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Cook Talk

Ge roaster oven 18 quart
Debbie
mom951@sbcglobal.net
10/05/05
I have this roaster oven ,but lost the manual. I want to cook a turkey. It comes with the racking tray. Do i use this tray for the turkey or just put it on tray? Also it says to add water on the botton of this tray. Do i add water on the tray for the turkey? Do i add foil to the turkey or not? What else do you add on this roaster oven i need some cheap meals?
ellen

10/06/05
You can re-order the manual at the website. For Nesco's that is:
nesco.com/recipes/view.phtml?recipeid=22

The oven will only do a turkey up to about 20 pounds. You need to leave the lid on, or the temp gets too variable. Water in the bottom steams the meat, as does the foil, some folks like this, I don't. Using the screen rack is a good idea, the heating coil is right under the bottom of the well and it can scorch and stick right there.

If you are not carving at the table, turkey parts are easier to roast in this small oven.

Temps and times are about the same as for a regular oven, do not stuff the turkey, it does not heat evenly enough to be completely satisfactory. To roast turkey:
Preheat electric roaster to 350 to 400 degrees.
*Roast a 10 to 14 lb. turkey for 12 to 17 minutes per pound.
*Roast a 14 to 20 lb. turkey for 13 to 18 minutes per pound.

This note appears at the bottom of the page..."turkey should be roasted at 400 degrees F., for the first and last hour; roast at 350 degrees F., for the remaining time." It also states, "for crisper skin, baste, then remove liquid during roasting time."

Here are some quotes from Nesco users:
"My nesco roaster made my 17 cents a pound turkey tender, moist, and flavorful with just paprika, salt, pepper, 1 cup oil and butter, and chopped onion, carrots, celery. Yum-Yum-yum."
"TURKEY COOKED IN LESS TIME THAN ALLOTTED IN COOKING DIRECTIONS. TASTY, JUICY, SKIN BROWNED NICELY. "

Here is how to get a very brown skin: Take the insert pan out of the Nesco and place the raw turkey in the insert pan. Place in oven (uncovered) at 400 degrees and bake until desired brownness is achieved. maybe 30 or 45 minutes. Then place turkey and insert pan back into your Nesco roaster, cover and finish baking. It will work. Make sure your Nesco is warmed up with the cover on while browning your turkey in the regular oven, so there is no cooking interuption.

Christina
cfroehl1@nycap.rr.com
11/12/05
Help! I am supposed to cook a turkey AT WORK for my colleagues. I have the 18 quart roaster. I keep reading the Nesco takes less time than an ordinary oven. I know the skin better be a nice dark color (or I might be tarred and feathered by my co-workers) and I don't want to overcook. I need to cook at least a 20 lb. bird. Again, I am pleading for any help you can give!!!
ellen

11/12/05
Christina, do not panic, and do NOT try to cook oevr 18 pounds or so in this roaster, it is a little different shape from the Nesco and won't do at all over 20 pounds.

Since you are cooking, I presume for lunch, I suggest you brown the turkey in the regular oven as suggested above, take to work in the smallest ice chest that will hold the bird with the lid on tight, to preserve the heat, then finish it at 325. Total time for 20 pounds counting both the oven and the roaster, about 4 hours. Safe to transport as long as it takes an hour or less to get to work and get it back in the oven. Use a meat thermometer, as soon as the white meat hits 150, turn the oven down to 160-170, and it will hold until you take it out to "rest it" 1/2 hour before carving. DO NOT stuff the turkey, and DO NOT take the lid off and on to baste, the roaster cooks moister and cannot afford to lose the heat.

The honey-soy sauce marinade/baste under honorable turkey in the recipe box gives a really brown skin.

JIM
jharrison@scican.net
11/23/05
So in my 18 quart GE roaster, cooking a 20 lb
turkey, preheat to 350, cook at said temp. at a rate of 18 minutes per pound, for a total cooking time at around 6 hours. Does this sound correct?
Thanks Jim
ellen

11/23/05
I would not cook it this long. Todays turkeys are leaner with more white meat and cook faster. For an unstuffed thawed turkey at 325, I start wuth 12 minutes per pound and go by breast meat temp to finish. I would say much closer to 4 hours, and then rest for up to 1 hour before carving.
barbara
muttlymom@aol.com
11/23/05
I just bought the g.e 18 qt roaster/buffet server, I like my stuffing cooked in the turkey, why is it stated DO NOT STUFF TURKEY in all the messages, would hate to think I bought this roaster,and still will not get a chance to use it!
karen
karenwilli@msn.com
11/24/05
Lost the GE 18 qt manual. Do I put water in the bottom part of the roaster when roasting a 20 lb turkey? Thank You. Happy THanksgiving.
scout
aajones80@att.net
11/24/05
Your temps posted are much different than what the manual says.
So I have a 9.37 lbs. turkey, how long and at what temp do I cook it????
Cheryl
cmarangon2@comcast.net
11/24/05
Did we ever get an answer regarding the stuffed turkey in the roaster? I've already stuffed mine!
ellen

11/24/05
I recommend cooking the turkey unstuffed because bythe time the middle of the stuffing gets to 165, which it MUST to be safe, the dark meat is at 180 and the white around 170, all overcooked. The only way I know to avois this is to microwave the stuffing to above 130 (too hot to handle by bare hands) BEFORE you stuff the turkey.
ellen

11/24/05
The roaster suggests putting water in the bottom of the pan, but I usually don't. Especially if I brined the turkey.

Temps are dfferent because there are several different ways to roast and the temp depends on the method. For example, at 475, a 20 pounder takes 2 hours, at 325 a FROZEN 12 pounder takes a little under 5. I always suggest people look at eatmoreturkey.com, it is a great site.

The reason for the differences in internal end temps is, USDA sets it high enough to allow for stuffing. The meat is overcooked (see previous answer). 30 minutes at internal temp of 145 pasteurizes the white meat- the dark meat cooks more because it is in thinner pieces, and it need it because it is tougher. L Let's here it for good science and juicy turkey.

S
wspttn@sbcglobal.net
12/04/05
Hello, I would like to cook a 12 pound porkloin in mine and was wondering if you have any good recipes and cooking times. This was given to me by an in-law and I didn't get the reference manual. Thanks!
ellen

12/07/05
Sorry for the delay. Any good pork loin recipe will work well in your roaster, as the extra moisture it generates is very good for the pork's tendency to dry.

I like to slice a hole through the middle of the loin end to end and stuff it with dried apricots and dried figs that have been soaked for an hour in wine rum or brandy. Or rub on a heavy coating of spice rub. Or glaze and baste with honey mixed with a little soy sauce after poking slivers of garlic all over. And I always peel chunk up and roast sweet potatoes or potaoes all croded under it in the pan.

Use a modern cookbook for time and temp, modern pork is leaner and cooks faster tha even 10 years ago. Use a thermometer and cook to 155, then let rest for at least 20 minutes outside the oven before slicing. You might looko at 3 1/2 hours as a very ball park figure on the roasting.

Nesco has roaster recipes on its website:

nesco.com/recipes/?category%5B%5D=700&submit=Search

Lisa
lherman@dejazzd.com
12/12/05
I would like to use my roaster oven to make scalloped potatoes for a luncheon at work. Can I use my regular oven recipe? In that recipe the potatoes are covered with foil for the first 30 minutes and then cooked uncovered for an hour in a 350 degree oven. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.
ellen

12/16/05
A crock pot recipe would be safer, time and temp wise.

Be careful to keep the thickness of the potatoes under 4 inches, and double the cooking time if you triple the recipe. (Or partially boil the potatoes before baking). Nesco has recipes listed.

Gerogina
Unicornlady4326@aol.com
12/17/05
I need a mnaual on this oven how can i find one and download it.
Georgina
ellen

12/18/05
I don't know a site to download. You have to order it from the manufacturer's site, usually costs around 12.
Gray

12/19/05
I want to boil a whole dry cure country type ham in my GE 18qt Roaster.This type of ham is a favorite in Virginia. It is very salty and needs to be soaked and then boiled rather then oven baked or roasted. The ham is large but fits very nicely in the insert pan in the GE 18qt roaster oven.I would need to use the rack then cover ham with water, bring to a boil and then cut temperture down to simmer 25 min per pound. Is there any reason I could not use the roaster for this purpose? Also is it okay to leave a meat thermometer in any meat cooked in the roaster while it is process of being cooked.
Gray
ellen

12/19/05
The simmering should be fine in the roaster, you will need to cut the temp quite low to get to a simmer- probably 225 or so.

Digital or fast read thermometers have to be taken out. Old fashioned meat thermometers can be left in for roasting but not boiling.

Jean

12/20/05
I want to cook a spiral ham in my roaster. What tempature is best and about long should it cook. Is it less time than in an oven?
The last time I tried it I followed the directions for an oven and it was all dried out.
Gray

12/20/05
Dry cure VA ham boiled in GE Roaster Oven
Ellen, thank you so very much for your prompt reply to my query about boiling my dry cure Virgina ham in the GE Roaster. You have made my holiday as I could not get an answer to my question anywhere else. I appreciate your hard work at this site and shall return often.
Thanks so much.
Gray
ellen

12/22/05
Jean, spiral hams cook way faster than other whole hams. You can call the honey ham spiral ham people for time, but then cut it down about an hour if you use the roaster.

Gray, I like to bake my country ham after I simmer it, by skinning and glazing. Saving the skin, of course for simmering with the New Year black eye peas.

Danee

12/23/05
I want to cook a prime rib in my roaster pan. The manual doesnt give any recipes for doing a prime rib. Any suggestions?
ellen

12/23/05
Danee, a standing rib roast is so good cooked with a dry heat that I would use my regular oven for this and do the side dishes in the Nesco/GE. I like to season it, roast 1 hour at a higher heat then turn down (not off, though) and not peak. I always use a meaty thermometer. About 2-3 months ago, Cooks Illustrated magazine did a VERY comprehensive article on cooking this cut of meat.
Karen
kemorris@cablespeed.com
12/25/05
Nesco roaster oven 18 quart
I have an 18-quart Nesco roaster that has an optional fan in the cover. I have read the postings regarding 18-qt. roasters, but haven't read anything regarding the fan. Should you use the fan for roasting a turkey?

thanks,
Karen

Dorothy Lansberry
lansberry8@aol.com
01/19/06
Any instructions on a prime rib?
Any beef roast for about 30 people
Thank you.
ellen

01/20/06
The fan in the top roaster is a great design for roasting, makes it more like a convection oven so it cooks a bit faster and dries.

Dorothy, I have to recommend the Cook's Illustrated article, it is about perfect for standing rib.

mary
rburke62@msn.com
01/22/06
I would like to cook corned beef in my 18 Quart Roaster Oven. Any suggestiong to temperature and time?
Thanks.
john Freer
03/17/06
Kenmore roaster oven 18 quart
I would like to cook 3 corned beef (about 3 Lbs each) in my 18 Quart Roaster. Any suggestiong to temperature and time?
Can I slow cook it?
Slow cook Temp is 250 degs.
Also , how long to cook the red potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.

Peace to you and yours,
And all at Ellen's Kitchen

john in california

ellen
03/17/06
Hi, John,

Roaster slow cook is a great method for corn beef, double the cooking time and cook at 250. For three pieces, figure the cooking time on the smallest and add 1/2 hour. Keep the lid on- peeking lowers the temp enough that it increases the cooking time.

Ellen- also in California this week- love it

Jennifer
03/29/06
Kenmore roaster oven 18 quart
HI Ellen, I just bought the Kenmore 18 qt roaster at a garage sale. I looks brand new except theres a dent in the end by the handle which looks like someone dropped it on end. It did not come with an instruction manuel and I have tried to find a Kenmore website to order one, but all that keeps coming up is Sears and under cooking products, just big stoves and ovens. Can you help me locate the right website? I have no clue how to use or what to do with this big roaster and am very excited to give it a try! Thanks for any help you can give me! Have a great day and Happy upcoming Easter!
ellen
03/29/06
Call your local sears parts store with the oven serial number and morel (silver tag on the bottom or side) and they will help you order the book. Kenmoe is a Sears brand.

Any other manual (Nesco, Welbilt, GE) will also work.,. Try the Nesco website listed above for online instructions.

Jennifer
03/29/06
Kenmore roaster oven 18 quart
Awesome! Thank you for the info. I decided to give it a go. I have a big family gathering to go to tomorrow, so I put 2 corned Beef Briskets that I got on sale right before St. Pats day, and I have two large cabbages and 12 big red potatoes and 3 pounds of carrots, so we will see how it all turns out. I want to get it all cooked in the night so it can be transported in sealed bowls and then put back into the unit upon arrival at my destination to just be warmed up. I'll let you know how things work out! Sincerely, Jennifer
pam
03/30/06
how do i cook lasagna in my roaster?
ellen
03/30/06
Two possibilities.

-You can cook the pan of lasagna in the roaster just as you would in a regular oven, placing on a rack so the heat circulated over and under the pan.
-Or if you have a removable roaster pan, you can layer the lasagna right in the roaster itself, like a giant slow cooker. You spary the pan thoroughly with non stick sparay. Keep the layer under 4 inches thick, or the edges will dry out badly before the center cooks. Then set at 250 to no more than 300 and use the cooking times for the crockpot freezer lasagna in my Big Pots section- about twice as long as for a regular heat regular oven. Keep the lid on tight so the top does not dry out, too.

The crockpot lasagna recipe would be a good choice. You will make about 4 times the amount you can fit in a standard 9x13 pan.

thersa
04/04/06
I am looking for a great recipe for pulled pork to make in my roaster oven. Does anyone have one.
Marlene
04/10/06
I would like to fix two 3 lbs pork loins in my roaster oven for Easter. Do I just put them in an oven safe dish and cook like I would in my regular oven?
Carol Shimmin
04/11/06
I am going to be cooking a 12 pound shank of ham for easter in it? Do I ad water under the rack? Also can I cook other things in there with it like potatoes?
Thank you
CAROL
ellen
04/11/06
Pork loins- no problem, 2 3 pound will take less than 1/2 hour more than 1, and may not take any extra time, use a thermometer.

Shank ham uncooked? Yes, you can add liquid under the rack, I would use part orange juice or cranberry juice or maybe ginger ale instead of water, yes you can cook some potatoes in there, try to keep the total weight under 18 pounds.

Julie
04/16/06
I want to cook two small chickens in my roaster oven. How long do I cook them and do you recommend putting water in the underpan? I lost my manual so any info will be helpful.
ellen
04/16/06
Cook just a little longer than 1, if they are whole. If split, same as one. Liquid under- for these small chickens, I would probably not- the crispy outside skin is good, and they won't be in long enough to dry out.
Irene Crispin
06/22/06
I have been told some people put water in the bottom of the roaster. They are saying to take the roasting pan completely out and add water where the cooking element is and place the roasting pan on top of this water. They say this keeps the food from sticking and burning. I cannot find this anywhere in my instruction booklet on my 18 qt. roaster. Is this the proper thing to do or is this harmful to the roaster. I would appreciate your answer.
ellen
06/22/06
Irene, wait a minute, I think someone explained badly. The water, cider, wine, etc. in the bottom of the roaster goes in the same (removable)pan where you would place a roasting rack, then add the roasting rack, then the bird or meat. DO NOT ADD WATER anywhere around the cooking element; you could electrocute yourself or someone else.
Donna
06/26/06
I need to bake about 6 lbs. of beans in my roaster. I seem to have lost my manual. I cooked beans in this before but not sure I cooked this many and don't know how long to cook them. Any suggestions would be of great help.
Thanks
ellen
06/26/06
I recommend overnight soak- you can do this in the roaster pan- to aid tenderness, pour off the water and rinse to reduce gassiness, then cook to your recipe, using a heat not above 300- 225-250 is fine- covered, stirring occasionally . At this temp the roaster functions pretty much like a giant crock pot. If you want to cook overnight, be generous with the liquid- you can always remove the lid the last hour to thicken the sauce.

By the way, 6 pounds cooks up to 9 to 12 quarts plus additions/sauce, so your 18 quart roater should be fine.

Nina
07/29/06
I am trying to make a back to school breakfast for 85 teachers. I was wondering if I can make a large egg casserole in the 18 qt roaster oven.
Do I just layer all the ingredients (eggs, cheese, ham etc) like I would in a normal 9X13 and bake like I would in the oven?
Also would I be able to make 4 times the amt of a 9X13 like you referred to earlier with the Lasagna. Also do I only use water when I am using the buffet server. Thanks for your help!
ellen
07/29/06
I do not make more than 50 servings at a time in the roaster- I would use 2 roasters for 85 people. 4 times a 9x13 is about 40 servings, plenty for 1/2 the people, that is fine for direct cooking in 1 roaster. Be sure to use plenty of PAM on the pan itself, I also use parmesan cheese to dust the PAM, this gives a pretty good non-stick surface. Then you use the info under lasagna to make a crockpot egg dish.

However, keep in mind that about 10% of the folks will be diabetic, or on another low-carb diet- Put out a dish of hardboiled eggs, or use the crockpot recipe for soft-boiled eggs so there is a carb-free entree choice.

Jill
08/07/06
Hi Ellen,
I have read through your recipes, you are quite helpful. I am catering a graduation party this Friday and I have 3 of these roaster ovens from a prior event. They want pulled pork sandwiches. Can you give me a recipe to prepare for approx. 100 ppl. Thank you!
ELLEN
08/07/06
Assuming these are coed high school folks, you want about 1 1/2 sandwiches each- about 6 ounces cooked meat plus sauce- 2 pounds raw boneless for each 5 people. Roast or simmer the garlic- rubbed pork untill very tender, shred, chill in freezer baggies with the roasting juices or some of the simmering juices. Use your favorite local bbq sauce to reheat.

I would use 2 roasters toreheat the meat in the sauce and do beans or hot potato salad in the third.

Jill
08/08/06
Hi Ellen,
I am pleased that you got back with me so quickly. I am disappointed that the things you told me were things I already knew. I needed to know more importantly what type of pork to use, Butt, shoulder? I also am intersted in knowing approximately how long I will be cooking this and at what temp. I also would like to know if I should marinate this meat the night before? You mention garlic, but you did not give me a complete recipe here and that was what I was looking for. I have researched further and located specific ingredients for sauce and what type of meat, but most importantly wondering how long it will take in the roaster and what temp.

Thank you!

ellen
08/08/06
Shoulder (Boston Butt) is a good choice, juicy, relatively tender.

* 1 large pork butt or shoulder, about 7 to 9 pounds
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning or seasoned salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 medium onion, sliced
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 teaspoons oil
* 1 cup barbecue sauce
* 1/2 cup vinegar

OPTIONS: to get a southwestern spicy pork add to each roast:
# 2 cans (4.5 oz each) diced green chilies
# 3 tablespoons chili powder
# 1 teaspoon ground cumin
# 1 teaspoon dried oregano
# 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

OPTION: or try this rub 24 hours before roasting:
* 1 cup of brown sugar (250ml)
* 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (15ml)
* 1 tbsp dry mustard (15ml)
* 2 tsp garlic powder (10ml)
* 2 tsp onion powder (10ml)
* 2 tsp paprika (10ml)
* 1 tsp marjoram (5ml)
* 1 tbsp lemon pepper (15ml)

PREPARATION:
Lay a large sheet of heavy duty foil in a roasting pan. Place pork roast on foil. Rub pork all over with garlic and seasonings. Arrange onion slices over top. Wrap foil around the pork roast. Bake at 350° for about 4 to 5 hours, to about 185° F. The meat should be falling apart. Let the roast cool a bit, then begin to shred with forks or chop, discarding as much of the excess fat as possible.

Sauté chopped onions in a little oil until tender.

Put shredded pork in slow cooker or a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Blend in vinegar and barbecue sauce, along with the cooked chopped onion. Heat thoroughly on LOW setting or over low heat; serve hot with split buns, coleslaw, and beans, if desired. Also great with potato salad for a bigger meal.

If you want to the pork roast in the roaster, set to 250 degrees. Place seasoned pork roast in the oven, add 1-2 cups water, add chopped onion, salt and pepper and a generous sprinkling of garlic powder. Cover and cook on low for about 9 to 11 hours, or until very tender and shreddable. Drain all juices off and shred or chop pork; add vinegar and bbq sauce (and liquid smoke, if using) for reheating.

