I usually just do stew in mine...quick and easy in the morning before work and ready to eat when I get get home in the evening. Package of stew meat, big can of V8 juice, big can or two of stew veggies, extra can of sliced potatoes, pkg of onion soup mix. Set on low and let it cook all day. If I want thick sauce, when I get home I add instant potatoes to desired thickness. This is for the great big oval one (6 qt I think). My family has loved this one forever.