it’s recommended to cook the liver on low heat for about 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking method ensures that the liver is cooked through and becomes perfectly tender without becoming tough or chewy.

While the cooking time may seem lengthy, the slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to go about your day while the mouthwatering aroma fills your kitchen. You can simply set it and forget it, returning to a delicious meal that is ready to be enjoyed.

Whether you’re a liver lover or new to this classic dish, cooking liver and onions in a slow cooker is a foolproof way to achieve a flavorful and tender meal. So grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try–it’s sure to become a family favorite!

How to Cook Liver and Onions in a Slow Cooker

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare liver and onions, using a slow cooker is a great option. This kitchen appliance allows you to slowly cook the liver and onions, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Here’s how you can do it:

Start by gathering the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound of liver, sliced
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 2 tablespoons of oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Heat the oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the liver slices and cook until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute.
Transfer the liver, onions, and garlic to your slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The liver should be tender and fully cooked.
Once done, you can serve the liver and onions with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread. Optionally, you can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.

Preparing the Liver and Onions

Before cooking liver and onions in a slow cooker, it is important to prepare the ingredients properly. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender result:

1. Choosing the Liver

When selecting the liver, look for fresh cuts that are deep red or brown in colour. Ensure there are no green spots or signs of discoloration. If possible, choose organic or pasture-raised liver for the best flavor.

2. Cleaning the Liver

Prior to cooking, trim off any excess fat or membrane from the liver using a sharp knife. Rinse the liver slices under cold water to remove any impurities, and pat them dry using paper towels.

3. Marinating the Liver

Marinating the liver helps to enhance its flavor and tenderize the meat. Prepare a marinade of your choice using ingredients such as Worcestershire sauce, garlic, soy sauce, or lemon juice. Place the liver slices in a shallow dish and coat them with the marinade. Allow the liver to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

4. Prepping the Onions

For cooking in a slow cooker, it is best to slice the onions rather than mincing or chopping them. Thinly slice the onions into rings or half-moons, depending on your preference. The onions will become soft and caramelized during the slow cooking process, adding sweetness to the dish.

5. Searing the Liver and Onions

Prior to slow cooking, it is recommended to sear the liver and onions in a hot skillet. Heat some oil or butter over medium-high heat, and add the liver slices in a single layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the liver and onions to the slow cooker, ensuring the onions are evenly distributed.

Now that your liver and onions are prepped, you can follow the instructions for cooking them in a slow cooker with your chosen seasoning and sauce. Take the time to enjoy the tantalizing aroma as the liver and onions slow cook to perfection!

Cooking the Liver and Onions in the Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker to cook liver and onions is a great way to infuse flavor into the dish while keeping the liver tender and juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook liver and onions in a slow cooker:

Ingredients:

1 pound of beef liver, sliced
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1 cup of beef broth

Instructions:

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they are soft and golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Place the sliced liver on a plate and sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the liver, pressing it gently into the surface.
Add the spiced liver slices to the skillet and sear them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are browned.
Transfer the liver and onions to a slow cooker and pour the beef broth over them.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours.
Once the cooking time is up, check the liver for doneness. It should be cooked through but still have a slightly pink center. Overcooking liver can make it tough and dry.
Serve the liver and onions hot over rice or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!