To reheat, each roast will use about 2 cups of sauce. Keep at 250, at least 1 hour, up to 4 to 5 hours.

Jill
08/09/06
Ellen,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Exactly the final touches that I needed.

I appreciate the recipe. I will let you know how great it turns out!

Sincerely,
Jill

SIRENA
08/12/06
Nesco dehydrator
hi ellen,
i purchased a nesco dehydrator a couple years back and i used the recipe for beef jerky from it and it was fantastic, i cannot find the booklet, is there anyway you can send me the recipe or point me in the right direction to getting a new one? it would be greatly appreciated.
sincerely,
sirena
ellen
08/12/06
At the Nesco online site, first answers above on this thread, you can find recipes and also order manuals-
Deb
09/14/06
I want to roast a Turkey in a 18 qt Nesco roaster. Can I possibly overcook it? I want to leave the house. Should I put it on the rack and put broth on the bottom of the roaster? Or, should I just add 1/4 C. butter? Should I roast at 350°? I plan on making hot turkey in gravy sandwiches.
ellen
09/16/06
Please look at the turkey cooking directins on the Big Pots page and the top 1/4 of this thread.
Janet
09/20/06
Do you put water in the roaster pan when you are using the loaf pans or casserole pans to keep food warm for serving? It's an 18 qt. Nesco. Thanks.
ellen
09/20/06
If you are using for serving with the serving inserts and the food is ALREADY HOT, you can use water in the bottom roaster- just like a cafeteria steam table.

If you are just reheating pans in the roaster, as in you are putting them on a rack and then taking them out to serve, add water only if it is not a crispy top. It will be very moist with water in the bottom of the pan.

sunday
10/02/06
I am cooking for a large group, 135 or more at church, and it will be a baked potato bar, I need to know if I can use our nesco's to bake the potato's and how long and how many at one time. thank you!
ellen
10/02/06
Complete directions on how to bake for a baked potato bar are already posted; link is on te big pots page, planning section, about 1/2 down.
trish
10/03/06
I need to cook a beef dinner for 30 NEXT WEEK at conference for businessmen hosted by my work. I am thinking of either beef stew or beef burgundy, but am open to other suggestions.
I have a GE Roaster 18-quart oven but no owner's manual. Do you know of any really good and easy recipes for the two dishes mentioned, or have any suggestions for something else?
ellen
10/04/06
Here is the beef recipe collection at the Nesco site- it woill give you ideas and guidance. You can use 1/3 of my amounts for 100 to plan your quantities.
www.nesco.com/recipes/?category%5B%5D=700&foods%5B%5D=100&submit=Search

Get really good bread/ rolls if you do not want to offer rice, noodles, or potato.

Trish
10/07/06
Thanks, Ellen, and the really good bread/rolls idea is great, too.
By the way, for folks who need the GE Roaster 18-quart Oven manual, I just found out that www.gehousewares.com has a downloadable version of it.
Donna
11/02/06
Hi, I have 3 whole pork loins that I need to cook in 2 of these roasters. The weights of these range from 8 -11 lbs. I'm not sure what temp to cook these on and for how long. Someone told me 7-8 hours and then I've also heard 1-1/2 to 2 hours so I really need some help here and I need to get this info asap.
Thanks for anything you might be able to tell me.
Donna
ps I love your site!!!
ellen
11/02/06
For the tenderest, juiciest pork, try this: 1 hour at 325 for the first pound, turn the oven to 200 or 225, about 50 minutes for each additional pound, check internal temp with an instant read thermometr and pull out at 155. tent with foil and let stand 1/2 hour before carving. I would cook the two smaller ones in one and the largest in the other; they will take close to the same amount of time. The more often you open the lid, the longer it takes.

You can add an hour or two if you want it to make pulled (shredded) pork. I rub my pork with a dry rub before roasting.

Zebe
11/14/06
I would like to cook my turkey in a browning bag in my GE electric roaster. Is this possible and should I put water in the bottom of the pan. My turkey is 14 pounds. What temperature and for how long?
Happy Thanksgiving and thanks!
ellen
11/14/06
Yes, you can cook in a browning bag in the roaster. No water in the pan bottom, the roaster cooks moister than a regular oven. In the bag it will stay very moist- maybe a little too much- and it will use the short side of the cooking times.

Please look at the turkey cooking directions on the Big Pots page and the top 1/4 of this thread. "uncovered" means no foil, you DO put the lid on the oven!

Martha
11/15/06
We are in the process of remodeling our kitchen and won't have our ovens at our disposal this Thanksgiving. I have ordered a 8 lb smoked turkey. As it is already cooked we only wish to warm it that day. Can we do so in our Nesco 12 qt roaster oven? If so, at what recommended temperature. Thanks!
Patricia Swart
11/15/06
I read that you can use a Reynold's oven bag to roast turkey in the GE electric roaster. Will I be able to stuff the turkey if I do it this way? Thanks!
ellen
11/15/06
Martha, absolutely. See the article on reheating turkey in the holiday cooking section of Big Pots for tips.

Patricia, NO, no no. You MUST overcook the turkey to bring the stuffing to a safe temp. Do not make the poor turkey suffer so.

This was not such an issue in the days before 1/5 of all turkeys had e coli bacterial contamination and the eggs in the stuffing were at risk for salmonella. it IS a big issue now. Cook the stuffing separately. You can make ahead turkey dripping by roasting some legs and necks and use these drippings to season your dressing if you are just dying for that old fashioned cooked in the bird flavor.

Mary
11/18/06
Hamilton Beach 18 qt roaster oven
Hi Ellen,
This will be my first year to try and cook a turkey in my roaster oven. I have read the other inquiries but they all mention the GE brand. Is there any difference in the name brand of roaster ovens? Will they cook about the same? Can I put it in a browning bag to brown it without drying it out? Since it would be in a browning bag there is not need for the water or etc. at the bottom of the roaster pan, right?
Thank You so much for your help!!!!
ellen
11/18/06
All cook about the same. No water with the bag, I don't use one. Just be sure the turkey is under 18 pounds, especially with the bag.
Mary
11/18/06
the browning of it??
Thank You for helping me Ellen. But will putting the turkey in a browning bag in a roaster get the turkey brown anyways or is it just better to not use the bag a put it on the rack and cook it?
Mindy
11/18/06
I plan to cook a 20 lb turkey in my regular oven and a 10 lb shank ham in my roaster oven. Can I add sweet potatoes with the ham? When should I add them? What kind of sauce/liguid would you suggest I add to flavor the potatoes and keep them from drying out?
ellen
11/18/06
Mary, The roaster is not a good browner. So if the browning bag helps with browning, you might want to use it.

Mindy, Yes. Just allow about 15 minutes longer than usual- you will lose some heat when you open to load the potatoes. If they are whole, baked, you need no liquid. If cut up, dip pieces in orange or pineapple juice mixed with honey to flavor and keep from turning dark.

Joe
11/19/06
Ellen,
Is it possible to steam cook Tamales in a 18qt. roaster oven. If so, could you give me the instructions on placement of Tamales and how to keep them elevated while they're cooking. I sure would appreciate your help.I'm also "Wishing you all the Special Joys of this Thanksgiving Season." " Wobble till you Gobble", I always say. Sincerely, Joe
ellen
11/19/06
Joe, you have to have a deep rack to elevate them. The water will go underneath the rack. Most of the best tamale makers I know pack them vertical. You lose a lot of heat everytime you take the top off, so don't, except to add boilig water down the side.

Jnvert a heatproof mug in the center of the steamer. Arrange the tamales around the mug, open end up. Layer the tops of the tamales with the remaining husks, then cover with a lid (trim the tops of the wrappers, if necessary). Bring the water to a simmer by setting the roaster at 300 degrees and steam the tamales for about 1 1/2 hours, adding more water as necessary, until the husks peel away from the dough.

Maggie~
11/19/06
Toastmaster RST18 roaster oven 18 quart
I got this Toastmaster Roaster Oven from a friend. I did not get the manual with it. I need to know how to cook a 14lb. turkey in it... also would like to know where to find a manual. Thanks!~
Theresa
11/19/06
Nesco Roaster Oven/buffet inserts
Hi Ellen,
I was wondering if you had any information about other brands of buffet inserts fitting in a Nesco roaster oven. My mom has a Nesco, but we see GE all over the place and wondered if another brand would work in her roaster.

Thanks for any help you can give us!
Theresa

ellen
11/20/06
On the Nesco website they sell the inserts for the Nesco, under $40. But you have to know the model number, as there are two different sets for the various models. So, I would stick to the same brand- it appears they are not all interchangeable.
tw
11/20/06
i have a ge roaster, no manuel, lost it! i have a 20 lb turkey & want to stuff it. i can't remember what i did last year. can you help?
Paulette
11/20/06
I am planning on making a 12 lb. smoked turkey in my nesco roaster. How long and what temp. should I go with? Also, do I have to put water below the removable pan? I have been told to do this and am not sure why. Thanks.
ellen
11/20/06
Maggie, go to the Nesco website and look at all the recipes. most of the roasters use the same directions.

TW, 20 pounds is too big and IT MUST NOT BE STUFFED. Read the turkey thread and the top of this thread for why not.

Paulett, I assume this is already cooked. You will be reheating. Best to do sliced/ cut up, read the reheating article in the holiday cooking department of Big Pots. but even if whole, use a meat thermometer and bring to 150 only. Water is because the smoked turkey tends to be dry.

Mary
11/21/06
Ellen,
I have a 14.79 lb. Turkey so am I right that it would take 2-2 1/2 hrs in the 18 qt roaster?
BARB
11/21/06
a friend at work says she has cooked a 20lb turkey in her nesco for years and done so stuffed as well. she says she puts it in to cook at 10pm the night before on low and gets up in the morning and it's done and ready to carve at which time she slices and puts in a pan in the oven to keep warm. Says never had a problem with it getting brown..has anyone else cooked overnight?
ellen
11/21/06
Mary, at what temp?

Barb, the reason overnight cooking and very low temps are not used any more is the 20% e coli infection rate for modern turkeys. This never used to be a concern. You MUST get turkey above 140 within two hours and keep cooked turkey below 40 or above 140 to keep it safe.

Mary
11/22/06
Ellen,
The temp is at 325 degrees. In a browning bag does that still keep a turkey juicy and moist in the 18 qt roaster or is it better not to use the bag to keep him juicy and moist??
Mary
11/22/06
If I put the turkey in the oven first to brown him and then put him back in the roaster like you said above then will it still take the same amount of time to cook him in the roaster or will the time be shortened??
ellen
11/22/06
Because the roaster cooks with a moister heat, the turkey will brown but not stay crisp skinned if done in this order. That May be fine with you. The total ime (oven plus roaster) is usually the same as if one is used- do use your meat thermometer.

I generally don't use a browning bag in the roaster. Also, 2 1/2 hours may be the short side- I would start 3 1/2 hours ahead, remember it need to sit out after cooking for the resting time.

ellen
11/22/06
If you make an inquiry by email and don't get a reply, it didn't get through; I answer every email. If you posted to a long thread, it is possible I missed it. Post it as a new thread and I will see it.
ellen
11/22/06
Everything you need to know about turkey roasting is in the holiday cooking section and the recipe box "honorable turkey". For chickens, see "Roast chicken melee".
linda
11/22/06
I still dont quite understand, I put the water in the same pan that the turkey is in, I thought I removed the pan and put the water underneath? I am cooking 3 turkey breast that total about 18 pounds, is this okay
ellen
11/23/06
Linda, when cooking 3 pieces, you MUST use a meat thermometer- it takes about 1/2 hour longer than cooking the smallest one alone, it does not take as long as an 18 pound turkey. You want an internal temp of 140, then let stand at least 20 minutes before carving.
Most of the roasters have a rack. When I add liquid, I add it below the rack and put the meat on the rack. If the meat sits in liquid it changes the texture, but if you use a regular pan above the liquid to hold the meat, it blocks a lot of the moisture. Hope this helps.
Belinda
11/25/06
I have a Ge Electric roaster and would like to know if I can put the ROASTER INSERT PAN in the oven to cook the Turkey? Thank you so much.

Belinda

ellen
11/25/06
Is this the one that comes with the roaster? or one that came with another roasting pan? The basic thing is, you can put it in if it fits and does not raise the meat or whatever above about an inch below the to of the roaster. If you were going to fill it with a casserole, stuffing, etc, you would want it to leave an inch on all sides for better heat circulation.

Some roasters, even of the same brand, heat from coils around the sides and some from the bottom (design changes). This can effect the way heat distributes in the roaster, which may have a mild effect on how long it takes to cook an item and (if the heat is from the bottom) whether the roaster has a slight tendency to scorch the bottom before the rest gets done. Get to know your particular roaster.

Janet
12/13/06
Hi Ellen,

I have an 18 qt nesco oven roaster that I have never used but have cured. I am serving 35 people for dinner on Sunday and one of my dishes is a baked ziti. Can I assemble it and cook it right in the removeable non-stick well? What temp would I use and how long should I cook it. How many pounds of pasta would I be able to comfortably use so that everything cooks evenly. I see above you only recommend 4 inches of height for the Lasagna so does that apply for the baked ziti as well? Then can I turn down the temp to keep the baked ziti warm for a period of time since this will be a buffet? I appreciate you help. Thank you!

ellen
12/14/06
Yes, it should be just about perfect for this chore. Do use plenty of Pam to coat, and I even dust with the ground Parmesan cheese instead of flour. You want about 3 1/2 to 4 pounds dry for a side dish, up to 7 pounds for a main dish entree.

Because you can stir the ziti a few times as it starts, you can go a bit thicker than 4 inches- move the cool middles to the edges- put the topping on toward the end- the last 40 minutes or so. Do keep at 300-325 for tender delicious and not dry- and do keep the cover on. Turn down to 180 and keep covered until ready to serve

Janet
12/14/06
Thanks for the quick reply Ellen. You have been a great help and I now have the confidence to try this nesco roaster out. I will follow your instructions. I plan on doing 6lbs of dry pasta (this is one of two main dishes I am serving). When I usually make baked ziti I assemble it the day before and then take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before putting in the oven at 350 for about 90 minutes. Do you think I can assemble it for the nesco roaster oven the same way? I have an extra refrigerator that can accommodate the 18 qt non-stick roaster insert that goes in the well. Should I preheat the nesco before putting the assembled ziti that has been refrigerated overnight in the non-stick insert into the well? Can I put it right in or should I let the ziti come to more of a room temp first? About (rough estimate) how long would you guess 6 lbs of ziti should cook for total? I will put the cheese topping on like you suggested for the last 40 minutes. Also would it be helpful to put foil over the ziti before the lid goes on to keep more moisture in? I do so appreciate all your tips and am looking forward to trying this out come Sunday.

I wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season and a blessed New Year.

ellen
12/14/06
Lucky you about the extra refrigerator. Yes you can assemble in generally the same way, with several cautions:

The usual pan of ziti is 2-3 inches deep. The 4 inch or deeper roaster pan will NOT CHILL nearly as quickly, which leaves the middle at the danger zone (40-140) for too long. Make the pasta and cool/chill it, then also cool the sauces before assembling the casserole, then put the assembled dish straight into the refrigerator.

Don't let it sit out for more than 1/2 hour before heating. If you do not preheat, put it straight from the fridge to the roaster. If you do preheat, the half hour out is OK.

Allow 3 hours for cooking time. You probably won't need that long, but you do not want to turn it up and scorch it, and you can always turn to 180 and hold for an hour or more if it gets ahead of you (and will it smell great).

HOW TO TELL IT IS DONE:

Use a meat thermometer or an instant read thermometer to check the temp in the middle of the dish. It is done and safe to eat at 160 degrees. If your sauce has eggs, be SURE to get it to 160.

If this works great for you how about sharing your recipe- everyone loves tried and true pasta recipes for the roaster!

ellen
12/14/06
PS Happy holidays to you, too.
Janet
12/15/06
Thanks again for your quick and complete reply. Yes, I do mix eggs in with the ricotta cheese so I am glad you mentioned the thermometer reading. I will check that carefully and I will let you know how it goes early next week. Have a peaceful and joyful weekend everyone.
Renate
12/15/06
I NEED to stuff my 15lb turkey so.. reading all your posts says that I have to roast it in the oven and not in my 18qt roaster, to make sure it cooks properly. I always make an extra pan of stuffing, so can I place my ceramic/glass baking dish in my roaster? If so, judging by your posts again, I have to place my ceramic dish on the roasting rack but I am a bit confused if I should or should not put water in the bottom of the roaster? The rack practically sits on the bottom of the roaster as it is, maybe raising the pan about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
ellen
12/16/06
Hi, Renate,

Yes you can cook the extra pan in your roaster, no problem. You do not need to add water- the stuffing has sufficient moisture. The roaster rack just helps the heat circulate.

The best way to not dry out the turkey is to brine the turkey overnight before stuffing.

When I want turkey flavor stuffing without overcook9ing the white meat, I butterfly or spatchcock the turkey down the spine. Put the stuffing in the pan, open the turkey on a rck above it- faster cooking, turkey flavor dressing, no overcooked white meat.

Pam
12/16/06
I would like to cook a large prime rib for Christmas. How large of a roast can I cook and does anyone have any cooking tips?
Jan
12/23/06
Rival 18 quart roaster
I am planning on doing an 18 lb. spiral ham in the roaster. How long do I plan for roasting? Do I add water? Thank you
Michele
12/24/06
Help! My oven is on the blink and I have an 18 lb. prime rib with the bone to cook for tomorrow's Christmas dinner. I do, however, have an electric roaster that I have made turkeys in. I am in dire straigts with 14 people coming for dinner and no working oven. Can I cook the prime rib ($125 that I don't want to waste by cooking incorrectly) in the roaster oven?
I would appreciate a speedy response, as you can imagine!
Thanks, Michele
ellen
12/24/06
Jan, this is one time when a roasting bag is a great help- these hams are usually sold fully cooked, so you are reheating. Pop the ham in with 1/2 cup juice (pineapple, orange, apple) seal it up and reheat at 325 at least 1 hour, until it is as hot as you want it all the way through.

Michele, you can absolutely do this roast in the roaster, although you will not have the crackly outside. Use a meat thermometer, it cooks a bit faster than in the regular oven.

Pam and Michele, here is the procedure. It works for any size roast up to a full 7 rib 22 pounder.

Preheat the oven. Rub on your rub or seasonings.

Cook at 250, allowing 10 minutes per pound for the roast, then turn down to 140 and hold at least 4-6 hours-(can hold up to 10). Don't lift the lid if you can help it during the cooking time, and minimally during the holding time. You will have a beautiful raost that will be medium rare all the way through and shrink less than 10% instead of the 25% that is typical with higher heats.

Pam, in a regular oven, you can put it in at a preheated 450 for 10 minutes, then turn to 250, for a bit of crackcle on the skin.

chris
12/27/06
I recieved a hamilton beach 18 quart roaster fo Christmas, i would like a recipie on how to cook 2 5-8 pound beef roasts.
what temp, how long and any other suggestions you can give.
Thank you Chris
ellen
12/28/06
It depends on the cut of beef- top round roast is different from sirloin tip, which is different from chuck, etc.
However, the basic deal is, one larger is easier to cook right than two smaller. But if you must do two smaller, get two as close to the same size as you can find, pick the time based on the smaller then add 30 minutes max for the second. Put a meat thermometer in the smaller, pull it when it is done to your taste (remember that it will go up 5-10 degrees while standing), put the thermometer in the second and pull when it is done to your taste.
For pot roast type roast, I do 1 hour at 300 for the first pound, turn down to 200 and do 40-50 minutes per pound for the second pound and up. The more marbling or fat in the meat, the faster it cooks. The more bone, the faster it cooks.

Seasoning- if your seasoning has a LITTLE salt, it pulls protein juices to the surface that help with browning/caramelizing.

