21 Uses for Leftover Liquid From a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are amazing kitchen appliances that can make life so much easier and cooking more enjoyable. But what do you do with all the liquid leftover from your slow cooker recipes? Don’t throw it away there are so many uses for this flavorful and nutrient-rich liquid!

It’s easy to make the most of your leftover liquid from the popular slow cooking process. From soups to marinades, breakfast to drinks there’s something for everyone. So don’t let that liquid go to waste – put it to use in these creative and delicious recipes!

When you make pork shoulder, slow cooker ham, ham hocks, chuck roast, pot roast, or beef brisket in a slow cooker, one of the byproducts is a delicious, nutrient-rich broth.

This broth can be used in a variety of ways, the easiest ways are by adding flavor to soup or stew recipes or simply drinking it on its own as a healthy and satisfying beverage. There are so many more surprising ways to use this bonus leftover juice.

21 Ways to Use Leftover Liquid from a Slow Cooker

Here are 21 of my favorite ways to use all my slow cooker juices.

1. Store in a Refrigerator

Pour the leftover liquid from your crock pot into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This is a great way to store the liquid and have it on hand for later use. You cannot store it for a long time but the fridge will help to keep it fresh for a couple of days and you can use it for a variety of recipes.

2. Freeze

There are many great ways to use the leftover liquid from a slow cooker, and freezing it in ice cube trays is one of them! Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags.

Then you can grab a few cubes whenever you need them and add them to sauces, soups, or other recipes. This is a great way to save the liquid for later use and they will be good for up to three months.

3. Creamy Pasta Sauce

If you like creamy pasta sauces, there are a few things that can beat a slow cooker liquid and almond milk mixture. This is a quick and easy way to create a delicious and creamy sauce for your pasta dish.

All you need is some cooked pasta, the slow cooker liquid, and some almond milk. Simply mix all of the ingredients together and enjoy a creamy and delicious pasta dish.

4. Gravy Base

Leftover liquid from a slow cooker is full of nutrients and flavors and is one of the best liquid bases to use as a gravy base. This is perfect for any type of meat – beef, pork, chicken, or turkey – and can be used to create a delicious and hearty gravy.

All you need is some flour, butter, and the leftover liquid from your slow cooker. To thicken perfectly combine ingredients in a large skillet and over medium-low heat slowly whisk until you reach your desired consistency.

Top Tip: Avoid high heat or it will go lumpy. Cool slightly and your gravy will thicken a little more, serve warm and enjoy!

Learn how to thicken your leftover slow cooker juices in my article How to Thicken Stews, Sauces, and Soups in a Slow Cooker

5. Season Rice or Quinoa

For a quick and easy meal, add the leftover liquid from a slow cooker to cooked rice or quinoa. This will not only add some extra flavor but also boost the nutritional content of your dish.

Yes, you can use it for seasoning, and making gravy. A thicker gravy recipe that is richer in taste is achieved when using beef broth. Glaze a beef roast, freeze it, add it to bone broth, or make soups, stews, and casseroles with it.

6. Meat Marinade

When it comes to marinades, barbecue sauce or tomato sauce is easy to make. It’s flavorful and versatile, and it goes well with chicken or pork. So if you have any leftover liquid from a slow cooker, mix it with some BBQ sauce and use it as a marinade for your next cookout.

The sauce will add moisture and flavor to the meat, and caramelize during cooking it will be extra delicious.

To any leftover liquids you can also try adding herbs like rosemary and bay leaves will add an extra layer of flavor, while also helping tenderize protein-rich foods such as steak or chicken.

7. Broth

A quick and easy way to make a flavorful broth can be made from the leftover liquid from your slow cooker. This can be used as a base for soups, stews, or any type of dish that calls for broth.

All you need is some vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a delicious broth that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

8. Season Vegetables

Pour the hot leftover liquid from a slow cooker over the top of the vegetables for an easy side dish. Try pairing it with some of your favorite roasts, stews, and chilis for a tasty dinner.

9. Season Your Favorite Recipes

The slow cooker liquid can be used to make soup, stew, or chili. It’s the perfect base for any flavorful hearty meal. All you need is some vegetables, beans, and spices of your choice to create a delicious one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Learn how to thicken your leftover crock pot juices in my article Best Ways to Thicken Chili in a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot

10. Salad Dressing or Dip

The slow cooker liquid can be used as a base for many different types of salad dressings or dips. It’s a quick and easy way to add flavor and nutrients to your dish.

Like herbs, spices, fruits, nuts, olive oil, sour cream, or cottage cheese to give your dish a unique flavor. All you need is some creativity and a few simple ingredients.

11. Breakfast Cereal

If you want a delicious and healthy breakfast cereal, soak some grains overnight in the leftover liquid from your slow cooker. This will add flavor and nutrients to the grains, and fill you up for longer.

You can choose any type of grain you like – rice, quinoa, oats, etc. and enjoy a healthy and satisfying breakfast cereal.

12. Smoothie Boost

Smoothies are naturally flavorful for something different try adding your leftover slow cooker juice for an extra boost of flavor. You can use any type of fruit you like, and adding the leftover liquid from a slow cooker will give your smoothie a delicious and nutritious boost.

13. Beans

One of the best ways to use up my leftover cooking liquid is to soak my dry beans before I make my favorite bean soup.

If you want to do the same let the liquid cool to room temperature and add your favorite beans.

