How to Use a Dutch Oven as a Slow Cooker

I grew up with the slow cooker always simmering something on the counter. Chicken stew on Sundays, arroz con pollo on busy days, and the occasional pot roast that made the whole house smell like comfort. They’re dependable, sure. But when you’ve spent enough time cooking in cast iron, especially a good, heavy-lidded Dutch oven, you realize that you don’t need a countertop appliance to get that slow-cooked tenderness. You just need the right pot, a little know-how, and your oven.

That’s why we’re big fans of using a Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker. It’s not just a space-saver. It gives you better control, deeper flavor, and that beautiful golden edge you never quite get with a plug-in cooker.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

• • Why the Dutch oven vs slow cooker debate is more about preference than performance
  • How to convert your favorite recipes with our slow cooker to Dutch oven conversion chart
  • The tools we recommend for low-and-slow success
  • And some smart tips to get the most out of your cast iron pot

So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Can I use a Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker?” the answer is yes, and we’ll show you exactly how.

Dutch Oven vs. Slow Cooker

If you’ve ever looked at a bubbling pot in your oven and thought, “Wait, isn’t this just a manual slow cooker?” Well, you’re not wrong. At their core, Dutch ovens and slow cookers are both built for the same purpose: low and slow cooking. But the way they do it and the results they give have some key differences worth knowing.

Heating Method

Slow cookers are electric countertop appliances that heat from the base and sometimes the sides. They’re designed to maintain a steady, low temperature over several hours. 

On the other hand, a Dutch oven is a thick, heavy pot that is usually made of cast iron, sometimes enameled and it relies on heat from an oven or stovetop. It holds and distributes heat beautifully, almost like it was made for braises and stews (because, well, it was).

Moisture Control

In terms of moisture retention, slow cookers trap moisture more effectively than Dutch ovens. This is due to their sealed design and consistently low temperature, which produces minimal evaporation. Dutch ovens, on the other hand, are excellent at trapping heat and generating steam, but they typically allow more evaporation than a slow cooker, especially if used in a standard oven or on a stovetop where the heat is less contained. 

Texture and Flavor

In a Dutch oven, you can sear meats first, then slow-cook them in the same pot. That means more caramelization, better browning, and layered flavor development. A slow cooker doesn’t get hot enough for browning, so you often have to do that step in a separate pan (and we all know how that adds to cleanup).

Convenience

We’ll give it to the slow cooker since it’s a “set it and forget it” superstar. Just plug it in, hit low or high, and walk away. The Dutch oven takes a little more attention, especially when you’re learning how to use a Dutch oven as a slow cooker, but for many home cooks (especially those who love cast iron), the payoff in flavor and versatility is worth the extra step.

Cooking Time

A Dutch oven cooks food faster than a slow cooker because it operates at higher temperatures and can be used in both the oven and on the stovetop, allowing for more direct heat. You can get the same tender, fall-apart results in 2–3 hours in a Dutch oven that would take 6–8 hours in a slow cooker. If you’re short on time but still want that slow-cooked depth of flavor, the Dutch oven gives you flexibility without sacrificing taste.

Electricity vs. Oven Heat

Don’t want to leave an electric appliance plugged in all day? A Dutch oven can go in your conventional oven, on low heat (around 275–300°F), and give you similar results without tying up your countertop space or electricity usage.

Slow Cooker to Dutch Oven Conversion Guide

Once you understand the strengths of both tools, the next logical step is learning how to convert your favorite slow cooker recipes for a Dutch oven. It’s easier than you think, and the results can be even more flavorful, thanks to the Dutch oven’s ability to sear, reduce, and simmer with precision. Now, here’s a handy conversion chart to guide you:

Slow Cooker Setting	Slow Cooker Time	Dutch Oven (Oven) Temp	Dutch Oven Cooking Time
Low	8 hours	275°F (135°C)	2.5–3 hours
Low	6 hours	300°F (150°C)	2–2.5 hours
High	4 hours	325°F (160°C)	1.5–2 hours
High	3 hours	350°F (175°C)	1–1.5 hours

Zulay Says: Start checking your dish about 30 minutes before the estimated cooking time ends. Dutch ovens cook more evenly and reduce liquid better, so it’s easy to go from juicy to dry if left too long.

How to Use a Dutch Oven as a Slow Cooker

1. Choose the Right Dutch Oven

Start with a heavy, enameled cast iron Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. A 5–7 quart size is ideal for most slow cooker recipes. The heat retention and even distribution will mimic the consistent, low-and-slow cooking you’d get from a slow cooker. 

2. Prep and Brown

This is optional but highly recommended since this is where the Dutch oven shines. Unlike most slow cookers, you can sear meat and sauté aromatics right in the pot before slow cooking. This one-pot step adds a deep, savory flavor that’s often missing in slow cooker meals.