Michele
12/28/06
Can I deep fry things in my roaster? I need to make a large amount of egg rolls and was wondering if I could use large amounts of oil in it and it doesn't say anything about deep frying in the manual. Thanks a bunch!
ellen
12/29/06
ABSOLUTELY NO!!! It is not a deep fryer and you run the risk of fire. Like setting the oil on fire and burning down the house, I mean. You might consider purchasing a home deep fryer or a large electric frying pan, both of which would be OK for this job
Jan
01/15/07
Can I make split pea soup in the roaster?
ellen
01/15/07
Yes, keep temp at 259--300
Paula
01/27/07
Center pork roast
How long should you cook a center pork roast? Whats the best way to cook it Let me know for the crock pot and the oven Thank-you
John
01/31/07
CAB beef round/whole eye round C.O.V. ?

Help! Whats the best way to cook this in my roaster? Thanks!
John
PS 6.69lbs.

ellen
02/01/07
Paula, and john, Both cuts are lean and not well marbled, so low slow heat is very important. Use a low sided uncovered pan.

Paula, I usually rub all over with herbs and garlic, cut a hole through the middle and stuff with dried fruits soaked in a little rum, brandy, peach schnapps or fruit juice, then roast at 250 for about 50 minutes to 1 hour per pound. I check it with a meat thermometer in the meat, to 155 degrees, then tent for 1/2 hour before slicing.
Crockpot, low, 8 hours.

John I like my beef medium rare. I would rub in the desired rub, 10 minutes at 425 with the fat side up, then turn oven to 250. Then roast at 250 for about 40 minutes per pound. I check it with a meat thermometer in the meat, to 125 degrees, then tent for 1/2 hour before slicing.

Darlene
02/11/07
I just received the Toastmaster 18qt Roaster Oven from a friend. It didn't have an operating manual. Any idea where I can get one? Thanks!
ellen
02/12/07
Yes, you can use the Nesco manual, site url given above.
ellen
02/12/07
I believe Sears still sells these, if so you can order the manual from their parts department.
dian
02/14/07
We are having a dinner party for 100 people. My question is after I have warmed the loaved of bread in the oven can I wrap them in foil and keep them warm in my electric roaster for about an hour as I need my ovens to finish other things
ellen
02/20/07
Yes. Should be fine.
emily
02/21/07
how long would it take to boil
how long would it take for each of these things to boil if there was a cup of each one and with\ch one would be fastest second and slowest
vinegar: gatorade: syrup:
ellen
02/28/07
Emily, you can do this as a science project in your microwave. Put in all three and just watch. Then clean up the boil overs...
sherry
03/04/07
Help Ellen, I have an 18qt Nesco slow cooker and I really needa good recipe for corned beef and cabbage for 12 Please help?
Shirley Dye
03/09/07
I want to make Bar B Que ribs for a group of 10. How would you reccomend I prepare them in my electric roaster/ What temperature and for how many hours. Thank you
ellen
03/10/07
Sherry, you want a piece at least 6 pounds- 8 would be better. 3 pounds cabbage, 4-5 pounds potatoes, 2-3 pounds carrots. You want any of the simmer in the oven recipes widely availabvle on the web, such as:

www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,baked_corned_beef_brisket,FF.html

Shirley, I would use the make ahead recipe for jerk ribs in my bbq section, make 12 pounds, and then finish/ reheat in the roaster. It has moist heat, not the best for BBQ style ribs.

Diane
03/14/07
I have a GE 18 qt roaster. I want to cook my corned beef&cabbage with all the fixins. How long do I cook it, and what temp. I have 8lbs of corned beef. Thank You
ellen
03/15/07
See the baked corn beef brisket link in the answer right above, set the roaster to 250 and treat it like a slow cooker. Steam the cabbage separately the last 1/2 hour so it doesn't overcook.
Rebecca
03/22/07
I have Rival 18 qt Roaster and would like a recipe for veggies (potato, carrots, greenbeans, etc.) to serve at least 30. It's a BBQ side dish.
ellen
03/23/07
See the link at the top of this page for the Nesco recipe book link.
Connie
03/23/07
I am making two 9 lb boneless pork loins for a party and was wondering how long to cook in the roaster.

I also need to bake a total of 30 lb boneless, not precooked, ham.

And I need to warm commercially packed, pre-cooked, frozen turkey. For one meal I need to make about 15 lbs and for a second meal I am cooking about 30 lbs of the turkey. It is mostly white meat.

ellen
03/24/07
connie, for reheating the turkey see the article on reheating tirkey in the top of the Big Pots section.

Boneless not precooked ham cooks just a little faster than boneless pork roast. For multiple roasts:
# Preheat the oven at least 1/2 hour, especially if doing more than one roast. Place rack in the lowest position so the the middle of the roast will be in the middle of the oven.
# Remove roasts from refrigerator 1/2 to 2 hours before cooking.
# Trim most fat from roasts, leaving an even layer over the top to self-baste while cooking; season. If you are a garlic family, stab all over with a thin knife and slide in bits of garlic to taste.
# Place on racks fat side up in shallow roasting pans, grouping roasts by size. Do not cover; do not add liquid unless you are making a covered pot roast type roast.
# Insert ovenproof meat thermometer into center of smallest roast so that tip is not touching fat or gristle. Place your thermometer in the middle of the piece in a nice solid muscle.
# For a more potroast-y effect, you seal it all up in a foil package with the tight multifolded closures that don't leak. If you do it this way and want saucy gravy, for a 20 pound roast put a cup of dried onion flakes, about 6-8 cups (6 cans) of thick cream sauce or cream of mushroom soup on top the roast before sealing.
# Conventional oven; 325°F. Convection oven: 275°F. Roast in preheated oven about 13 minutes per pound until internal temperature of the smallest roast reaches 155°F. Remove from pan at desired temperature.
# Transfer thermometer to next larger roast and repeat procedure until all roasts are cooked. This usually takes no more than 1/2 to 1 hour additional if the roasts are close to the same size. Same size may finish at the same time.
# As you remove each roast from the oven, tent it with aluminum foil; let it "rest" at least 15, up to 60 minutes to redistrubute juices and finish cooking. Temperature will continue to rise 5°F to 10°F. Allow for this further cooking when calculating what temperature to pull out the roast at.

Ronnie
03/31/07
Kenmore 18 qt. Roaster with Buffet Server
I was planning on cooking 15 lbs. of boneless pork ribs but cannot find the manuel for the time, temp. and recipe for this. Can you help?
ellen
03/31/07
This is basically chuck. Look at the new pages page and go to the beef roasting page for basics- use the high-low method- go by the heaviest single piece.
Ronnie
04/01/07
I am needing your help for the time and temperature to cook the ribs, I have misplaced the manuel and don't have any pages to refer.
ellen
04/03/07
You dont say what type of recipe, so here is one that is BBQ type.

You want about a gallon of whatever sauce you are going to use, and a good big onion for each 3-5 pounds of meat. You will brown in the regular oven, then simmer in the roaster.

Rub your meat with whatever dry rub or spice you want.

Put half the chopped onion in a large covered oven pan, a turkey roaster type is perfect. After trimming excess fat, the ribs go in next and the rest of the onion over the top. Pour 1 or 2 cups of lemon juice or dilute vinegar over the ribs, then brown in the oven for 45 minutes, uncovered.

While the ribs are browning, combine the rest of the sauce in a large pot and slowly bring to a simmer on top of the oven.

When the ribs have browned, pour off most of the liquid (mostly fat) in the pan (save the onion). Transfer to the roaster, which you have heavily sprayed with non-stick spray. Add the sauce. It should be enough to fully cover the ribs.

Cover the roaster tightly and bake at 375 degrees for 2 hours. Uncover the pan and bake for about 30 minutes more until the sauce cooks down. The meat should just about fall apart and the sauce is about half its original volume.

Ronnie
04/04/07
Ellen, you are wonderful. Thank you so much!
Eric Grandstaff
04/06/07
NESCO Roast-Air 6 (qt.??)
Ellen,

Hi! My wife and I inherited my recently-deceased mother-in-law's NESCO Roast-Air 6 (I assume this means a six quart unit). The unit comes with an add-on fan to produce what I assume will be a convection oven effect.

The problem is that we don't have the manual. I would like to cook a duck in it, but am uncertain about the time to cook it using the fan. Also, should I add water in the bottom of the insert for moistness. Also need temperature, time to cook, and any manner in which the glaze (a l'orange) should be applied.

I've done this on my new outdoor DuKane rotisserie, but the NESCO is a new challenge without the manual. AND, you might not want to refer your writers to the NESCO manual site, as they've taken down the manuals to many of their "legacy" products.

Thank you!

Eric

ellen
04/07/07
I would not put water in the bottom, but would spray with non-stick spray. You want crisp, not moist. Use the fan, drop the temp 25-40 degrees from a standard oven. Use a thermometer to check doneness, and just experiment a bit.

You might consider checking EBay and putting a want ad up. I have gotten several manuals this way.

Marilynn T.
04/07/07
I want to cook my 15 pound easter ham in my GE roaster, but I want to use a cooking bag. Would you recommend it?
ellen
04/07/07
It won't hurt to use a cooking bag, but, since the roaster cooks moister than a regular oven, it is not essential. happy Easter.
Sarah
04/07/07
Ellen,
I'm cooking 2, 6 pound, eat before serving butt end hams in my nesco roaster. I was wondering if I should cook for the 20-25 minutes per pound adding the two for a total of 12 pounds, or just 20-25 for 6 pounds, adding a little extra time since there are two hams. I appreciate the suggestions, I'm new to cooking for large groups. Thanks.
ellen
04/08/07
Cook for one, use a thermometer to check internal temp. It may take a bit longer because there are two, about a half hoir.
Eric Grandstaff
04/08/07
Duck
Thanks very much, Ellen. Should I use the rack; I don't want the duck to sit in the drippings, do I?
ellen
04/10/07
Right, definitely use the rack.
SUSAN A.
04/22/07
NESCO roaster oven 18 quart
Hi Ellen! First, I want to say how helpful this Website is! Thanks a bunch!!! Here's my question...
I've roasted lots of foods in my 18 qt. roaster, but never baked. When baking homemade yeast rolls, cakes, etc. do I use the cover? My instict says yes, but how do they brown and not get too moist with the lid on???
ellen
04/24/07
Absolutely use the olid, preheat thoroughly, and don't lift the lid until you think it is about done. The oven does run abit moist, but this actually helps yeast doughs.
Barb
05/02/07
I would like to use a GE roaster to make appetizer type meatballs for 100 at my son's graduation. I'm going to purchase the precooked meatballs frozen and just mix up some sauce and put them all in the roaster and let it go.

Questions: Do I need some kind of insert for the roaster or can I just put them directly into it? Do I need to thaw the meatballs first? I purchased 16 pounds of meatballs. Does this sound about right for a side dish? (We are also serving subs, pasta salad and cheesy potatoes, plus fruit and veggies, dessert.) Do you think this many meatballs will fit in an 18-quart roaster or will I also need some crockpots as well? How high should I set the temp?

Thanks so much. I read through the pertinent threads and didn't find any that answered all my questions. If you have other suggestions, please suggest away!

Marilyn Graden
05/02/07
I want to bake chicken breasts wrapped with bacon and covered with sauce. Does this need to be put in another pan, put on the rack, or can it be directly on the bottom of the pan. While I am asking,can a rice casserole be placed on the bottom of the roaster or does it need to be placed on the rack. Desperate for quick answer.
ellen
05/02/07
Barb, Keep heat at 200=225, cook from frozen allowing at least 4 hours to heat (if thawed overnight in fridge you still need 2 1/2 hours). One roaster is enough. You might allow 20 pounds if it is teens.

Marilyn you can do either way. If direct in the pan, use plenty of non-stick spray, keep heat at 325 or below , think of it as a giant crock pot with 200 as low and 300 as high. Allow extra time if frozen- you can always turn down to 180 to keep warm.

Marilyn
05/03/07
Thanks for reply. Want to do recipe that I do in regular oven at 275 for 3 hrs. My roaster ovens are only available cooking source at work.
Going to try - will let you know if it works or if I am looking for a new job.
Wendy
05/23/07
Can I bake appetizers in this roaster over? I want to bake chicken skewers, shrimp toast and rumaki. Would I put these on a cookie sheet and put them on a rack in the roaster?
ellen
05/24/07
Wendy, yes, and you do use a single layer of cookie sheet. The shrimp toast will mot get quite as crisp as in a regular oven the others will be the same.
Talayna
05/29/07
Hi I am going to use my roaster ovens to cook my greenbeans with mushroom soup and also baked beans. Could you tell me the temp I should use and also how long before the party should I turn it on? Thank You
ellen
05/30/07
If you are cooking directly in the pan- such as a giant slow cooker, keep the temp at 300, covered. If you are reheating cooked baked beans, allow 2 hours nor more- you can turn down to 165-180 to hold. The green beans will take 2 hours, or a littlr longer if cooking from frozen.
ROOSTER
06/14/07
Ellen;I'm planning on cooking 4 Beef Briskets, each weighting 8Lbs.I have four oven cookers available..I want to cook them slow and long.. I have a special 24 hour dry rub I'm using to marinade..What is the best temp for my madness, and how long should I go???. Can I take them out and put them between two racks over coals and brown them after they are done in the oven cooker???.Will they fall apart if I cook them to long???....I'm also cooking 4 Boston Pork Butts, each weighting 7-8 Lbs. to make the perfect pulled pork..I'm using a dry rub to marinade for 24 hours also.Once again; what temp do you recommend and for how long should I cook them??.Please give me any of your secrets that might make these two MEATS a hit..I'll probably cook the Pork first and let it cool a bit before pulling, then I'll tackle the Briskets..Thank You..
ellen
06/14/07
Brisket is a coarse-grained, fatty meat. I would not try to brown over coals after, if I wanted to do that, I would do it first, before putting them in the roasters. You could do two in a standard 18 quart roaster. Put a big layer of sliced onions on the bottom of the roaster pan, which you have previously sprayed heavily with Pam, and a rack on the bottom, so they stand above their juices, you don't want boiled. After browning, which you could also do in a preheated oven at 425 for 20 minutes or so, bake at 200-225 about 50 minutes per pound. Internal temp wise, what you want to do is to get them to 150-160 and hold there for many hours as they get more and more tender.

As for pulled pork, here is a recipe for 8 pounds from a Carolina cook that is about as good as you can find. Note that this amount of sauce is only for 8 pounds meat, you will need 4 times as much for your 32 pounds.

2 pork butts, 3 to 4 pounds each, untrimmed (can sub shoulders)

Sauce:
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup molasses
1 head garlic, broken into unpeeled cloves
2 Tb. whole cumin seeds
3 Tb. whole coriander seeds
1 Tb. whole black peppercorns
8 small dried red chiles
2 bay leaves
3 Tb. tomato paste
3 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 quart distilled white vinegar
4 cups water
1/4 cup salt

Combine the honey, molasses, garlic, cumin, coriander, peppercorns, chiles and bay leaves in a large stockpot, over medium-low heat. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The garlic will darken, and the mixture will be very thick and fragrant. Add the tomato paste and tomatoes; cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the vinegar, water and salt. The sauce should be thin. Simmer, uncovered, for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Set aside half the sauce for marinating the pork. Let the remaining sauce cool and fish out any large pieces of garlic peel. Puree the remaining sauce in a blender (some spices will remain whole). The sauce should be rather watery and look like a brothy tomato soup.

One or two days before cooking (much preferably two), put the pork in a container just large enough to hold it and deep enough for the reserved sauce to cover it. Cover the container and refrigerate, turning the pork half-way through the marinating period.

At this point, you're finally ready to cook the pork. I have tried this in a number of methods and variations, but have settled on a two-step process that works great. I cook half-way in the oven (before basting is necessary and saving propane) and half-way on a grill using indirect heat (making it easier to baste and adding the barbecue flavor you need). The formula is 2 hours per pound (or cooked to an internal temperature between 150 to 160 degrees).

Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees. Put the pork, fat side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Leave in oven three hours (for six pounds) or four hours (for eight pounds). Remove to pre-heated grill, but with low, indirect heat (should be about the same 200 degrees as your oven). Baste with the pureed sauce every 30 minutes, until done, turning once (this second half of cooking will take as long as the first, if your grill is correctly regulated). Let the pork cool.

Chop and shred the pork. You can either slice it or pull it apart with your fingers (thus the name, "pulled pork"). For slicing, cut the pork across the grain, in half-inch slices. For pulling, start pulling at the meat with a fork, then attack with your fingers. Discard any unrendered fat.

With a large knife, roughly chop the pork coarse. Put the chopped pork in a large bowl with some more of the pureed sauce; the amount is up to you (I'd go a little at a time, and test along the way). Serve the pork warm (no problem with a microwave; it's plenty juicy -- if you cooked it right) with a little more sauce on the side, for your bolder eaters.

It's a lot of work and that's why I usually go 8 pounds, so I can freeze half and eat it a few months from now. I figure if I'm going to this much trouble, I might as well make as much as the sauce can handle (8 pounds being the top end). Enjoy and tell any friends in Asheville or Memphis that you've got 'em beat.

**MID-SOUTH CAROLINA MUSTARD SAUCE***
1 cup cider vinegar
6 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons salt
ground black pepper

And...Here's a great spicy chili rub to use before cooking...

***SPICY CHILLI RUB***
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground oregano
4 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon white pepper

Enjoy....

ROOSTER
06/15/07
Hey Ellen; about that pulled pork we talked about yesterday, can I cook the 32 Lbs. of boston butt a week before its needed, add the sauce to the meat and freeze it in my food saver bags till the party???.I'm planning on heating it in the GE roaster oven and letting everyone serve their selves from it..I really like that sauce recipe you gave me, thanks alot..I'm going to run a test run this week on one boston butt, and one brisket...Let you no how the gang likes them...
ellen
06/15/07
If I food-saver bagged it, I would probably thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in boiling water- no chance of scorch- if you do heat in the roaster, be sure it is thawed, keep heat at 250 and allow 2 1/2 to 3 hours to heat. Use an instant read thermometer to keep temp above 160.
Colleen
06/17/07
Rival Roaster Oven - Lost Manual! Help!!
Help! I lost the manual and do not know how to cook a 7 pound pot roast let alone turn the thing on. Can anyone help?? Thanks so much in advance!
ellen
06/18/07
Here is the web page to download current rival manuals. I assume that this is one of the new digital ones that you can't just plug in and turn on.

www.rivalproducts.com/help.aspx?helpNav=5

They have an email to contact for customer service at that site.

You use the same recipe you would in an oven or crockpot. Several other roaster companies have manuals you can download and print, with recipes. Try Nesco and GE.

lisa
07/09/07
I'm planning a party next month and plan on using roaster ovens to help with food prep and serving.

I'm making 2 different appetizers, both of which I will make in advance, freeze, and then (hopefully) put in the roaster the day of the party.

One appetizer is spreading cream of mushroom soup on slices of break, rolling it up, wrapping bacon around it, and securing with a toothpick. My recipe says it doesn't have to be thawed before baking. They are baked until the bread is toasty and the bacon cooked. Should I adjust my temperature or cooking time if I place these in my roaster to bake them? I plan on using 4 loaves of bread to make them. If they don't fit in a single layer in my roaster, can I layer them? Once they are cooked, should I be able to just turn the roaster down to a minimal temp to keep them warm?

I'm also making egg rolls (baked, not fried). The ingredients will be precooked, then rolled in wonton paper. I plan to freeze them at this point, then bake them the day of the party. Will I need to thaw these before baking? I have the same kinds of questions regarding the use of the roaster--the same temp I would use my oven for? Layering?

