Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Conversions Cheat Sheet

Convert stovetop recipes to slow cooker or pressure cooker with time and temperature adjustments.

Stovetop to Slow Cooker Conversions
15-30 min (stovetop)1.5-2 hrs on HIGH or 4-6 hrs on LOW
35-45 min (stovetop)3-4 hrs on HIGH or 6-8 hrs on LOW
50 min - 3 hrs (stovetop)4-6 hrs on HIGH or 8-10 hrs on LOW
General Rule1 hr on HIGH = 2-2.5 hrs on LOW
Stovetop to Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Conversions
Beef/Pork Roast20 min per lb at HIGH pressure
Chicken (whole)6 min per lb at HIGH pressure
Chicken Breasts8-10 min at HIGH pressure
Rice (white)3-4 min at HIGH pressure
Beans (dried)25-30 min at HIGH pressure (unsoaked)
Vegetables (hard)3-5 min at HIGH pressure
Tips for Slow Cooker Success
  • •Fill slow cooker 1/2 to 3/4 full for best results
  • •Reduce liquid by 1/3 to 1/2 compared to stovetop recipes
  • •Brown meat first for better flavor and texture
  • •Add dairy products in the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling
  • •Resist lifting the lid - each time adds 15-20 min cooking time
Tips for Instant Pot Success
  • •Always include at least 1 cup of liquid for proper pressure
  • •Don't fill more than 2/3 full (1/2 for foods that expand like rice)
  • •Natural release for meats (10-15 min), quick release for vegetables
  • •Add 5-10 min to cooking time at high altitudes
  • •Use sauté function to brown meat before pressure cooking