• • Heat oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Sear proteins like beef, pork, or chicken until golden brown.
  • Sauté onions, garlic, or other aromatics right after.

3. Add Ingredients and Liquid

Just like in a slow cooker, layer your veggies and proteins, then pour in broth, sauce, or water. If your slow cooker recipe uses a small amount of liquid, consider adding an extra splash when cooking in a Dutch oven, especially for long braises or if your oven tends to run hot.

4. Cover and Bake Low and Slow

Preheat your oven to 275°F–325°F, depending on your desired slow cooker setting. Cover tightly with the lid and bake on the center rack, but check at the halfway point to stir and monitor liquid levels.

5. Finish and Serve

Once tender and fragrant, remove the lid and let it cool slightly before serving. If needed, reduce the sauce on the stovetop for a thicker finish.

Zulay Says: For weeknight ease, prep the night before, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven when you get home.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Dutch Oven

• Preheat Gently. Unlike a slow cooker, which gradually heats up, a Dutch oven retains heat fast. Start on low-medium heat and give it time to warm evenly. Sudden high temps can damage enamel over time, especially if your pot is empty.
• Sear Before You Simmer. Always take a few extra minutes to brown your meat or sauté aromatics like onions and garlic before adding your liquid. This layer of flavor is what sets Dutch oven cooking apart from slow cookers.
• Use the Oven, Not Just the Stove. Dutch ovens shine in the oven! After searing on the stovetop, transfer the whole pot to a low-temperature oven (275–300°F) to mimic slow cooker heat. You’ll get consistent, gentle cooking without babysitting the stove.
• Watch the Liquid Levels. Dutch ovens don’t trap moisture as tightly as slow cookers. Keep an eye on the liquid and don’t be afraid to top off with broth or water during long cook times. On the flip side, it’s great for reducing sauces naturally without thickeners.
• Cool with Care. Let your Dutch oven cool gradually after use. Don’t rinse a hot pot with cold water as it can cause thermal shock and damage the enamel coating. 

Best Dutch Oven Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

Beef Stew with Red Wine

This one’s a showstopper. Brown your beef cubes and build flavor with tomato paste, herbs, red wine, and broth. The Dutch oven excels at breaking down tough cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth bites. Since Dutch ovens allow more reduction, your stew ends up thick, hearty, and rich without needing cornstarch.

Pulled Pork or Chicken

Skip the slow cooker and use your Dutch oven to slowly roast pork shoulder or chicken thighs with smoky spices and a touch of vinegar. Once cooked, shred and toss with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Zulay Says: Use the lid for the first 75% of cooking, then remove it at the end to concentrate flavor and reduce excess liquid.

Vegetarian Lentil Curry

Warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and hearty lentils simmer into a fragrant stew. This dish benefits from the even heat distribution of your Dutch oven and makes a perfect meatless Monday dinner.

Don’t Miss Our Dutch Oven Recipe Book

Need a little help getting started? We’ve got you. Discover our Digital Dutch Oven Recipe Book, a 9-page printable PDF filled with kitchen-tested classics designed for your Dutch oven. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, precise ingredient measurements, and exact cook times so you can cook with confidence. We even added storage tips and serving suggestions to make your weeknights easier. This is a digital download, so there’s no waiting. Print it out or view it on your device and start cooking right away!

Dutch Oven to Use for Low-and-Slow Success

For anyone new to Dutch oven cooking or looking to upgrade, we always recommend starting with our Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Here's why:

• Exceptional Heat Distribution: Forged from premium enameled cast iron, this pot heats evenly and holds temperature beautifully for low-and-slow perfection.
• Versatile Size: With a 6-quart capacity, it’s roomy enough for pot roasts, big batches of stew, or loaves of rustic bread.
• Durable Enamel Coating: Stylish enough to serve from, strong enough to withstand chips and cracks, and easy to clean.
• All-Stovetop Compatible: Whether you're cooking on gas, electric, ceramic, or induction, this Dutch oven is up for the task.
• Oven-Safe: From stovetop sear to oven braise, it handles the heat beautifully.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

Slow cooker or Dutch oven? Honestly, with the right know-how, it doesn’t have to be a choice. Your Dutch oven is a slow cooker- just a more versatile, stovetop-to-oven-friendly version that gives you better control over your flavors and results. We hope this guide gave you everything you need to feel confident and creative in the kitchen.

Here at Zulay Kitchen, we believe cooking should feel like second nature, not second-guessing. That’s why we design products like our enameled Dutch oven to take the stress out and put the joy back in. 

Try it yourself, and let your Dutch oven earn a permanent spot on your stovetop. And when you do? Tag us in your creations with #kitchenhappiness and @zulay_kitchen. We’d love to see what you’re simmering!