Thanks!

ellen
07/09/07
The biggest issue is how moist the roasters cook. Thus frozen adds additional moisture. Stick to a single layer, or even better, cook in the regular oven and hold in the roasters.
The bacon appetizer would be improved with the addition of the thinnest possible layer of apricot jam, or consider using whole dates with bacon wrap. Addictive and no sog.
lisa
07/21/07
Thanks for your help. I have another question with regards to the baked eggrolls. We're going to make and freeze them. We will thaw them out and then bake them the morning of the party. How do I keep them crispy? When they come out of the oven, is it best to put them in an already warm roaster and keep them warm so they won't sweat?
ellen
07/22/07
Baked egg rolls just don't get or stay as crisp as fried. I suggest you make a test portion, freeze, oven-bake, the try reheating and/or keeping warm as you hope to in the roasters. You need enough roasters to do single layer, not touching, and the convection lids with the fans would be best. Also, be sure to PREHEAT
Brenda
08/07/07
Good morning Ellen; I'm roasting two 9 lb.pork butts (for pulled-pork)in my GE this friday..After I pull it and prepare it, can I leave the pulled pork in the oven to keep warm and serve it right from the oven roaster??Should I put foil down or what??How would you keep it heated???
ellen
08/07/07
You don't say how long you need to hold it. After you prepare it, hold it at 150 to 160 degrees, covered. This is good for about 2 hours.
ellen
08/07/07
You don't say how long you need to hold it. After you prepare it, hold it at 150 to 160 degrees, covered. This is good for about 2 hours.
Brenda
08/07/07
Ellen; I'm making it the day before,about (18-24 hours) before we eat..Should I put the pulled pork into a crockpot instead of the GE roaster oven to keep it warm??Will keeping it warm all that time change the flavor or texture??how would you keep the pork, if you had to cook it the day before??
ellen
08/07/07
Do NOT hold hot for 24 hours!!! Refrigerate overnight in pans or baggies (depth 2 inches or less to allow safe, fast chilling). Reheat at 250 in roaster for 2-3 hours (use a thermometer to check- temp in center 150 or higher) then turn down to 160 and hold covered for serving. A roaster is just a big crockpot- 160-170 equals keep warm, 200 equals low, 300 (approximately) equals hot. If you try to hold hot this long, you will have mush.
JANET
08/08/07
ELLEN, I HAVE A NINE POUND BEEF BRISKET THAT I HAVE RUB WITH A NICE DRY RUB,(b.sugar,kosher salt,paprika,,gar.pwd.,on.pdw.,cayenne pep.,and cumin.).I'VE WRAP IT IN PLASTIC WRAP AND REFRIGERATING IT.CAN I LEAVE IT INTO THE FRIG. FOR TWO DAYS BEFORE I COOK IT?
ellen
08/08/07
Absolutely. Take out about an hour before you plan to roast it.
RK
08/08/07
Great info Ellen. Still somewhat confused about the use of water when roasting. I just bought an old Kenmore 18qt, has main pan (with element under), an insert pan (almost same size). adjustable racks and aluminum lid. I want to use it as a "warmer" for polish sausages after grilling. Where does the water or beer go? Just under the rack in the removable pan...or under the removable pan?
Thanks...I'll be searching for a manual.
ellen
08/08/07
Yoou want the steam right under the dogs, so put it in the insert pan under racks and the sausages on top. The old terms for the main pan and the insert pan are the heatwell and the cookwell. EBay for the manual.
Cheri
08/22/07
I am cooking pork roasts in my pressure cooker to make BBQ pork, that I want to heat and serve in my 18 quart electric roaster how many pounds of meat will this hold?
ellen
08/22/07
To improve the meat flavor, use a dry rub before putting it in the pressure cooker.
About 30 pounds meat plus the sauce is pretty much the max per roaster, 25 more usual- I express it by, one roaster full of anything generally serves 50.
marge
08/23/07
Do you have a good receipe for lasagna to serve about 30people and bake in a roaster oven?
ellen
08/23/07
The bulk lasagna on the lotsa pasta page is good and will bake up just fine in the oven. If you cook it directly in the cook well (the removable, oven-size liner) be SURE to use lots of Pam, keep the heat below 325 and keep the depth below 4 inches, or the edges will get too dry before the middle gets done.
Ann Pieper
08/27/07
How long and at what temperature would I cook cheesy potatoes for 100 people in an 18 quart roaster?
ellen
08/28/07
Please see the thread"baking cheesy potatoes in an electric roaster", currently dated 6/29, for recipes and tips.
Sarah
09/01/07
Pam Cooking Spray
I used Pam on a glass 9 x 13 dish, but, unfortunetly it burned/baked on the glass handles/edges of the dish and I would like to know how to clean this up.

Thank you in advance.
Sarah

ellen
09/01/07
This is baked on grease, and you want a good degreaser- let it sit in it, then scrub. You may need several rounds. Ypu can turn it upside down and soak on a cookie sheet.
robin
09/03/07
I need to cook enough thighs and small chicken breasts in a tomato sauce for 40 people. How long should I cook this and at what temperature? Thanks
ellen
09/03/07
One roaster is about e right sthize for this amount.

Here is a TNT saucy chicken recipe from recipezaar with adaptation from oven to electric roaster. Yours should do the same.

One caution, if you brown the chicken on the stove top first, which enriched the flavor, the cooking time is reduced about 1/4. Also, the small breasts will be oversone if you cook them as long as the thighs. Put them in about 1/2 hour later.

Teriyaki Chicken
Recipe #1392742 ratings
So good it falls off the bone! Men CRAVE this chicken recipe! This can also be done in an electric roaster if you're making bulk to feed a crowd.
by Froggie Jones
4 servings 2¼ hours 15 min prep

4-6 chicken pieces (skinned thighs and legs are best!)
1 cup soy sauce
1 1/2-2 cups dark brown sugar (to taste)
4 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Peel and mince garlic. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger until sugar has dissolved. Put chicken in 9x13 pan and pour teriyaki sauce over it. Cover tightly with foil and bake for at least one hour or until chicken is cooked through. I bake it for about 2 1/2 hours and the chicken is falling off the bone! I usually double the sauce for extra on rice.
*This is even better if you marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours in the sauce before cooking - especially before grilling.
**If cooking in an electric roaster, make sure you have enough sauce to cover chicken. Bake covered at 325 degrees for about 4 hours.

harold
09/15/07
Kenmore roaster oven 18 quart
kenmore 18 qt roaster cooking 8 lb boston butt 9-11 hours @ 250 degrees? thanks!
ellen reference 08/08/06
ellen
09/15/07
this is for pulled (shredded) pork sandwiches. If you are slicing, start checking temp at 5 hours- you only want 165 degrees.
Jamie
09/19/07
Kenmore 18 quart roaster oven
HELP! I have a Kenmore 18 quart roaster oven and no manual.. So I did what you have advised other's with the same problem and well I got no where with Sears or Kenmore.. This model is no longer available.. So I was wondering if you knEw someone that would be willing to copy theirs... I would greatly appreciate this...
ellen
09/19/07
The only difference among the roasters is that nesco has the coil around the sides rather than at the bottom, making it a little better for the slow-cooker type recipes that fill the whole roaster.
You can use any manual for recipes for the roaster. Check EBay- there are always several available and you might even find one for the Kenmore.
Sue
10/12/07
scalloped potatoes
Hi Ellen,
I am planning to cook 5 lbs of scalloped potatoes in a 350 degree oven. How long should I cook them for?
Thanks
ellen
10/12/07
If the milk or sauce you put on is warm/just made, about 2 hours, depends somewhat on the size and depth of the pan. If it is cold/refrigerated, about double!
mike
10/30/07
roaster oven 18 quart
A simple recipe to cook a 10 lb. Prime Rib roast ( boneless )in our elecric roaster. From start to end.
Thanks
ellen
10/31/07
Buy a good meat thermometer. Use the roast beef guide in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. As I have said before in a roaster thread, this is one item I don't cook in the raoster unless it has the convection feature, because- unlike a turkey or chicken- I think it tastes better and makes a better crust in the dry heat of the regular oven.
Marilyn
11/05/07
Rival 18 Quart Roaster Oven
I received a Rival 18 quart Roaster Oven for Christmas about four years ago. I did not receive an instruction book with it, so I am very leary to use it. I did try a roast chicken with dressing and just treated it like an over and it came out okay, guessing how long it would take. I am sure there is more to its uses than that. Can you help me? Where might I get an instruction book???
ellen
11/05/07
You can actually download an instruction book from the folks at Rival.

These ovens cook a little faster and moister than standard ovens, will do almost anything an oven will do, and are great as giant crockpots when you need to cook 30-60 servings of something. In the summer, you can set it outside and avoid heating up your kitchen! They are so versatile, I am considering setting up a second website dedicated just to electric roasters.

There are severa, recipes on this site in the various electtric roaster threads, take a look. Once you get used to using it, yoou will be amazed that you got along without it.

Sheryll
11/12/07
Is it possible to cook a meatloaf or rolls or other "oven" type foods in an electric roaster or should a toaster oven be purchased instead? I have a family member with no oven and I would like to purchase something as a gift that will replace an oven for family meals. Thank you
ellen
11/12/07
The roaster is MUCH better than the toaster oven for this. See the recipes at the Nesco or Hamilton Beach website. You can do oven meals with the meat, starch and sessert in 3 loaf pans in the roaster.
Sheryll
11/12/07
Thank you for the sites, I did find several recipes that will be nice to use. I guess it's just trial and error for anything else. Could you put a meatloaf into a pan, put a "tray" in the bottom under it and cook like an oven? I am really curious about this. Thank you again.
ellen
11/12/07
Origial equipment for these roasters usually includes a rack which you fill and lower into the cookwell (the removable liner) for baking and oven type use. Makes it easy to gat the hot pans out, too. Yhese can be reordered. In the meantime I would use a metal cookie rack not a tray, so you have hot air all around. Do NOT cook in the heatwell without the removable liner- itis way to hard to clean up.
Sheryll
11/12/07
cookie rack was what I was thinking too. I will definitly tell her to LEAVE THE LINER IN! If you ever hear of a recipe book that caters to the electric roaster I would be happy to read it on this site. Again many thanks for your help, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a very merry Christmas.
lois
11/13/07
I have an 8lb rib eye roast (no bones) that I would like to cook in my GE roaster oven as my over space is very limited. i would like it to be med to medium well.

Thanks

Lois

ellen
11/13/07
See the article on roasting beef in the holiday cooking section. Be SURE to preheat the oven to help with the timing, and use a meat thermometer. Take out at 130 (why are you cooking it so done?)
Jean
11/13/07
My new NESCO came today. Never tried one before, but have other slow cookers. NOW my problem---I have an 8 lbs. honey baked ham. I need to "fix" it for tomorrow but want that carmalized crunchie top-----How do I get that in the cooker???? My common sense says sometime it will have to go into the regular oven under the broiler etc. to get that. With this new "does all cooker" am I wrong??
ellen
11/13/07
Hi, Jean,
Unless you have one of the roasters with the convection top feature, you have picked the one thing this oven really does not do very well. They are great for heating the ham- don't dry it out- but to get that crunchy bit, yes, under the broiler would be the option.
Vicki
11/17/07
Nesco 4 Roaster Oven, Cat #4101-05
Help! I found a Nesco Roaster Oven in my Mom's storage bldg. It has no manual. Can you tell me how to cook a small turkey? Do I put water in the bottom, oil, Pam, and do I put the bird on the roaster rack? It also had a small glass tray inside.
Thanks much.
ellen
11/17/07
You can download the manual! See the web address on the thread right below this, lost manual- I posted the Nesco manual link. Turkey directions are there. Don't stuff it. Do check with a real thermometer.
Rindy
11/17/07
I have two Questions,
1. I normally cook my turkey in a oven in a turkey bag. It comes out very moist. But this year I have the rival 18qt roaster oven and want to use this to free up my reg. oven. Can I use the Turkey bag in this or just place on the rack and leave alone and it will be just as moist?
2. Can I cook bbq ribs in this and get them as moist as a reg. oven?
ellen
11/17/07
This cooks more moist than a regular oven for ribs or for turkey. Bags are not recommended, a lady on another thread had them melt to the sides of the roasters she was using. It should be fine just in the roasting rack- Nesco recommends removing a bunch of the dripping after the first hour to keep the back from cooking too wet.
beth
11/18/07
hi i just got my ge roaster and was planning to fix an 13 pound turkey do i need to take the rack out and the roasting pan and then add the water to the main bottom and then put these back in .i dont want to mess my roaster up help !!!thanks so much
Gail
11/20/07
hi i lost my manual to 18 quart roaster oven
i need to know how long to cook 19 lb turkey
thank you
Wallace
11/20/07
Is there a roaster with a convention top feature similar to the ge 18qt raoster- and if so, where can i find it!
Wallace
11/20/07
Is there any electric roaster that browns and crisps the top of meats such as turkey? If so-where can I purchase?
ellen
11/20/07
No water beth!!
Hi, Beth, you do not need any water for the turkey! The roaster cooks very moist. NEVER put water in the heatwell, only in the cookwell (the removable pan).

Other than that, see the Nesco site, and if that is not enough, see the eatturkey.com site.

ellen
11/20/07
Gail, you can read or download the Nesco 18 quart roaster manual at:

http://www.nesco.com/customer_support/owners_manual_download/english/

Wallace, Nesco makes a convection oven model orf their roaster- the top has a fan, it plugs in separately- that does a pretty good job. If they don't have it on the Nesco site (same site as for the manual), you can probably find it on EBay- that is where I found mine.

Cynthia
11/22/07
Rival roaster oven 18 quart
I misplaced the manual to my Rival 18 Quart Roaster Oven and Rival's website doesn't seem to have any manuals for it particular product. Can I follow the recipe on Nesco's 18 quart roaster for a cooking a 16 lb turkey?
ellen
11/22/07
Absolutely! I don't know why Rival stopped posting their manuals.
melissa
11/22/07
i put my thrawed turkey in without pre heating my roaster oven how long do i need to cook it
marshawn rodgers
11/22/07
Hi Ellen. I want to cook a 7lb boneless beef cross rib roast in my roaster. Any tips?
ellen
11/22/07
Melissa, add at least a half hour.

Marshawn, see the roasting beef article in the holiday cooking section at the top of Big Pots. If you want tender, cook low and slow, but do preheat.

Judy
11/23/07
I want to cook baked potatoes for a potato bar at work. I will need to cook at least 25 potatos. Can I do that in my Roaster Oven and how long will it take. I see the recipes for 8 to 10 potatos take about an hour. Would it be better to bake in my regular oven and then use the roaster to keep warm til serving?
Thanks.
Barbara
11/23/07
I am planning a simple get together for Christmas so we can have more family time and not so much stress preparing a big meal. I am cossedering Lazagna. Can I make this in my 18 quart roaster? If so can you tell me the method of how to go about it?
ellen
11/23/07
Judy, there is an extensive article on baked potato bars, including cooking info, use the button at the top of the main cook talk page.

Barbara, yes. If it is a small partey and you will use a pan that fits inside the roaster, just use the rack and cook like you would in your regular oven. If you want to make the whole roaster full in the cookwell, these are the hints for lasagna in the roaster that I give:

Coat the cookwell (the removable pan) well with a nonstick spray or shortening (oil does not work well here) and coat with the old fashioned grated type Parmesan that comes in a shaker- you don't want the fancier shredded type for this job.

Layer the lasagna from your favorite recipe into the pan- it needs to be 4 inches deep or less, which means the maximum amount is about what you would put in 4 9x13 pans. Refrigerate until ready to bake.

Preheat the roaster with the lid on to 300 degrees for 20 minutes.

Have a can of tomato juice or an equivalent of whole milk for a creamy sauce, available.

Insert the cookwell and cover. Bake until the temp in the middle of the dish is 165 degrees, which takes about 3-4 hours depending on the thickness of the lasagna. Check about every 1 hour to see if it needs liquid added, use the reserved liquid.

You CAN prepare the giant lasagne way ahead by lining the cookwell thouroughly with foil, doing the nonstick spray thing, making the lasagna, freezing it, and popping it out of the pan into an oversize freezer bag. But this is important: if you do it this way, take it out three days ahead, nonstck spary the cookwell, put in the unwrapped lasagna and LET IT THAW covered IN THE REFRIGERATOR #3 DAYS. These giant lasagnas do not do well cooked frozen in the roaster, though they can be cooked from frozen in the regular oven.

See the quantity lasagna recipe on the lotsa pasta page for more hints.

When it reaches temp, turn down to 180 and keep covered until served.

Diane
11/25/07
Rival Oven roaster oven 18 quart
I received an 18 qt. Rival Roaster Oven as a gift last year. I lost the manual and directions. How can I obtain them? Thank you.
ellen
11/25/07
Rival does not post their manuals- Nesco does, and the recipes and procedures are similar:

http://www.nesco.com/customer_support/owners_manual_download/english/

If you watch on EBay, you can sometimes find the manual for sale- usually about $10 including shipping.

Debbie
12/05/07
My in-laws would like a roaster as a Christmas gift, but their thoughts are to use it to keep large amounts of meat, turkey, ham, wings, ribs, etc,warm on the buffet table, after they've cooked them on the grill, smoker or wherever. Can this be done? They mentioned putting water in the bottom,in between the pieces, but I know you are not supposed to do that. My father in law is planning a big retirement party and specifically wants it to put lots of ribs in after he's cooked them 'his way' so they are still warm by the time we are ready to eat.
Any suggestions? Thanks!!
ellen
12/05/07
The water, if any, goes in the bottom of the cookwell, under a rack, NOT between the pans. You set the roaster to 180 and KEEP IT COVERED to use as a warmer.
Beth
12/13/07
I see by reading all this that it is possible to make an egg casserole in a roaster oven. I have an hamilton beach with buffet servers. Do you have a recipe for that??
ellen
12/13/07
You would not be using the buffet servers for my roaster recipes, they are straight in the roaster- you could make the smaller pans in the oven and then keep them warm in the roaster.

You use a crockpot type egg casserole recipe for the roaster oven, 3 times a 6 quart crock pot recipe.

Beth
12/13/07
I wouldn't use the buffet servers- but i don't even have a recipe for a crock pot. I basically need cooking time & temp for the equivilant to 4- 9x13's. All I know is that you spray cooking spray inside and coat with parmesan to prevent sticking.
ellen
12/13/07
OK. You will have the best results if you use a thermometer to bring the center to 160 degrees, turning the roaster back down to 170-180 as soon as it reaches this temp.

First, be sure you preheat the roaster covered to 325 for at least 20 minutes. Especially important if you have chilled the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Put the stuff in the cookwell prepped as you mentioned, the depth should be 4 inches or less, place in the preheated roaster, covered, and IMMEDIATELY turn down to 300. Bake about 2 hours, checking the temp after 1 hour, and each 15 minutes after. Because the recipes vary so, some have frozen poatoes, some don't, etc, it is VERY difficult to give a time. If you have used the recipe before, you want to allow at least twice as much time as for a 9x13 in a regular oven- it often takes 3 times.

Lisa
12/16/07
18 quart Kenmore roaster oven
Please send the cooking times and directions for a 15lb turkey. I have the owners manuel, but it only gives directions for a 6lb and a 21lb. Thanks.
ellen
12/16/07
Go to:
eatturkey.com for help.
Martha Hawk
12/17/07
Would like recipes for baking 10 lb smoked ham in my GE roaster. What is the best basting sauce and when to baste.
Thanks, and merry Christmas from South Carolina
ellen
12/17/07
Go to the Smithfield site for fine ham help:

www.smithfieldfoods.com/Consumer/How/

Sue
12/24/07
I received a GE roaster oven without buffet server. How can I get the buffet server for it? Thanks.
ellen
12/24/07
They can be ordered separately, check out the online site. Just check you r model number: I know for Nesco, the buffet pans fit SOME of the 18 quart roasters but not ALL.
Al
12/26/07
1. I'm not really a cook!
2. I have a new 18 qt GE roaster oven.
3. I have 7 boneless, skinless, chicken thighs.
(about 2 1/2 lbs)
4. I have Kraft Parmesan crusted shake and bake.
5. an you help me put these together and impress my wife that I made a good purchase?
6. Do I put the thighs directly on the rack or use a pan on the rack?
7. If I directly use the rack, could I line the bottom of the cooking well with foil or just use Pam?
8. Cooking time?
9. HELP-I need this for dinner today-(Now 11:45AM PST)
ellen
12/26/07
Oh, brother, Al, I spent today with my nephews and missed your dinner. You probably figured out, about 40 minutes. I would put them in the coating, then on a (cookie)rack in a pan, they drip a fair amount of fat, then the pan on the oven rack in the cookwell.

I hope you followed the directions to turn on high outside for 1 hour to burn off the manufacturing smells, or you probably stunk up the house. Don't give up. Cooking is a very good skill for making other people happy.

