Delicious Slow Cooker Liver and Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to cook the most delicious slow cooker liver and onions. You can go back in time with this tender Crockpot liver recipe that comes with a lot of mashed potatoes, onions, and a tasty gravy.

If you use the Ninja Foodi’s sauté and slow cooker functions to make this, it will always be a favourite winter dish.

Cooking liver and bacon in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare this classic dish with ease. The slow cooking process tenderizes the liver and infuses it with flavor from the bacon vegetables and seasonings. In this article, I’ll walk you through the simple steps for making perfect slow cooker liver and bacon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb beef or calf liver, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
  • 8 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients and preparing them. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic. Slice the liver into 1/2 inch pieces. Dice the bacon. Measure out the seasonings. Having everything prepped ahead of time makes the cooking process smoother.

2. Cook the bacon

Add the diced bacon to a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered, about 8-10 minutes Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to the slow cooker, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet

3. Brown the liver

Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high. Working in batches, add the liver slices and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until browned. Don’t overcook them. Transfer the seared liver to the slow cooker as you finish.

4. Cook the vegetables

Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the hot bacon fat in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Scrape the vegetables into the slow cooker.

5. Add seasonings and liquid

To the slow cooker, add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water or broth. Give everything a brief stir to combine.

6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours

Put the lid on and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

7. Remove the bay leaf

Once cooked, discard the bay leaf. The liver and bacon are now ready to enjoy!

8. Serve and enjoy!

I recommend serving the liver and bacon with mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy-like sauce. Some steamed green beans or broccoli also pair nicely.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Choose high-quality bacon for the best flavor. Go for a thick-cut artisan bacon if possible.

  • Beef or calf liver work equally well in this recipe. Make sure to trim off any membrane or connective tissue before cooking.

  • Cut the liver into even 1/2 inch slices so it cooks evenly.

  • Let the bacon render slowly for crispy bits that add texture.

  • Don’t overcook the liver when searing or it will be tough. Just 2 minutes per side.

  • The longer the cook time, the more tender the liver will be. Check it after 6 hours, but cook up to 8 for maximum tenderness.

  • Slice the cooked liver across the grain before serving for a more tender bite.

  • Beef broth adds richer flavor, while water keeps it lighter. Use your preference.

  • Add a dash of vinegar right before serving to brighten the flavors.

how to cook liver and bacon in a slow cooker

Can You Put Raw Onion In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can put raw onion in the slow cooker, just like you can with liver. However, if you want your onions to taste and feel better, you should sauté them first before adding them to the slow cooker with the liver and onions.

Can You Cook Liver In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can cook liver in a slow cooker, and it will work well in any slow cooker. You can do Crockpot liver and onions, or like us use a different slow cooker.

Because the Ninja Foodi slow cooker also has a sauté and an air fryer button, we love using it. This way, you don’t have to move the food from one machine to another to brown it. Such as in our Ninja Foodi Pulled Pork.

SLOW COOKER LIVER, ONIONS AND BACON

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