I use white beans, green beans, and kidney beans if you want to add some more depth of flavor try this as well. Add a dash of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, a bay leaf, or some chopped fresh herbs a squeeze of lemon juice then cover and let sit overnight.

Next day go ahead and make your soup recipe, the result is a delicious soup.

Check out my favorite bean soup recipe.

14. Pasta

Creamy pasta sauce from leftover slow cooker juices is easy! Start by combining equal parts of flour and butter in a medium-sized skillet. Cook over medium heat until it’s lightly browned, stirring frequently.

Once that is complete, slowly stir in the juices from your slow cooker. Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often.

Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper and you are ready to pour this thick, creamy sauce over your favorite pasta. Enjoy!

15. Steam Vegetables

Steaming vegetables in the slow cooker liquid will add flavor and extra nutrients to the vegetables, and they will come out perfectly cooked every time.

Try steaming some of your favorite vegetables in the slow cooker liquid for a quick and easy side dish.

Learn how to thicken your plant based recipes in my article Thicken Vegan Recipes

16. Baste Roasts

The slow cooker liquid is delicious baste for roasts. It will add flavor and moisture to the roast, and help to keep it moist and juicy while cooking. Try using the slow cooker liquid as a baste for your next roast dinner.

17. Perfect Pot Roast and Gravy

Creating the quintessential pot roast with a succulent flavor begins with using great ingredients. Using leftover slow cooker juice to prepare your pot roast is a great way to bring out the rich flavors while keeping the roast juicy and tender.

To make a delicious gravy, use these few easy steps like combining flour, butter, salt, and pepper, as well as your leftover slow cooker juices, you can build up rich flavors that pair perfectly with a tender pot roast.

A sprinkle of herbs and spices adds depth to an already delicious dish. With these tips, your beef roast will be absolutely perfect.

18. Brown Meat

Another perfect way to use your roast liquid for your ground beef is while the meat cooks.

• Simply add a little bit of vegetable oil to a Dutch oven or your favorite searing pan and heat it up using medium heat.
• Add the raw meat, black pepper, and liquid.
• When browned you can drain off excess juices or not then go ahead and make your favorite recipe.

19. Vegetable Marinade

Slow cooker liquid can also be used as a marinade before you grill or roast vegetables. So go ahead and get creative with your leftovers!

20. Glazes

Who says glazes need to be sugary? Turn the leftover slow cooker juices into a demi-glace. Use them on roasted vegetables or combine them with honey or brown sugar for the perfect balance. Not only do they make veggies taste amazing, but they look great too!

21. Stock

Natural beef stock will be at the bottom of the cooker once your roast beef or pot roast recipe is cooked. You can use this beef stock to thicken gravy or add it to mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions.

How Many Times Can You Reuse Braising Liquid?

The braising liquid from a slow cooker can be reused providing it is stored correctly. Pour the leftover liquid into a glass jar with a tightly sealed lid. It can be kept in the fridge for no longer than three days if you have excess liquid freeze it for use at a later date.

How to Make Sauce From Slow Cooker Juices

Making a delicious sauce from leftover slow cooker juices is surprisingly easy! All you need to do is strain the liquid, then add in some additional ingredients and simmer until it has reduced into a thick sauce. Here are the steps:

Strain the Liquid

You’ll want to carefully strain out any solid pieces of food from the liquid. The best way to do this is to pour the liquid into a fine-mesh sieve or colander and then use a spoon to push out any remaining solids. This will leave you with only the juices, which can then be used for your sauce.

Simmer and Reduce

Transfer the strained liquid to a small pot and bring it to a simmer over low-medium heat. Let the liquid reduce until it has thickened into a sauce, stirring occasionally. This can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes depending on how much liquid you have.

Add seasonings

Once the sauce has reduced to your desired thickness, add in any desired seasonings such as herbs, spices, and salt. Stir everything together until combined, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve

Transfer your homemade sauce to a bowl or container and enjoy! The sauce will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.

Best Slow Cooker

If you are looking for a new slow cooker check out my slow cooker the Crock Pot Programmable Oval Slow Cooker.

FAQs

Can you reuse slow cooker liquid?

Yes, you can use it for seasoning, and making gravy. A thicker gravy recipe that is richer in taste is achieved when using beef broth. Glaze a beef roast, freeze it, add it to bone broth, or make soups, stews, and casseroles with it.

Will liquids evaporate in a crockpot?

Yes, liquids will evaporate in a crockpot as there is a steam release valve in the glass lid. However, if you do not lift the lid of your slow cooker too many times during cooking a reasonable amount of liquid will not still be there when the cooking time is up.

How do you thicken roast juice?

To thicken roast juice, you can use a cornstarch slurry. To make one, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it forms a paste. Then whisk the mixture into your roast juices and bring them to a boil while stirring constantly. This should help thicken the roasted juices and give them more body. You can also thicken roast juices with flour or arrowroot powder.

How do you make gravy from beef drippings?

To make gravy from beef drippings, start by heating the dripping in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it has begun to simmer, whisk in flour until it is dissolved and combined with the fat.

Then slowly add in broth or milk and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until thickened. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Conclusion: Uses for Leftover Liquid from a Slow Cooker

There are many different ways to use the leftover liquid from a slow cooker. You can use it to cook pasta, make broth, create salad dressings or dips, add flavor to smoothies, and more.

So if you have any leftovers after your next meal, be sure to try out some of these creative ideas. With such a versatile ingredient, the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy your tasty and creative leftovers! Happy Cooking!

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!