Colleen
01/15/08
Ellen, I am running a concession stand for a fund raising event and have no previous experience. We are planning to serve loaded nachos. I was given a Kenmore roaster to use,but the giver has no manual, with the 3 compartments for buffet service. I need to know how to keep nacho cheese, refried beans and chili warm for serving. Our event runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm. I have read all the above posts looking for info that would fit my situation. From my reading I am guessing that I need to preheat the roaster. I am guessing that I need to place water in the blue pan and the 3 compartment server atop the water in order to keep the 3 items warm. How much water I have no guess. Do I add more as time goes on? Could you tell me if the preheating of the roaster is correct? If so how long and what temp? What temp to hold the food items? Or can they be held that way for that long? I know I have to heat the food to the proper temp before placing it in the 3 compartment server.Anything else you could tell me would be greatly appreciated. The event will be held 1-19-08. Hope you can help. Thanks
ellen
01/16/08
The little compartments only hold about 20 servings in each little pan, so you will need a lot of preheating if you get busy.

You put the hot water below the pans, just coming about an inch up the pans. You MUST hold the food at 160- get a quick read thermometer and check each pan every half hour- keep the water at 200 or whatever you need to keep the food at the right temps. You replace the water with hot when it drops as the water cooks off.

Frankly, I would use 3 6 quart crock pots on low for the safe holding- 6 quarts will last way longer than 6 cups. You could use the roaster to heat the chips, or to directly hold two large pots of beans and cheese for refills. You can probably borrow the crock pots, but even if you buy them, they are the best choice for this type job.

Denise
01/19/08
Using the entire insides of my 18 qt. GE roaster, I'd like to bake Betty Crocker cake mixes to serve 100-150 homeless men outdoors next week (without frosting). Can you figure out how many cake mixes would fit into my roaster (without bursting through the lid)? Also, do I bake it at 350 degrees? I called GE, but they couldn't help.
I found the following crockpot recipe, and might try these ingredients, but would have to reduce the sour cream & chocolate chips, due to cost.
Decadent Chocolate Delight - Serves 12
1 package chocolate cake mix
1 c sour cream
1 c chocolate chips
1 c water
4 eggs
3/4 c oil
1 package (4 oz) instant chocolate pudding & pie filling mix
1) spray inside of crockpot with nonstick cooking spray
2) combine cake mix, sour cream, chocolate chips, water, eggs, oil & pudding mix in crockpot; mix well.
3) cook on low for 6-8 hrs. or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve warm or hot with ice cream, if desired.
Our church would greatly appreciate your help. We do a lot of quantity cooking!
ellen
01/19/08
This does not sound to me do-able as a cake. You could do a fruit cobbler for about 60 in one roaster. Because you should only fill a roaster to about 12-14 quarts or about 4 inches deep, one roaster won't hold enough for 100-150 people. You would use a recipe that is the equivalent of 4 to 5 9x13 pans to make 1 roaster-full, Pam the roaster pan, preheat the roaster to 325 while you are filling the pan, and expect it to cook covered about twice as long as the original recipe.
ellen
01/19/08
PS #! The GE heating coil is in the bottom of the roaster, unlike the Nesco which runs around the sides, so it tends to scorch a bit more easily than the Nesco when used as a whole-oven cooker.

PS #2 The temp on a quick read thermometer in the middle of the cobbler should be 1645 or higher.

PS #3 The chocolate delight recipe depends on the sourcream for tenderness and texture, should not be reduced.

Denise
01/20/08
Thanks for your prompt reply & for the cobbler instructions, but I'm resigned to making a smaller chocolate cake as I already have some of the ingredients; when it runs out, I'll serve store-bought cake.

Is it do-able if I multiply the recipe ingredients x 4 or 5 (eg. 4 or 5 cake mixes). I would not only Pam the roaster, but lay down parchment on the bottom. What is the lowest temp I could bake at? For how long? Give me the regular temp too & for how long, so that I'll have 2 options. I would imagine testing the center is going to be difficult!
I really appreciate your help - it lifts the men's spirits when we go the "extra mile".

ellen
01/20/08
Denise, the roaster will not do the baking cake-style when it is filled like that. Hot air has to circulate around the cake in order for a cake to rise, and the layer has to be thin enough for the baking pwder to lift it. That is why the moister cobbler or crumble will work but the cake alone wont.
rosie
01/20/08
baked potatoes
what temptature should i set the oven to when baking 4 russett potatoes? thank you
ellen
01/20/08
Potatoes are VERY forgiving, you can do them two hours at 275 or 50 minutes at 350-375, or 40 minutes at 425, to go with other things in the oven, If you want to finish them faster, microwave for about 3 minutes per potao, then put them in the oven, cuts the cooking tie about in half. Use the same temps in the roaster you use in a regular oven.
Carla
01/24/08
My cooktop nearly caught my house on fire yesterday; the countertop it was in was smoking, but all is well. Not being able to use it, I decided to use my conventional oven today, which decided to go on the fritz as well. A new kitchen is not in my budget right now, so I am left with my 18 quart roaster and a 3 quart crockpot for a while. I want to try the Nebraska Meatloaf tomorrow (family of 5), but I need to know how to cook vegetables (roasted potatoes) at the same time. Please, anyone with experience, e-mail me meals I can make all at once in the roaster. I've only ever used it for a turkey, and I'm in a pickle. carlasdonovan@aol.com
ellen
01/25/08
Sounds like you badly need a licensed electrician!

If I were buying a small item or two for this size family in this situation, it would be a 6 quart crock pot and an electric hot plate. Also for about 100 you can purchase a countertop convectio oven, which is great for roasting and baking- I used one for several years when I dd not have a regular oven.

There is info on how to baje rice in the oven. The Nesco manual has several whole-meal baking instuctions, for example, roast meats, scalloped potatoes, and fruit cobbler or baked apples. This is done by using loaf-shape pans, as 3-4 can be done at once.

I use the 6 quart crock pot to make a double recipe of the meatloaf in one big loaf- 4 hours on high, about 8 on low- you have to remove some of the fat, if you use regular burger and regular sausage.

The hotplate makes sure you can cook a fresh or frozen green vegetable with your oven meals.

S

Carla S Donovan
01/27/08
Thank you for your helpful hints. The meatloaf with potatoes turned out great.

Turns out the cooktop only needed a minor repair. The oven needs new elements and proper calibration. So I'll be using my roaster for a little while.

What do you think of the microwaves with convection capabilities, or is a separate convection oven better?

Thank you.
Carla Donovan

ellen
01/28/08
If you don't have a microwave, the microwave convection ovens are handy. You don't need two items on the counter.
Ilda S
02/14/08
Hi Ellen
We just got this 18q oven and on Sunday we are going skidooing with friends and will be gone all day. We have frozen stuffed turkey. It is one of those turkeys that is to be put in the oven frozen. Do you think this unit would cook the same as a regular oven or should be save this bird for another day when we can use a regular oven.
Ilda
ellen
02/14/08
If the turkey will cook safely in the regular oven, it will cook safely in the roaster. Just be sure to preheat at least 20 minutes, and keep the lid on.
Liz
02/15/08
Do know if you can use the roaster to fry? I'm planning on making beignets for 200 and need something large enough to fry more than 3 at a time. The recipe said to get the oil to 370 degrees and the thermastat on the roaster goes higher than that, but I've never tried using the roaster for frying.
ellen
02/16/08
NO! It is not safe to do so, the company tried this for a while in the 50's and had disasters. You can buy a turkey fryer setup for not too much. or borrow one, but be sure to use it outside, not in the garage. About 14 houses in the US burn down every year from turkey fryer tipovers (true story).
Liz
02/16/08
Thank you Ellen-
I really don't fry much, but I need something with a wide top, not depth. I will be using whatever inside, but since your reply I have checked out turkey fryers and the electric ones are used inside. Maybe a large electrc skillet would work better or several Fry Daddys. What happened in the 50s, I don't understand, especially if you only use 2 or 3 inches of oil. It sounds like it would work to me.
tabatha
02/19/08
i would like to know if you can cook a duck in a roaster and any tips on doing so. i have an 18qt rival roaster and in the manual they talk about every other kind of meat except duck-please help thanks!
ellen
02/19/08
Yes, just as you can in a regular oven. Besides preheating, be sure it is on a rck above a pan, as it will spatter and release a LOT of fat- you want it to roast, not boil in its own oil.
tracy
02/23/08
Hi, I never used a roatser before, can I cook vegitables with a chicken? If so can I put them in together at once . Thank you
ellen
02/24/08
Absolutely. You can do anything in the roaster that you can do in a regular oven; just tuck those vegetables under the chicken and let them roast in the juices. Quarter an onion and stick it inside the chicken, too. Do preheat your roaster for 20 minutes.
Rose Roccamo
04/25/08
Thanks for all the info, Ellen. Was searching for temp to set a GE roaster I borrowed to make a large pork roast to cook slowly over 12 overs. Found what I neeeded, plus more!
Shelly
04/28/08
Nesco roaster oven 18 quart
Thank you for your advice on the rice...you are awesome! Meatball and Veggie Question?

MEATBALLS
So we are having sweet and sour meatballs...i read one of your threads and I have a additional question. For 30lbs of frozen meatballs would I need two roasters of 18 quart or could I use one (have not looked to see if it would fit yet)?

I would thaw them and roast at 225 for 2.5 hours. I plan to put them directly into the cooking well and spraying the sides and bottom. Any advice on how much sauce to pour in (sweet and sour)?

FROZEN VEGETABLES

Sally
04/28/08
Baked Ziti or Penne in 18 quart roaster
Hi Ellen - really enjoying reading all of your recipes! I'm looking specifically for a baked ziti or penne recipe to make ahead and then warm or cook in my roaster. I'm serving baked chicken (good with that recipe) and green beans - any help there?

Thanks so much!

Kim
05/19/08
Hello,

I'm really enjoying your recipes! My family and I are hosting a Celebration of Life in memory of my Dad this weekend. I'm wanting to make pulled pork, and wondering if there's a way to make it with Whole Pork Butt or Whole Pork Butt sliced into steaks. It's going for 99 cents a pound right now rather than the 2.99 per pound picnic roast. I'm going to be roasting it in my Toastmaster 18-quart oven, and need it for about 80 people. Guess I will have to make it in shifts, as the roaster isn't going to make it all at once.

Any advice?

ellen
05/19/08
Shelley, ally, sorry I missed your original posts.

Shelley, 2 roasters, pre-thaw in fridge, preheat roasters, cover completely with sauce. The more you take the lid off to stir, the slower it heats (like a crock pot). Nescos have heating element around the side, like the original crock pots, a bit less likely to scorch. All others on the bottom, need a bit of stirring, which adds to the cooking time.

Sally, one roaster will hold 4-5 9x13 pans's worth or enough for about 60 people. The mostaciooli and sausage recipe without the sausage makes about right for 100 people, two raosters. See the lotsa pasta page.

Kim, definitely. Set the roaster to 300, preheat, and treat it like a giant crockpot on high timing-wise. Butt is a relatively bony, fatty meat, so 1 pound raw makes about 3 sandwiches.

Kim
05/20/08
Thank you for your quick response! Greatly appreciated, and I have set your website to my Favorites! There are so many great ideas here!

Thank you,
Kim

Kim
05/23/08
Ellen,

Thank you for you advice, but I have another question. I purchased four 8lb. pork butts and rubbed them last night with Grill Mates pork rub. Tonight I plan on roasting them at the temp you recommended. Do they cook for 4 hours, assuming the roaster is going to cook as a crock-pot on high?

ellen
05/24/08
If you are planning to shred these, allow at least 6 hours- you have to add 20 to 40 minutes for each extra roast, and 8 pounds is big for the initial 4 hours. They cook a little faster if bone-in.

Internal temp 160 to 170. If it reaches this tyemp and is not tender, turn down to 200 and cook till it is.

If shredded and stored in the sauce, the meat will absorb a little of the sauce, adding to both weight and flavor.

Clegg Williams
06/02/08
I use my roaster oven all the time. Has anyone ever found a disposable liner that may be cooked in and then thrown away??????
Carol Kammerer
07/30/08
I need to cook stuffing/dressing to accompany pork roast for 75 people. Can I use roaster ovens to successfully cook the stuffing (hoping to create/have a cornbread type of recipe)? Could you advise of a recipe and times for me? What a wonderful service you provide. You're great!!
ellen
07/30/08
Clegg, the roaster bags for ovens don't do well in the roaster ovens, they get too close to the sides and sometimes melt. The slow cooker bags can't take the heat. Bags handmade from the heavy duty extra wide aluminum foil are your best bet.

Carol, Yes, one roaster should be about perfect for this task. Lots of nonstick spray of course, saute all the veggies in butter and use chicken broth for the moisture. There is a really good dressing recipe in the big pots section, southern style with lots of flavors; and for amounts see the planning and shopping article in the Big Pots holiday cooking section at the top.

carol
07/31/08
Ellen, thanks for the info and the southern style recipe sounds perfect. Since I have to plan to feed 75 and I'm not serving potatoes, I'll cook for the 100 servings. I assume that I'll need to cook it in 2 roasters then? And, for how long and at what temperature? The recipe for the dressing says for 'oven' baking but does that temp and time translate to the roaster oven? Thanks.
Melanie
07/31/08
I would like to know if fruitcake can be baked in an 18 quart Nesco roaster. I have pans that will fit and a rack to keep them off the floor of the oven. Thanks.
ellen
08/01/08
Carol, pretty much straight over; allow and extra 1/2 hour and you can always turn to 175/ keep warm if done a bit ahead.

Melanie, if you will patiently preheat and patiently LEAVE THE LID ON, it should be fine.

Melanie
08/01/08
Thanks, Ellen. I'm happy I don't have to heat up my wall oven. It's hot here in Texas. I'll report back on my results.
Kevin
08/02/08
I dont own one yet but am interested in either a 12 (preferred) or 18 qt roaster oven, to make beef/potato stew, and goulash in. A 6 qt crockpot is too small.

Will these roaster ovens heat evenly enough? I heard that a crockpot is supposed to heat evenly on all side surfaces, but am concerned that a roaster oven may concentrate heat too much on the bottom, thereby scorching the food.

Nancy
08/02/08
Help!! I'm cooking a brisket for the first time and will cook it in a roaster oven. The brisket is 12 lbs. How long would it normally take to cook and do I need to place water at the bottom of the removable pan (and how much).

Thanks.

ellen
08/02/08
I'm in Texas also. Sometimes I put the roaster or crockpots in the (unairconditioned) laundry room.
Melanie
08/12/08
Just reporting back that my fruitcakes baked beautifully in the 18 qt Nesco roaster. I preheated it well and did not peek for 90 minutes. No need for a pan of water in the oven to keep them moist. The roaster does it on its own since it retains more moisture than a regular oven. It's good for people to know that these roasters can be used for more than cooking meat. PS I set it up on the patio!
ellen
08/13/08
Thanks for the follow through.
Jean Smith
09/05/08
I would like to bake chunky apples with cinnamon in my roaster. What do you recommend?
ellen
09/05/08
Use your same recipe as for your oven and approximately the same time. They will stay moist. If you are doing a roaster full, preheat the oven for 20 minutes before you load the cookwell full of apples into the roaster.

Frozen apple juice concentrate, undiluted, makes a delicious liquid for this dish.

Sue Herning
10/05/08
Nesco roaster oven 18 quart
I am looking for a recipe for making scalloped potatoes. I have never tried to make scalloped potatoes in the Nesco before. Any help would be appreciated!
ellen
10/06/08
Same as any other. Heavily grease the cookwell, dust with grated Parmesan instead of flour, limit the depth to 4-5" (you can figure the volume by filling the pan to that depth and measuring the water); takes about twice as long as the oven at 325; add an hour if it is refrigerated before cooking or the sauce is cold. You can make enough for about 50 without overfilling the roaster.
Judy Evans
10/17/08
We are throughing a party for 60 + people. Included in the menu is pork loin roast. I need a recipe to cook in the large 18 qt roaster. I was thinking about something similar as above with turkey. Pat with spices, roast in 400 oven for 20 minutes, then transfer to roaster and finish cooking. I will be cooking 2 10 lb pork loin roasts in each roaster. Do you think with would turn out ok? Should I put liquid in the bottom after transfering to roaster? Any idea how long it woudl take to reach 155 or more?
ellen
10/18/08
Yes 2 10 pounders in a roaster is fine, yes, roasting 20 minutes and transferring is OK- just be sure to tuirn one the roaster when you put the pork in the oven so it is thoroughly preheated.

Rather than putting liquid in the bottom, consider brining the loins for about 6 hours. Roast at 325 or less- modern pork is so lean that high heat toughens. It will probably only take 21-24 minutes per pound. Use a thermometer, allow at least an extra half hour for standing before slicing.

Bran
10/19/08
Ellen,

I just purchased a Nesco 18 qt roaster and plan to cook a turkey in it. Will I be able to make gravy using the cookwell on the stovetop with the scrapings left from cooking the turkey like I am accustomed from regular oven cooked turkeys? I much prefer this type of gravy than separately made giblet gravy.

Thank you so much for this great and "very interesting to read" service that you provide.

ellen
10/19/08
Yes, carefully, keep to soft/ non-scratch safe appliances and moderate heat.
Judy Evans
10/27/08
What do you mean by brining the meat first. I have never done that before.
ellen
10/27/08
This is a great solution for meats that tend to dry, such as white meat chicken and lean pork. Here is a great guide- use the same as for the turkey.

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html

Debbie
11/08/08
Can chicken and dressing be cooked in my GE roasting oven?
Debbie
11/08/08
Referring to the chicken and dressing, if it can be cooked in the roasting oven, how much at one time and how long?
ellen
11/09/08
If doing the casserole that is chicken and dressing together, such as my southern dressing recipe, you can do about 50 servings in one roaster. Use the same temp as for the oven. Use non-stick spray on the cookwell. Check the temp in the middle with a quickread thermometer. When it is 180, turn the roaster down to 180.

Length of time depends on whether it has been refrigerated before cooking, this adds up to an hour, add this to the standard cooking time, but be prepared to check temps and turn down. It is quite variable.

Debbie
11/11/08
Thanks Ellen. Also, where would I find your southern recipe for the chicken and dressing (casserole)? This is my first attempt at making dressing. Thanks.
ellen
11/11/08
On the big pots page, the link is in the second section. It is very good.
Debbie
11/11/08
Can I wrap my turkey in cheese cloth that has been soaked in white wine and butter, using my GE roasting oven?
ellen
11/12/08
Yes. It needs to not touch the edges. Preheat the oven.
Carolyn
11/14/08
Making dressing for a large group in roaster oven
Can I cook dressing in roaster oven?
ellen
11/14/08
Absolutely. Up to 12-15 quarts per roaster, use the larger amount if it is loose type, the smaller if it is moist/ dense type.
candy
11/15/08
I brought home an Nesco 18 qt.roaster oven from my mothers house when we moved her. It didn't have a manual & am having trouble finding where to get one. We are having family over for Thanksgiving & I thought about using the roaster for the turkey but don't know about cooking times, etc. Can you help?
ellen
11/15/08
You can download the manual- the link is listed on the other roaster thread. There is plenty of turkey info on this and n the other thread.
Cindy
11/15/08
I used my GE roaster and cooked a 20 lb turkey last year. Followed directions, but it was ready way too early.

-- Can you tell me how long I should roast a 20 lb turkey in the GE roaster?

-- I may just decide to cook it the day before and then slice and reheat it for the dinner the next day.

-- If I do this how long should I reheat it and at what temperature in the GE roaster?

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

lizzie
11/21/08
Since I have a very small oven,
i was planning to cook my stuffing in my
GE Roaster.
Can I just put the stuffing right in
the roasting pan directly.... ??
Do I need to cover it with foil or will
the roaster keep it moist.??
Any info would be awesome. Im cooking for 12
ellen
11/21/08
Cindy, there is a whole article on reheating turkey in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots.
MANY folks who use the roaster find it cooks faster than the oven for turkeys, about 1/4 time saved. Either reduce the temp (not below 300) or allow less time. Cold from the regrigerator or not fully thawed, takes longer than room temp, also.

Lizzie, you can definitely cook directly in the cookwell. Be sure to use a heavy coating of non-stick spray. Do preheat the oven before putting the cookwell in place. Stuffings vary a LOT in how moist they are to start with. The roaster does not dry out as much as the regular oven. You can lay a large piece of foil right on the dressing if you are very worried about moistue, but I would just keep an extra can of chicken broth and sprinkle it in if it seems to be drying too fast.

lizzie
11/22/08
tempature gauge
I am cooking my turkey in a oven bag.

I have an oven safe tempature gauge... can
i just poke it through the bag so I can keep track of the temp ???
Do I poke it through the breast???

ellen
11/22/08
No, you puncture the bag, you lose the advantage of the bag. If it is oven safe, put it in the bird before you bag the bird. Put it in the meaty part of the thigh, not touching bone.
lizzie
11/22/08
thanks Ellen.... If i put it in the thigh...
at what temp is it done?? 170??

love this little site... thank you.

Annette
11/22/08
lizzie,
The roasting oven bags that I have used require that you put a few slits in the bag. I put my meat thermometer in one of those slits.

Good Luck!

ellen
11/22/08
Good thinking, Annette! Lizzie, se the article on cutting up and roasting lots of turkeys, there is a considerable discussion of temps. DO put the legs to the back, it is hotter and the dark meat needs that.
Lillian Clay
11/23/08
Can I safely place foil in the roaster to keep drippings from burning instead of adding water?
ellen
11/23/08
Lillian, I do not put water in the roaster and I definitely do not recommend ling it with foil. I use the new Pam nonstick grilling spray, a heavy coat.
Estelle
11/23/08
I am using someone else's Toasterover Roaster I have never cooked a Turkey in one.Want to make sure I do it right Have 16 people for dinner and no instructions. HELP PLease.
ellen
11/23/08
Estelle, go to the nesco site link above and read the manual. Or read the detailed instructions on the very first question of this thread.
cathy
11/24/08
how can I bake banana breads and cakes in my toastmaster 18 qt roaster?
cathy
11/24/08
when cooking a roast, would I start the temp. higher and then lower it for cooking the roast beef.
cathy
11/24/08
when cooking a roast, would I start the temp. higher and then lower it for cooking the roast beef.
ellen
11/25/08
Put the rack in the bottom of the cookwell, arrange the loaf pans so there is about an inch of space between pans and other pans or walls, and preheat for 20 minutes before placing the pans, for the loaves. For the roast beef, there are a variety of heat choices; see my article in the holiday cooking section of big pots on cooking roast beef, but a regular oven is a better choice unless it is a pot roast.
angela
11/25/08
wow! great site....great info. i'm going to purchase a 18 quart roaster tonight, i can't find the larger one anywhere but i'm desperate to have another cooking option. i have a 23 lb. ham and 21 lb. turkey, could i do any of these in the roaster?? thank you!
angela
11/25/08
forgot to mention, i'm going to get the hamilton beach one...and was going to cook with an oven oven cooking bag.
ellen
11/25/08
You don't need a bag in the roaster, in fact it can melt against the walls. They cook moist. Either item could go in the roaster, if they fit- some turkeys that size do, some are the wrong shape.
jennifer
11/25/08
i want to make a ham in GE roaster and have no clue what to do?????
ellen
11/25/08
Just like the regular oven. Just preheat, use a thermometer, and think it might be done a half hour before the expected time.
Maria
11/26/08
I have a Rival 18 Q electrical roaster and I am wondering if I can bake in it. Has any one tried?
ellen
11/26/08
Yes, very well. Preheat 20 minutes with the lid on, use the rack that came with it to keep the pans off the bottom of the roaster, and use the same time and temp as a regular oven. The Rival manual even has baking recipes.
Sheilah
11/27/08
roaster oven 18 quart
Been scrolling thru your previous msg's to find where to download manual for my welbilt 18 qrt roaster... went to one posted above http://www.nesco.com/customer_support/owners_manual_download/english/

but page not found, any other ideas?

ellen
11/27/08
Read the directions I copied and posted under my own Nesco manual thread, a couple threads down.
lizzie
11/28/08
Thank you Ellen and everybody on this site !!
Because of you my Thanksgiving dinner was
a huge success !!
The Stuffing cooked up great in the GE Roaster
oven. Very moist and tasty.
The turkey I did in my regular oven in a
Reynolds Oven Bag. Before i put it in the bag
I poured butter and pair brandy all over it... then I covered it in bacon slices and put
it in the bag. It only took 3 hours for a
16 pound turkey. Oh man... it was good !!
Once again Ellen thank you. You're the best.
ellen
11/28/08
You are very welcome and thanks for taking the time to report.
lizzie
11/28/08
I meant Pear Brandy.... boy I must have
been drunk when I wrote this last night
:-)
sharon
12/07/08
roaster oven 18 quart
I have a 18 quart roaster and I want to place a disposable liner in it for easy clean-up. Where do I find a procuct that will fit this size roaster?
ellen
12/08/08
As far as I know, there isn't one, and you risk ruining the cookwell by using a bag from another type appliance- because it would be against the sides and roaster sides get too hat for crock pot bags.
Lorraine
12/09/08
I'm planning on preparing roast beef in my roaster oven for a big family dinner. I'm expecting about 100 people and wanted to know if you have an easy recipe and directions for cooking in the roaster oven. Upto how many pounds can one roaster oven handle safely? I have 3 roaster ovens, 4 big crock pots and of courses a regular oven. I also have family that can help by cooking in their roaster ovens or crock pots but when I ask them to help I want to provide them with recipe, cooking times, etc. Thank~you!
ellen
12/09/08
Lorraine, do you mean roast beef as in pot roast, standing rib roast, top round thinly sliced, or what?
Lorraine
12/11/08
Sorry, I meant pot roast.
ellen
12/12/08
Great, that is the best for the roaster. Three roasters is just right for 100 people and you want what is sometimes called a shoulder clod- boned out whole piece of chuck weigh about 18 pounds- if you can get it, or about 50 pounds of nice thick all the same size chuck roasts. It is quit important that all the pieces in the roaster are about the same size, if you do pieces.

Your favorite slow cooker pot roast multiplied for the weight of the meat (half the salt, though) will do fine. Set the roaster for 190
for low or 290 for high and use the times similar to the crockpot: see the beef roast article for more about low slow beef cooking. Check the temp at the center of a large piece for the finishing temp (you turn to 180 and hold hold hold to tenderize further).

But it would really simplify if you make the meat and gravy ahead, cool slice and freeze, then reheat.

You may need more info. Write back-

Bill
12/16/08
I'm cooking a surprise meal next week. Do I use use this as a crock pot? Where do I put the water or fluids. Don't want ask the wife "how to ......"
ellen
12/16/08
DO NOT put water between the cookwell and the roaster wall. You can use this just like a regular oven do preheat, and it cooks a little moister and a little faster than a large oven at the same temp. To use as a giant crockpot, put at 190-200 for low, 290-300 for high, and add about an hour to the cooking time, especially if the ingredients are cold. Do preheat the roaster. What are you cooking?
lizzie
12/17/08
If I buy an 11 pound frozen turkey on
monday the 22nd... will it be ready to cook
Dec 25th... CHristmas day??
ellen
12/17/08
If you put it in the refrigerator when you get home from the store it should be fine. The turkey folks say, 24 hours for each 4-5 pounds.
Monika
12/22/08
How would you reheat 7 dozen tamales in the roaster oven for a party?
ellen
12/22/08
Put the rack in the bottom of the cookwell, add water just up to the rack stand the tamales vertically (that's important if you don't want dry on the top and soggy on the bottom layer.) Cover the top with a couple layers of cotton dish towel. Heat at 350-375, time depends on how cold they were to start with. Add boiling water at the side if the steam decreases. If you don't have enough to fill the roaster, put some heat proof mugs upside down in the middle to brace the tamales.
Kris
12/22/08
I have a GE 18 quart roaster oven. I want to make a pot roast with potatoes and carrots. My question is - do I set the temperature at the same temperature that I would a conventional oven? Also, do I need to put any water in between the 2 pans? I know to put water in with the meat, just not sure about the space between the pan and the bottom. Also, will it take the same amount of time to cook as a regular oven? Thanks
ellen
12/23/08
Yes to temp. Usually cooks a bit faster than a regular oven.

NONONO to water between pans

Karena
12/31/08
Hi I was wondering if its possible to cook chili in my GE roaster? I dont have a manual and I dont have a rack for the bottom. I got it at a garage sale. I have to make chili for about 80 ppl, and I have 1 crock pot. Is it possible, or will it stick to the bottom and be unedible? If I can , then do I cook it just about like in a crock pot?
ellen
12/31/08
It is great for chili, but use a relatively lean meat as it is hard to drain fat out of the roaster. You cook it right in the roaster cookwell (the removable inside pan). Only make 12-14 quarts in the roaster at one time, this is 50-60 servings- you may need to make the crockpot full too.
gigi
01/03/09
I have heard that you can bake breads (biscuits, muffins, cornbread, etc) in this roaster oven. Is that possible, and if so, do you bake them same as you would a conventional oven?
ellen
01/03/09
Yes. Same temps. Use the rack in the bottom, don't crowd the pans, preheat for 20 minutes and leave the lid on til done or near done.
Kim
01/16/09
I need to use my roaster to heat about 19 lbs. of sloppy joes. How long will this take and at what temp? Should I put water in the roaster oven body or do it dry?
ellen
01/17/09
Nescos have side elements and handle this better. The rest, you must stir, and each time you open you add 10-15 minutes to cooking time. That is about 38 cups, 9 1/2 gallons, a good amount to reheat. Set it at 325, preheat 20 minutes, allow 2 hours. If it is thick when cold, add about an inch of water in the cookwell NOT BETWEEN THE PANS after you PAM it and before you add the meat.
Kevin
02/13/09
I dont own one yet but am interested in either a 12 (preferred) or 18 qt roaster oven, to make beef/potato stew, and goulash in. A 6 qt crockpot is too small.

Will these roaster ovens heat evenly enough? I heard that a crockpot is supposed to heat evenly on all side surfaces, but am concerned that a roaster oven may concentrate heat too much on the bottom, thereby scorching the food.

ellen
02/13/09
I recommend Nesco because the heating coil goes around the side not across the bottom. They heat quite evenly, but they do require a full 20 minute preheat and they do better if you don't keep taking the lid off.
jill
02/23/09
I'm making a large batch of beef stew for a church soup supper on Ash Wednesday. Noting the above chili advise, should I limit to 12 quarts? Do I make any changes in my recipe? What temp if recipe calls for "6 hours on low, then 2 hours on high after veggies added"?
jill
02/23/09
I'm making a large batch of beef stew for a church soup supper on Ash Wednesday. Noting the above chili advise, should I limit to 12 quarts? Do I make any changes in my recipe? What temp if recipe calls for "6 hours on low, then 2 hours on high after veggies added"?
ellen
02/23/09
It is safest and least likely to scorch if you stick to 12-14 quarts. Low is 185-200 (use 200 for large amounts chilled meat). High is 300.
Katie
03/20/09
Ellen,

I have an 18 qt Nesco roaster. A few days ago, I put in a 10lb turkey breast (so not even a whole bird, like half of one) and had it set to 400 degrees. I left it in there and checked on it at about 3 hours later, not done. Checked it again 3 more hours later, not done. The total time I left it in there was about 11 hours--- and when I took it out, it STILL WAS NOT DONE. The turkey was on the rack, immersed about halfway with broth and juices. Even the breast part, which was immersed, wasn't done.

What could have been the problem? Was it the broth? Is it my roaster?

The turkey was thawed.

For the record, I have cooked the same weight breast, thawed, in a 6 qt nesco and it cooked in about 4 hours with potatoes and carrots in there also.

Help!! :'( I hope my roaster is not broken. :[

ellen
03/20/09
Yep, busted roaster and no longer safe turkey. It is possible the plug was not in the wall, it is possible the roaster is broken. This is one reason I recommend preheating roasters before adding food.
Maggie
03/31/09
I would like to roast a boneless leg of lamb the roaster oven. How much per pound would I need to have the lamb in the roaster and is it recommendable to use the roaster for a leg of lamb.
ellen
03/31/09
The roaster is fine for a leg of lamb, keeps it very moist, but as with turkey what you don't get is that really crispy outside.

Read the beef roasting instruction page all the way through, then use the timetable for 1 roast of the same weight as you leg of lamb, allowing about 4 minutes extra per pound to take the internal temp to about 140. Use a thermometer to check.

janet yniguez
04/11/09
Hamilton beach roaster oven
I need to cook a fully cooked spiral ham in my oven, what temperature and how long should I cook it per pound?
ellen
04/11/09
Reheating these whole hams is a little tricky because they tend to get dry as they get warm. If you want to reheat carved ham, USDA recommends heating only those slices needed and not the entire ham.

To reheat a spiral-sliced ham in a conventional oven, cover the entire ham or portion with heavy aluminum foil and heat at 325 ºF for about 10 minutes per pound.

Spiral-sliced ham vacuum-sealed at a USDA-inspected plant will exhibit the USDA mark of inspection on the label. These spiral sliced hams should be cooked to an internal temperature of 140° F as measured with a food thermometer.

For spiral-sliced hams that have been repackaged in any location, reheat to 165° F. Individual slices may also be warmed in a skillet or microwave.

Fully cooked hams can also be sold unsliced, If you want to reheat a whole ham,use a preheated oven set no lower than 325° F and, like spiral-sliced hams, heated to an internal temperature of 140° F as measured with a food thermometer.

IMPORTANT!!! For fully cooked ham that has been repackaged in any other location or for leftover fully cooked ham, reheat to 165° F.

barbb
04/12/09
how does a spiral ham cooked in the oven come out // how would I do it // I want to use pineapple on it if possible thanks
ellen
04/12/09
Spiral-cut ham is already fully cooked, you are just rewarming it, the info for ovens and roasters is immediately above your question!
Debra Gibbs
04/28/09
I need to cook rice for about 90 people. I have a 18 qt Nesco roaster. do you have a recipe for long grain white rice I can use>
ellen
04/28/09
You need to cook about 7 pounds (15 cups) of rice I do this in 2 roasters or in the oven and transfer to the roaster for keeping warm. It is very hard to cook this amount evenly in one roaster. Used the baked rice recipe at the top of the recipe box, or seethe thread wedding reception menu ideas for additional discussion.
christine Stagnaro
05/03/09
tri tip in a roaster
Hello Ellen,
I will be cooking tri tip for 75. i was told i could oven bake it and keep it warm in a roaster. what are your thoughts. if i baked it at 450 for 10 minutes and then transfer them into the roasters. will that keep the meet for 2-3 hours?
Thank you for your help.
ellen
05/03/09
You could do that, holding at 160-180, though I wouldn't. Why do tri-tip if you have to hold? Also, you will need several roasters- you will have at least 38 pounds of meat to hold.
Denise
05/14/09
Mac N cheese in Nesco 18 qt roaster
I would like to make an 18 qt roaster of mac n cheese but don't know about quantities etc. There are sites where you can put in the # of people and it gives quanities but they don't give specifics as to the cooking time etc. I am cooking for a grad party of 140. I will make cheesy potatoes in another roaster. I don't want the mac n cheese to end up mushy. Do I cook it with the cover off?
ellen
05/14/09
No, you cannot cook it with the cover off, and one roaster will only hold about 50 servings of mac and cheese or cheesy potatoes. The mac and cheese should start with 3-4 pounds of dry pasta. It takes about twice as long as a shallow dish. The secret to not mushy is primarily not overcooking the pasta before you add the cheese.
Steve
05/14/09
Thanks Ellen. You already had an answer to my question (about deep frying in the roaster - Michelle 12/28/06). I should have known. I'll bookmark you for future reference.
Oh. . . What's a good large deep fryer? Ours can only do about 7 wings at a time.
ellen
05/15/09
How much do you need to do at once? For many people, an old-fashioned electric frying pan makes a good fryer, because they are not doing very large items and it gives lots of surface. I don't do much deep-frying, but a friend who does likes the big Fry Daddy.
Olga
05/15/09
I am having a garden wedding party of 140 people and would like to know how I can bake frozen cabbage rolls made with sour kraut leaves, telling me how full to fill the roaster, at what temperature and how long to bake and do I spray the roaster first? Also I would like to know how I could warm up cooked perogies from frozen state. I have read thru all your answers and have learnt a lot. thanks in advance for your help.
Olga
05/15/09
Hi again Ellen,
I also want to cook vegetables for this party. they are the mixed frozen vegetable that you get at Costco. Once again thans for your help.
ellen
05/16/09
You want to freeze them uncooked, as they get mushy if cooked and then frozen and then reheated.

To bake frozen cabbage rolls in the oven: Warm tomato juice until warm to the touch in a medium pot. Place the rolls in the casserole and then add enough juice to cover the rolls by 1-inch. The rolls will float, therefore, press one roll down into the casserole and see if the casserole needs more juice. Cover the casserole tightly. Place the prepared casserole on the lowest rack level, in the oven; turn the oven to 500'F. and bake for 30 minutes; then reduce the heat to 425'F. and bake for 1 hour. The tomato juice, when finished, will have reduced to about 1 cup or so. If there's too much liquid, loosely cover the casserole and bake at 500'F. until the liquid reduces to a thin sauce. Some of the tops of the cabbage rolls will have small darkened spots and this is normal.

If adapting to the roaster, spray the roaster, use two layers of rolls, preheat the roaster (yes, you will have to be careful not to burn your fingers when you put the rolls in). You will need more than one roaster to have them all finish at the same time.

As to the vegetables, do you want to do them in a roaster also? You just bring the water to a boil in the roaster and cook as usual- it takes about 20 minutes.

Steve
05/16/09
OK, so lets say 6 wings make a serving for one person. There are 6 of us in the family. At 12 min. frying time per 6 to 7 wings, that's about an hour. Kinda long. Here's my dilemma, though. My daughter volunteered to bring hot wings to the cast party for her school play. (About 30 to 40 people) I need a solution for that and will probably stick with it for the family too if it works well for us. Thanks.
Olga
05/16/09
Hi again Ellen,
I thought I could fill up the roaster with cabbage rolls and cook them like in a regular roaster that goes in a regular oven. Let me tell you what I noramally do. Either in a roaster of foil pan I line it with wax paper and then I fill it up with cabbage rolls which have been greased in between the layers. I put some water on the bottom of the roaster to give it steam. I also cover them with wax paper to keep them from burning and then with foil. I cook them at 325. Also in warming up perogies I do cook them first and then I warm them in the oven on low temp. They also have been greased and I normally give them a shake so they don't stck together. I was wondering if I could use the roaster oven in the same manner. I have over 800 cabbage rolls to cook and over 900 perogies to warm up and I have excess to 5 roasters from friends plus mine so that would really save on oven space and I wouldn't have to borrow friends real ovens. I hope I have explained what I want to do as just 2 layers of cabbage rolls in the roaster oven won't cut it. Thanks for the quick reply and I will cook all my vegetables in the roaster as you had mentioned.
ellen
05/16/09
Steve you need one of the baked wing recipes- equally crunchy, many at once and good.

Olga, if it were me, and I had to produce that many items at once, I WOULD borrow friends real ovens and do the cabbage rolls in thethe real ovens, and use the roasters to warm the pierogies- you would need all of them to warm that many pierogies, anyway.

Olga
05/16/09
Ellen thanks for all your advice, I really appreciate it. Just one more question, can I boil potatoes in the roaster for mashed potatoes. Thanks one more time.
ellen
05/17/09
Yes, but consider making ahead using the freezable holdable mashed potato recipe in big pots.
Pam
05/23/09
Reheating...I have over 100 pcs of chicken.@ what degress and how long would it take to reheat?
ellen
05/23/09
Must be sure the chicken stays very cold under 40 until reheating, preheat the oven, reheat tightly covered in a single layer. It has to get to 160 at the center (near the bone in the thigh, for example. Or if in sauce, heat the sauce and throw the chicken in cover tightly and heat. 325, can take up to 1 1/2 hours depending on amount / size of pieces, and size of oven.
jolene
05/29/09
DO you have a recipe for party(cheesy potatoes) for an 18 qt roaster. Thanks
ellen
05/29/09
Last recipe on the festive brunch for 100 page.
Jess
07/24/09
I have two pork shoulder roasts (Boston) 7 and 9 lbs. I need a recipe for pulled pork using the one roaster I have. I hope to be able to roast them together and have tender juicy pulled pork at the end.
ellen
07/25/09
There is a pulled pork recipe for 8 pounds on the pulled pork thread. Double it.
kathy
07/28/09
to make scalloped spaghetti corn casserole in an 18 quart roaster how long should I cook it?
ellen
07/29/09
It depends on HOW MUCH you are making in the roaster- 6 quarts takes less time than 12, for example. Look at the depth of the casserole; if it is the same depth as your regular oven dish, and it is not refrigerated first, it will cook at the same temp and in about the same time as your oven recipe. If it is twice as deep, it increases the cooking time about half.

If it has been refrigerated overnight before cooking, you need to drop the heat about 30 degrees and add 1/4 more time to the above calculation, or you will have overdone edges before the middle is cooked.

You want a temp in the middle of 180 degrees. As soon as it reaches this, turn the roaster down to 180-200.

The top will not get crisp. You can substitute French fried onion rings (the same ones used for green bean casseroles) added the last 15 minutes if you want a little crunch.

Debbie
08/05/09
Do they make liners for roasters like they do for crockpots? Roasters are very difficult to clean even if i spray with Pam
ellen
08/05/09
Not that I know of, and it is not safe to use roaster bags or slow cooker bags, as they may melt if they brush the sides of the roaster. If it is a casserole, you might consider a dusting of crumbs or grated Parmesan on top of the PAM. Also, use the PAM for grilling.
Joanne Neubauer
08/14/09
I have a GE Roasting Pan. Are you suppose to put water in the Roaster Oven Body before you put in the Removable Cooking pan?
ellen
08/14/09
No No NO, a thousand times no, I don't know where this idea got started, it has come up on this thread before, but the answer is- NO.
jean
08/25/09
Ellen
I am have a pasta party to feed 50 hungry football players after practice. I am using a pasta casserole that I want to make in the 18q nesco & 6q hamilton beach slow cooker. I want to keep the oven free to handle all the 13 loaves of garlic bread.
the casserole uses shells and I plan on 10#, 10# ground beef, 4# grated cheese, and 4-5 64oz jars of sauce.
I am cooking the pasta and ground beef 2 days before and storing in frig in zip lock bags.
my questions are:
1. does that sound like enough pasta?
2. do you think I should try to get another nesco? (I read one of your post saying not to make it more than 4 inches deep)
3. How long should I plan to cook it and at what temp??
ellen
08/25/09
Yes, yes, and allow at least 2 1/2 hours at cooking temp, about 325. When it reaches 185 in the middle, turn the roasters to 185 If you try to do faster at a higher temp, the edges get quite chewy. You can make sure the timing works by heating the sauce on top of the stove before you mix it in.If you are doing a cooked vegetable, I suggest green beans or broccoli.
jean
08/27/09
thanks Ellen
we had plenty of pasta. I heated the sauce first and it worked great. the other roaster I borrowed was not a nesco. It had to be stirred frequently to keep it from getting chewy and the edges.
ellen
08/27/09
TYhanks for the feedback, Jean. The Nesco, which heats around the sides like a crock pot, really does a great job compared to all the rest, which have the heater in the bottom.
Lyle
10/25/09
Nesco 18qt Roaster
Hi Ellen, Are there any issues with cooking a 14-16lb turkey in our Nesco 18qt roaster in high altitude areas - like the Colorado Springs/Denver area? Last years turkey in the bag didn't turn out very moist (actually very dry) my daughter said. We plan to share this holiday with them this year and would like "our" turkey to turn out. Thank you.
ellen
10/25/09
No. If you get a fresh turkey, brine it, see Alton Brown's good eats.
ellen
10/25/09
But also do read my page on turkey roasting- lots of tips. Use a real thermometer, not a pop up. Use my end temps- dry turkey is usually overcooked- roasters cook a little faster than ovens at the same temp.
Kristen
11/02/09
Hi Ellen, I've used my roasters lots to cook for church. This weekend, I want to roast 4 pork roasts - 9.5 lbs., 6.5 lbs., 8.5 lbs., and 7 lbs. I read your previous posts. But I would like to butterfly these and stuff them first. I have 3 questions 1.) Is this enough meat for 60 people once it's stuffed? 2.) I saw your post on letting each roast reach 155 degrees starting with the smallest, but do the times you mentioned there (13 mins/lb) apply when they're stuffed?? 3.) I have 4-18 qt. roasters at my disposal; should I use a different roaster for each one, or could I combine some?
ellen
11/02/09
1-Yes 2-Yes, but you need to get to 165 in the middle of the stuffing. Be sure the thermometer tip is in the middle of the stuffing, take it to 160 before removing from the oven to stand. DO stand for 20-30 minutes before carving. 3- You could put the 2 larger and the two smaller together, using 2 roasters instead of 4.
Kristen
11/03/09
Thank you. One more question, please. I'm nervous about getting the food done on time - not too early and not too late. Would that be 13 mins/lb of roast, or 13 mins/lb of stuffed roast - as in, do I weigh it after I stuff it to see how long to cook it?? Thank you for answering.
ellen
11/03/09
Kristen, how fast it cooks depends on the weight but also on the shape. Also, whether it is fresh out of the refrigerator or just stuffed with a warm dressing. 13 minutes is just an estimate. Suggest you make one at home for family dinner and see.
Elisa
11/08/09
need recipe for making meatloaf in mt GE roaster.
ellen
11/08/09
Same as your regular oven. I like the recipe on this site called mom's Nebraska meatloaf. Preheat 20 minutes. Keep the lid on.
marsha
11/08/09
does the water go in top or bottom pan
kim
11/10/09
I want to cook 20 rack of lamb in my G E roaster. What is the specs for cooking rack of lamb?
ellen
11/10/09
Marsha NO WATER in either. NEVER any in the bottom pan; it is not a chafing dish.

Kim, 20 racks of lamb??? They won't all fit in one roaster. Also, a conventional oven would give a better finish to the outside. You need to all that go in at one time very close to the same size. You need to thoroughly pre heat the roaster to 450 degrees (20-30 minutes, essential with fast cooking dishes). Sear the racks on top of the stove, as they will not brown in the roaster, cook 12-18 minutes depending on how done y9u like your lamb, let rest 6-8 minutes before carving.

Kay
11/16/09
Rival 18 quart
Do you have a step by step how to to prepare a turkey from defrost prep: how much butter salt etc to use as well as how best to brown and how long to cook.
ellen
11/16/09
Yes. You can find these instructions at butterball.com or eatturkey.com; for stuffed, see the current issue of "cook's Illustrated". A roaster uses the same recipes, temps and approximate times as a regular oven, sometimes cooking a bit faster, definitely moister; more steamy than roasty. The turkey will not brown well in an electric roaster; if this is important to you, you will need to finish in the regular oven.

In an electric roaster, you're not going to want to check the temperature too frequently, because it loses a lot more heat when you take off the lid than occurs when you open the door of your oven.

To compensate for the steamy nature of your roaster, you can remove the turkey from the roaster a half hour or so before it would be done, lightly butter the skin, and pop it into your PREHEATED regular oven, set at 400°F (205°C) to finish cooking. This will allow the skin to crisp and at the very least give the impression of a well-roasted turkey. If you quickly clean your roaster's cooking pan (saving the drippings to make gravy, of course), you can put the side dishes that were in your oven in the roaster to finish cooking and stay warm.

tempmaster
11/21/09
roaster oven 18 quart
I have an older model toastmaster rosater oven but it does not have a racing tray,is this required for cooking? or could i use somthing else in its place?
also there is no instruction book can you help? Thank you so much
ellen
11/21/09
turn a muffin tin upside down, or use a couple of cake racks. Hamilton Beach has a roaster manual online that works for most of them.
karen
11/23/09
Kenmore 18 qt roaster just purchased
I am using my new Kenmore 18 qt roaster for the first time to cook and apple pie wed before Thanksgiving.
Can I do it in a 9" glass pyrex pie dish I own?
and how long?
Also I plan to cook a 19.65lb butterball turkey on Thanksgiving.
How long?
I would like to stuff it but am afraid it would take longer to cook and dry out the meat based on your other comments. Should I bypass stuffing it?
Can I baste it during cooking to brown the skin?
ellen
11/24/09
before cooking in the roaster, wash all the inside pans and accessories, wipe out the inside of the well with a damp cloth, put the cover on and run for 30 minutes to 1 hour to burn off factory residues. It may smoke or smell and can ruin your item if you try to cook before doing this. I set mine on the porch for this burn in.

Metal pans work MUCH better than glass in the roaster. Blow yourself to a new pie tin, maybe.

The turkey is a little large for this size roaster, I would not stuff it. You can do the dressing in a separate pan in the regular oven and add some drippings from the turkey while it is resting after the roast. Be sure to use the little rack under it.

The roaster will have a custom instruction book with a roasting time table use this, but start checking the temp with your instant thermometer about 1/2 hour before it says it will be done.

The turkey does not brown much in the roaster. I rub mine all over with butter mixed with soy sauce before roasting and if I baste I use the same. But I rarely baste; taking the cover off increases the cooking time.

Kendal
11/25/09
I have misplaced the manualto my GE oven roaster. I usually bake my turkeys in a bag. Can I use a bag for the roaster? Also do I need to add water? If so is it in the pan that the turkey is in or under the removable plan? If so how much?

Thanks!
Kendal

ellen
11/25/09
Never water under the cook pan. Bag OK if none of it touches the roaster side top or bottom, but the roaster cooks moist, and it is not so necessary.

Manual for Rival, which is similar-

www.rivalproducts.com/manuals/MANUALS/RO180BR-C_43_18972586.PDF

Richard
11/25/09
I'm going nuts here,I have a 22 lb turkey and i want it stuffed. How long do i cook it in a ge 18 qt roaster,and what temp.
ellen
11/25/09
This turkey is bigger than recommended for this roaster, so first, check the fit- you need about an inch all around including the top to get good cooking. Any place it touches the sides it will tend to overcook.

The Rival manual suggested 375 for pre basted or 350 for fresh 9-14 minutes per pound. In my experience this is too hot. I use 325 for 4 to 4 3/4 hours at 325 for an 18 pound turkey; a 21 pounder takes about 35-45 minutes more. The USDA now uses 165 as the end point temp (down quite a bit from a few years ago), but if you stuff, that has to be in the middle of the stuffing, and the turkey will overcook somewhat while it gets there. Stuffing adds about 2 minutes per turkey pound to the cooking time.

All experts agree that turkeys cook better and safer if unstuffed, so considering that you will have to make an extra pan of stuffing to have it for everyone, you would be well advised to cook your turkey unstuffed and use some of the drippings to flavor the pan of stuffing while the turkey rests.

Laura
11/27/09
THANK YOU FOR THE HELP!!! I borrowed an 18 qt. GE roaster oven from church to cook my turkey in for Thanksgiving. I had never used one before, but my husband said that his mom used to use one every year. I figured it would free up oven space for other stuff. Well, the turkey was about 14 1/2 lb. & it cooked in 2 1/2 hrs--very well done, moist & DELICIOUS. Thank you again!!!
Ellen
12/01/09
I would like to make baby back ribs for approximately 15 people. How would I put them in the roaster - can I stack them on top of each other? Should I use the rack? What kind of recipe should I use? Would I add water to the bottom? How much? Let them cook without sauce and then add sauce at the end? I am unsure about the size of my roaster - but it is a large one....probably would fit the 20 pound turkey. Any suggestions you have would be great. Thanks!!
ellen
12/01/09
Hi, Ellen,
The roaster would do the ribs. You need 15 pounds for 15 people. However, they will not have that interesting roasty outside that they get in the regular oven because they will cook too moist. If it were my event, I would cook them in the regular oven, then keep warm in the roaster; then it is OK to stack them.

If you do decide to cook them in the roaster, I would put in the rack and do them standing up (bones vertical), not stacked, or the ones on the bottom will get drenched in too much fat.

See the jerk rib recipe on the BBQ and brisket page for help on a recipe. The dry rub is a very good way to season.

sharon
12/09/09
I'm making beef stew for 40. I have 12 lb stew meat then potatoes and other veggies. I've never used one of these roasters but there is one at our club house I am planning to use. From reading other posts it sounds like I may not have enough room. Suggestions??? Help? How else can I cook for this large a group?
ellen
12/10/09
This will be fine for a beef stew for 40. You will have more flavor if you will brown the onions on the stove top and then brown the meat in the same pan. "Better than Bouillon" beef base will add great flavor to your grvy, it's worth the $4.50.
Lyle
12/12/09
Ge roaster oven 18 quart - Thanksgiving 2009
Ellen - thank you. I just wanted to respond that our turkey turned out great!!! We brined our turkey on our way from MN to CO and then overnight, so about 30 hours. Rinsed well. We pre-browned the turkey in our daughters oven in Colorado Springs at 400 degrees. Her turkey didn't turn out last year - it turned out over done and dry if you remember. I bought a oven thermometer to bring down there. Good thing - when we checked on the browning...we found her oven over 500 degrees!! We turned it down, finished browning and then cooked the turkey in our Nesco. WOW - it turned out great! That was the juiciest and most tender turkey any one of us can remember having. And the next nights leftovers were just as good. We were going to use the Alton Brown brining recipe, but went and picked up brining bags & the Apple & Spice Brining mix from Williams Sonoma. Worth EVERY penny! And as you suggested we made our stuffing in a seperate pan in the oven. (Even with other cooking her oven temps were 100degrees higher). I think she has a stove/oven probem.) It goes to show that using a thermometer in your oven is a good idea. I'm really glad I ran across your web page. Thanks Ellen!
ellen
12/12/09
Thank you for the kind feedback, and congratulations!
Maria
12/21/09
Welbilt roaster oven with removable pan.
I have a Welbilt roaster/slow cooker with a removable roasting pan. I am making tamales and needing to slow cook the meat to be able to shred. Do I remove the roasting pan and cook directly in the bottom and treat it as a giant crock pot adding liquid etc. or should I just do it all with the roasting pan? I don't have an instruction book and usually would just boil/crock pot but I have 25 lbs. to do so was hoping to knock most of it out the roaster. Thank you!!!!
ellen
12/21/09
DO NOT cook in the roaster without the cooking pan. You can definitely do it in the roaster IN the cooking pan: 190-200 is about the same as low on the crock pot, 290-300 for high. Cut the meat into 5-6 pound pieces, all about the same size.
Laura Caroccia
12/23/09
Nesco roaster oven 18 quart or 6qt
Just one more time...please.. I have a 8lb pork roast. Bone removed and tied to the roast. Normally, I would just season with garlic, salt and pepper and cook in a 325 oven till it reaches 140. I really need to free up the oven for the other "Christmas dinner stuff'. Can I do this in the Nesco roaster? I have both sizes. Should I brown it first in the oven (at 400 or so for 15 mins?) and then what? Nesco at 250? until it reaches 140 (we like it a little pink in the middle). Should I put a little liquid in the pan (under the rack) to keep it moist? I'm thinking a little red or rose wine or maybe even a champagne? Or would that be overkill? Thanks Ellen for always pointing us in the right direction! Merry Christmas to you and yours! Laura
ellen
12/23/09
I would brown it in the preheated regular oven as you say, about 15 minutes, then Nesco. But no need to turn it down so low you can use your regular 300-325 and it will take about the same time as it does in the regular oven. Yes, you can put a little wine under the rack- just do spary the cookwell with non-stick spray first.
sandy
12/24/09
I have four dozen tamales to steam, what do I sit them on vertically so they don't get wet from the water? Pie tins or foil? How long & what temp? I just received a Hamilton Beach 18 qt roaster oven. Thank you for your help, your site has been helpful. Sandy
ellen
12/24/09
Sandy, I have just had a long email correspondence with a cook who did 60 dozen and was definitely NOT satisfied with the results from the roaster. Are you sure you don"t want to use a steamer?

You need the roaster rack that comes with the oven, and you need to not fill it too the middle- just a 3-4 inch layer around the edges, with a loaf pan or empty cans to fill the middle. Here are the other suggestions I made to her:

>Nesco roasters have the heating element in the sides, All others, as far as I
>know, have them on the bottom. While I prefer Nescos generally, for this
>particular task you might try another brand.
>
>I would also start with the water already boiling, as this would reduce the
>"on" time for the element.
>
>Also, did you preheat the roaster for at least 20 minutes before adding the
>cookwell (the "pan"). This often overlooked step also helps with the
>overcooked sides issue.
>
>It occurs to me that "bumpers" made of biscuit pans, rolled crushed foil, etc between ther walls and tamales
>should give you an air insulation layer that would probably solve the problem of a scorched outer layer.

See this site fior crockpot instructions:

crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-make-tamales-in-crockpot.html

Patricia
12/24/09
This is such short notice but i need help....
I have two 8 lbs roast and cannot fit both in my regular oven, so I will be cooking one in a roaster oven. How long will it take to cook an 8 lb Beef Chuck Shoulder Pot Roast? I will be adding potatoes and carrots but am not sure when to add them? Please any help will be appriciated.
ellen
12/25/09
Patricia it is just like a regular oven pot roast: brown in pan, add liquid, then transfer to the oven tightly covered, allow 4 hours at preheated 225. Add partially precooked potatoes and sliced carrots last 1/2 hour before the end. Merry Christmas.
nancy
01/08/10
Baked Ziti
Can I assemble ziti with meat sauce in a stainless steel pan while warm cover with parchment paper and top that with foil and put in a 200 degree oven for 3-4 hrs. on middle shelf in oven for 3-4 hrs. i would put just plain sauce about 3/4 jar in bottom of pan before i put in the ziti/meat sauce mix that has all been pre cooked. Thanks I need a quick answer I need this for this weekend.
ellen
01/08/10
I hope you will have some extra sauce. Here is what you might do, be sure the pasta is al dente to start with, it will keep absorbing sauce and getting more cooked. You can do this if it goes straight from being mixed (hot pasta and sauce) to the preheated oven. If it goes from the refrigerator, you need to get it in a 350 oven for an hour before turning down. About 1/2 hour before serving, uncover and check for dryness vs sauciness; it may need to have some added or else be uncovered to dry out.
Tina
01/15/10
RIBS
Hi Ellen,I have a question about cooking pork ribs and baby back ribs in my roaster and if i can.How and for how long.With rub
ellen
01/16/10
Yes, just like a regular oven. See the jerk rib recipe on the BBQ page.
Nancy
01/25/10
Chicken wings/drummies
I have marinaded, baked and frozen 40 lbs. of fresh bone-in chicken wings/drummies approximately 600 pieces, for my son's graduation. I will thaw in refrigerator and reheat in electric roaster. Is this a viable method to maintain them for about 4 hours?
ellen
01/25/10
Yes, as long as the heat is 180 or above. Teens inhale these.
Steve
02/11/10
7 lb Prime Rib in 18 qt Hamilton Beach Roaster
I need to cook a 7 lb prime rib tomorrow for the evening meal. How do I cook it in the electric roaster over? How long and what temp?
ellen
02/11/10
If you have a favorite way to cook these, you do the same in the roaster with these cautions:
1- drop temp 25 degrees.
2- PREHEAT 20 MINUTES covered before starting the roast. This is very important for even cooking.
3- be aware that it will not get the crisp outside that you achieve with oven roasting- the roaster cooks too moist.
4- to get perfect results, use a meat thermometer. Shapes of these roasts varies and this affects cooking time.

Remember to follow the pointers discussed on the beef roasting page, especially to let it stand at room temp before and after; see article for timing

james
02/14/10
nesco roaster (how old is this)
Hi,I have a Nesco roaster that i would like to identifiy.Cat # is 125. It also came with a stand/cabinet. any help would be great.
ellen
02/14/10
The last instruction book I have seen with the stand is from the 50's. Have you asked the folks at Nesco?
Linda
02/14/10
I'd like to cook chicken pieces with Shake & Bake for 20 people. Can this be done in the GE 18qt. roaster oven?
ellen
02/14/10
Yes, but if you are aiming for crispy, you won't get crispy. I personally like things like coq au vin, orange dijon chicken, etc., with sauce.
nancy
02/23/10
lasagna in a roaster
Can you cook lasagna in a baking dish and cook it in a roaster?
ellen
02/24/10
Absolutely. Preheat the roaster 20 minutes, check about 10 minutes before it would be done in the regular oven.
Merri
02/25/10
Hi Ellen - I am planning to make rotisserie-style chicken drumsticks for 100 people (I have access to 3 roasters). Would you recommend baking in the roasters? Temp/time? How full should I make the roasters? Do you have a recipe that you recommend?
ellen
02/25/10
They will be baked, not roasted, moister than rotisserie- not crispy at all. You should brine the legs in a marinade overnight. Beyond that, preheat as discussed above, use the temps in your favorite recipe. Divide among all the roasters, or do in the regular oven and then keep warm in the roasters; you will have over 20 pounds per roaster, which is a maximum load.
Merri
02/26/10
Thank Ellen for the rotisserie advice, Do you have a marinade recipe that you recommend? Also, I welcome your advice on baking time & temp. (I have been unsuccessful for find a recipe) - Here is what I have found:
24 drumsticks
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup melted butter
1 T. minced garlic
2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. sage
1/2 tsp salt & pepper
Brush on Chicken & bake in roaster for 1 hour.

Sound good to you? My biggest concern is how long & temp.
Thank you.

ellen
02/27/10
See Alton Brown's site from good eats for directions on brining. 350 degrees. Time depends on how cold they are to start and whether you preheat the full 20 minutes, as well as how full the roaster is; 24 legs is around 10 pounds. I allow 2 1/2 to 3 legs each (the larger amount for self serve,) so you are looking at more than 3 roasters...
Brenda
03/08/10
We are heading for a trailride and I am responsible for a chicken enchilada casserole for 20. I will have electricity but no oven. I want to use my 18 quart roaster. I need recipe and suggestions.
Thank you!
ellen
03/08/10
In the basic budget entree section in big pots, there is an enchilada casserole for 100, make 1/4 the amount, making stack enchiladas in the cookwell. You can add whatever meat you like. Preheat the roaster before adding the cookwell.
Jayne
03/10/10
I need to hard boil seven dozen eggs and wonder whether my roaster would work for this; it seems spacious enough so that all eggs could be in one layer on the bottom with an inch of water overhead. What is your opinion? Any pointers?
Thanks!
ellen
03/11/10
You will have more than one layer, do have the water an inch above the eggs.

Take the eggs out of the fridge 12 hours before, this will help age them and make them more likely to peel easily.

Load cooker. Bring everything to a boil, turn OFF, clap the lid on. Check one egg in 15 minutes. Take evrything out and plunge into ice and water bath to chill quickly.

Sondra
03/11/10
Ge roaster oven 18 quart Corned beef and cabbage
I am making a corned beef, 2 roasts about 3 pounds each, 3 lbs cabbage, 2 lbs carrots, and 3 lbs miniture red potatoes. I need a temperature, amount of water, and how long to cook. Help!! I have 10 coming to dinner this Sunday!!!
Jennifer
03/12/10
I wanted to make two kinds of Lasagna in my roaster at once by seprating the sides with heavy duty foil (one side with meat and the other with veggies only) have you ever tried this?
ellen
03/12/10
Sondra, unless it is very very salty, I prefer to bake or slow cook my corned beef:

BAKED SPICY CORNED BEEF

4 to 6 lbs. corned brisket of beef
2 tbsp. pickling spice
1 orange, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 stalk celery with leaves, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1/3 c. packed brown sugar
1 tbsp. prepared mustard

Soak corned beef in water to cover 1/2 hour or longer if deeply corned. Place a large sheet of heavy foil on a shallow pan. Remove beef from water and pat dry. Remove any salt on surface. Place in center of foil and pour 1/4 cup fresh water over the top. Sprinkle with the spice and arrange the orange slices and vegetables over and around the meat.

Bring long ends of foil up over meat and seal with a light double fold. Seal other ends, turning them up so liquid cannot run out.

Bake in a slow oven (300 degrees F.) 4 hours (about 2 1/2 hours since you have 2 smaller pieces). Cool slightly, unwrap and put in shallow pan. Spread with brown sugar mixed with mustard. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees F.) 20 minutes or until glazed. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

OR simmer in water to cover for about 3 1/2 hours until tender, remove, glaze and bake. If you want to cook the veggies in the same water, add celery and onion for flavor at the beginning, but do not add the potatoes until 1/2 hour before you take out the meat, and do not add the cabbage until you take out the meat- remember, it will be another half hour before the glaze is baked on.

ellen
03/12/10
Jennifer, the sauces will all meld together despite the foil. I would get two of the half size aluminum pans that are a bit big for the roaster and mash and bend them to make side by side dishes, or make 2 9x13 pans and stack them with a creative rack/ spacer (4 metal cans with the ends out pressed into the bottom lasagna to hold up the top one).
Lauren
03/12/10
Help!!! I have a programmable roaster oven that I would like to prepare St. Patricks Day Dinner in but I have no clue. The meat was very expensive and I don't want to screw it up. Usually the cabbage and potatoes are boiled and the meat is also boiled ro steamed. Can I do this in the roaster oven with the veggies without screwing it up. Pls. help Thank you.

L.

Lauren
03/12/10
Help!!! I have a programmable roaster oven that I would like to prepare St. Patricks Day Dinner in but I have no clue. The meat was very expensive and I don't want to screw it up. Usually the cabbage and potatoes are boiled and the meat is also boiled ro steamed. Can I do this in the roaster oven with the veggies without screwing it up. Pls. help Thank you.

L.

ellen
03/12/10
Yes, use the recipes in the question just above you to either roast or simmer. Cook the veggies as I suggest, so they don't overcook.
Sally
03/17/10
Ellen I am cooking corn beef and cabbage today and really want to use my GE roaster oven. I would like your best advise as to cooking times. I have 2 corn beef 3 1/2 lbs each and 2 heads of cabbage, potatos, onions and carrots. Please give me cooking temps for my electric roaster oven and times. Any other advise will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Sally
03/17/10
Also ellen do I need water in my roaster and do i need to use aluminum foil? I have so many questions and I have never used my roaster oven before...
ellen
03/17/10
Sally, see the recipes in this thread or any of the links. You are looking at a bit less than 4 hours for the meat.
Deanne
03/19/10
Hamilton Beach oven 18 quart
Dear Ellen,
I am browning 12lbs. of ground beef for tacos in large frying pans. I am planning on adding taco seasonings and water according to directions and cooking it in my roaster. How long and at what temp. should I cook it? I would like to make it ahead one day and then store the roaster pan in the refrigerator overnight. Approx.how long will it take for it to heat through the next day and what temp. should I set it on?
ellen
03/19/10
Hi, Deanne,

This will cook down to about 20 cups or 5 quarts, about half a roaster full.

My suggestion is, brown and cook it in the frying pans, store in baggies so the cookwell pan does not chill. Day of, preheat to 325 for 20 minutes, add meat, cover and cook 1 hour, stirring occasionally; add a little beef broth or water if it starts to stick (preheating helps prevent sticking). Check temp in the middle of the pan, should be 180. Turn down to 180 and hold as long as needed. I generally start 2 hours ahead and turn down...

Deanne
03/19/10
Hamilton Beach oven 18 quart
Thanks for your quick reply. I have already cooked the meat and put in bags but did not add the taco seasoning and water. Can I do that in the roaster?
I am going to be serving at 11:30 a.m.
What time would you suggest I start cooking the chilled meat assuming I can add the seasoning & water and cook in the roaster?
Carrie
04/03/10
rival roaster oven 18 quart
Hi ellen I am cooking a 11 pound ham in my electric roaster oven any suggestions on the temp and how long? and maybe a recipe that has coca cola in it?
ellen
04/03/10
Hi, Carrie,

You do this exactly as you would in the regular oven, timewise, 2 minutes per pound, just start checking it about 1/2 hour early; use the meat thermometer.
Coca cola glaze
Whole cloves studded into the ham
3 c. cola beverage
1 box (2 cups) brown sugar
2 tbsp. mustard
1 tbsp. vinegar
Stud the cloves in at the beginning, glaze applied the last hour of cooking

Carrie
04/03/10
hi ellen thankyou you so thats 2 mins per pound or is that a typo :)
Jeff
04/04/10
conventional oven
Hi Ellen Happy Easter
Im cooking 2 8 lb hams at once should i cook them as 8 lb or should i cook them as 16 lb cooking time
ellen
04/04/10
As an 8 pound, allowing they may take an extra half hour. If raw/ uncooked, take to 180, if precooked and just warming, to 165.
Marge
04/04/10
Please help....I'm cooking a4 lb. eye of round wrapped in turkey bacon in my Nesco Electric Roaster. How long should I cook it?
ellen
04/04/10
Oh Carrie, that is 20 minutes per pound, bet you already figured that out.

Marge, eye of round is not a tender roast, and I prefer to pot roast it (braise in liquid), as it tends to dry out when roasted straight. Here is a good way to cook it, it does NOT taste too salty:

Salt-Roasted Eye of the round roast

1 (4 1/2 lb.) beef eye or round meat
1 (8 oz.) jar brown mustard
3-4 c. Kosher salt

Cover all sides and ends of the roast with brown mustard, using entire amount. Place Kosher salt on a plate; roll the roast in it, covering it completely (the salt coating should be thick with no meat or mustard showing). Place roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake in a thoroughly preheated oven at 475 degrees for about 12 minutes per pound for rare, 15 minutes per pound for medium and 20 minutes per pound for well done.

When roast is cooked to the desired degree of doneness, crack the surface with a knife and remove the outer casing of salt and mustard (meat juices will be encased, making the roast tender). Carve roast into thin slices. Serve meat juices in gravy boat. 8 servings.

Note: When coating roast with salt, handle with tongs or your hands. A knife or fork might pierce the salt casing.

Suzanne
04/08/10
Hi,

My son is getting confirmned this Sunday & I would like to prepare a whole pork loin roast in my roaster oven. My loin is 8 lbs. Could you also please include a rub recipe or whatever you recommend that I season it with.
Do you have any idea how many people this will feed? I have a Rival Oval Roaster Oven. If you could please include specific instructions as I have only used my roaster 1 time & am very nervous about this not turning out for his reception. Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!

Moshe
05/25/10
How would I cook a Briskit in my GE Roaster Oven?
ellen
05/25/10
Suzanne, that 8 pounds would serve 16 easily, 20 if they are polite and you have plenty of sides. Use the time and temp from a regular oven recipe, just start checking it with your instant thermometer about 1/2 hour before you think it is done; depending on shape and juiciness/fat marbling, pork varies quite a bit in how fast it cooks.

I usually use the rub in the pulled pork recipe on the bbq page for my pork roasts.

ellen
05/25/10
Moshe, I like to cook it in foil. You can go in the direction of citrus, pepper, onion, or in the direction of wine, mushrooms, onion and get equally delicious results. What do you have in mind?
moshe
05/26/10
Is there an hour per pound standard for cooking the brisket as there is with turkey?
ellen
05/26/10
Low roasted is how you want to go with brisket, 4 hours at 325 or 6 at 250, tightly wrapped, until you uncover it the last hour. Here is a pretty good recipe"

recipes.kaboose.com/fabulous-slow-roasted-brisket.html

ellen
05/26/10
I also found some narrative advice from the web:
method taught personally by James Beard is simple, always works and is effective because as one poster mentions once the collagen melts it's ready, naturally tender. Utilize a large pan, either metal or even Pyrex. It's important to have a rack to elevate the meat in your pan. Prepare your Brisket for Roasting as you wish. Cover the bottom of your pan after putting into the oven with water, not as high in the pan to touch bottom of your Brisket. Center your meat. Turn oven to Broil. Broil your Brisket long enough to Brown and Sear. [generally about 12/18 minutes per side]. After meat surface is seared and browned turn off broiler, Reset oven with 225 degree temperature setting. if you've got a oven probe set it to 210 degrees, if not use meat thermometer. Depending on size Brisket may take 3 to 9 hour to reach temperature, check to be sure water remains on bottom of pan during roasting process. Meat may be turned periodically but it's not really necessary, just feels right. When done place meat on platter, let stand about 15 minutes, turning once to set. While setting meat pour of pan juices, scrape bottom of pan. Skim off excess fat, put into pot, boil, add seasonings to taste,
Rita
05/30/10
hamilton beach roaster
I plan on making cabbage rolls, do I put water in between the insert pan and the the bottom?
ellen
05/31/10
No, no, a thousand times no. Put the water into the cooking pan, then a rack, then the rolls. Or do as in the oven, no water, the rack, the tomato juice acts as the liquid.
Tiffany
06/09/10
Ge roaster oven 18 quart-PAN LINERS
Hi I read a lot of the posts on here and saw some questions about roaster pan liners. I just found some on ebay, called PanSaver liners. Not sure who makes them, I think the company is called PanSaver. I also found them on Amazon.

Just wanted to share that they do indeed exist! And thank you thank you THANK YOU Ellen for your amazing site! All the young DIY Wedding reception brides online are forever indebted to you! I'm glad to hear you are feeling better!
Keep up the fantastic work!

lee
06/15/10
can you fry in a roaster oven I need to fry for 44 persons
ellen
06/16/10
Lee, no, it is completely unsafe. You can get or borrow a turkey fryer for this job, but be careful; 18 homes a year in the US are burned up as a result of turkey fryer fires.
ruth
06/20/10
i have to prepare about 50 chicken leg quarters for my church. i would like to bake them in a 18 quart roaster. can you help with a recipe?
ellen
06/21/10
Too many for one roaster! You need at least 3, and if you want roasty rather than very moist, 4 would be better.

Preheat the roasters, do only about 12 pounds per roaster and use any favorite baked chicken recipe. It will come out more moist and less crispy than oven roasting.

ruth
06/21/10
thanks ellen, i think i will do the leg quarters in the oven the old fashion way. i can come up with 2 18 quart roasters but not 3.
ellen
06/21/10
Smart move. You can keep hot and serve in the roasters @ 200-
Janet
06/22/10
I want to make pulled beef in a roaster for a graduation party. I am planning on 100 to 150 people. How many pounds of chuck roast beef do I need and how do I prepare it in the roaster.
ellen
06/25/10
I allow a minimum of 1/3 pound raw boneless chuck per person if there are plenty of other dishes, 1/2 pound if the sides are light or it is the only meat. Use your favorite recipe, just as in the regular oven , or you can do about 15 pounds at a time by using it as a giant slow cooker at 280-300, covered; it takes about 8-10 hours. If I had this much to do, I would do it in the regular oven in larger batches ahead of time, freeze in sauce, thaw in refrigerator (allow 48 hours) and only heat and serve in the roasters.
sonja
07/11/10
I have 3 seperate 4lb chicken roasters I would like to cook,stuffed with onions in the cavity.
What temperature is best? And for how long?
Also is it possible to slow roast them?
ellen
07/11/10
It is not safe to slow-roast stuffed poultry. You do not need any changes from 1 chicken to roast them- just check that the temp in the middle of the stuffing is 165 degrees. The white meat will be over-done; that is why I make my dressing separately.
Pat
08/07/10
Can I cook 6- 3lb turkey breasts in my electric roaster? How long will it take? Thank you for any info you can give me.
ellen
08/08/10
Yes, it takes just a fraction longer than cooking one. Preheat 20 minutes, cover on; use the table for roasting turkeys in the holiday cooking session at the top of big pots, and use a good meat thermometer in the middle of the smallest or narrowest one to judge the timing.
Lee
08/10/10
Ellen

Can you tell me how long to cook a corn casserol in my roaster. Each roaster will contain apprx. 50 servings. It's the recipe with sour cream and jiffy mix. Thanks!!

ellen
08/10/10
Pam the cook wells really thoroughly Preheat the roasters with the cook wells out but the lid on, at least 20 minutes. Turn the heat down 25 decrees from the oven. Stir the edges to the center and bottom to top once or twice after 5 and 10 minutes, then leave it alone covered until the temp in the middle is at least 165. Time depends on wjhether it is freshly mixed or pre-mixed and refrigerated. When it reaches 165, turn the roasters down to 180 and lay a dry cotton dishtowel over the top to catch any condensation. Keep covered until serving; will hold up to 2 hours.
Laurie
08/28/10
Ellen, I work with 4 18 qt. roaster ovens in our high school concessions stand. We use them for melted nacho cheese, chili, pulled pork, etc. Clean-up is terribly time consuming. Can you tell me if pan liners are available for these slow roasters, and if so, where can they be purchased?
ellen
08/28/10
A reader reports that there are roaster pan liners available, she buys them on EBay. You do have to keep them below 350.
marie
08/31/10
We want to warm 40 pounds of sliced boneless hams in 18 qt. roasters. How many roasters should we use and how long will it take? Also wondering about adding liquid and what temperature you would recommend.
ellen
09/01/10
2 to 3 roasters, it goes faster in 3, wrap the 3 packages tightly in foil with about a cup of pineapple juice or chicken broth or cola.

Or use an oven roasting bag; follow instructions on the bag for preparation. Pre heat the roasters for 20 minutes to 325. Bake in the preheated 325 degrees F oven for 10-14 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 140 degrees F in the middle of the package. That will be about 3 to 5 hours with a 20 pound package. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before opening and serving.

Katie
09/03/10
I have some frozen baby back ribs that I want to cook in a electric roaster. However I am unsure how long to cook them since they are frozen and whats the best way to do it. Thanks!
ellen
09/03/10
The best way is to thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or until thawed in a sink of warm- not hot- water.

Then try the jerk rib recipe on the BBQ page

norine
09/28/10
Can I use my roaster oven to cook beets in? I am going to be having people over for turkey dinner and do not have enough room on the stove to cook these with all the other veggies I will be having.
ellen
09/28/10
Yes, roasted or steamed can both be done. Handle just like potatoes and allow about the same cooking time.
Dan
10/01/10
hello ellen, can you cook raw ground beef in a roaster? i have 20 pounds to cook, and was hoping i could cook it like that
ellen
10/01/10
Yes. Do preheat the roaster. The one difficulty is draining it- since you can't easily pick it up and drain it. You can use a turkey baster, or lift out the cooked meat with a slotted spoon.
Denise
10/03/10
Hey Ellen,

I need to heat up meatballs and sauce, I was wondering if it was okay to do it in an 18 quart roaster oven? I'm not sure if I should use 2 crock pots instead.

ellen
10/03/10
Yes, you can, it works like a slow cooker if set to 300, and it takes about as long as a slow cooker would at that temp. If set hotter to speed it up, you must stir due to sticking and to prevent scorching.
Denise
10/03/10
Hamilton Beach 18 quart Roaster Oven
I need help, please. I recently obtained a 18 guart roaster oven by Hamilton Beach and I do not have the manual. What I need to know is this: do I put water in the under tray before cooking.
ellen
10/03/10
This question is asked and answered on this thread several times. You NEVER put water in the underpan. You can go to the sites mentioned above to download the manual.
NANCY
10/13/10
I am doing a benefit for a 25 year old young lady who has brain cancer. I am doing baked zita and I read where I can do it in my electric roaster which is 17 qts. The zita will already be cooked 3/4 through and the sauce with meat will be hot. So I'll mix together and put in roaster. I need to know how hot to set roaster and how long to cook before serveing. I'll put shredded cheese on last just to melt. I have six roasters that have also been lent to me to use, as they expect 500 people. I'm also having chef salad, italian bread, plus desserts and beverage. The benefit is October 23rd, looking forward to hearing from you with HELP. Thank You If you could reply to my e-mail address masters@dreamscape.com again THANK YOU
ellen
10/13/10
Hi, Nancy,
For this amount of pasta, I would do at least 8 roasters, and 10 would be better. If you fill the roasters more than 2/3 full, it is very difficult to cook without scorching the outside edges, and there is not enough cheese.

1-preheat the roasters to 325, to reduce scorching.
2-spray with a heavy coating of non-stick spray and dust with plain old Kraft style Parm cheese before filling
3-Allow a full hour.
4-Use a quick-read thermometer. The center should be at 180 for 15 minutes.
5-Then turn to 180 to hold until served. Will hold up to 2 hours.

sharon
10/15/10
using oven bags
I am heading a Memorial service on Sat. Oct 14. I plan to heat 30 pounds of sliced picnic ham. I read that you can use a oven bag. It is suggest on the box of the bags if using in a roaster to place it in a 9x13 pan. Also to flour the bag to prevent bursting. Would 3 hours be enough time at 325 degrees?
ellen
10/15/10
This is not safe. This is way too much meat to do this way; 20 pounds is a max for one of these roasters. And there is a real hazard to using the oven bags in these roasters; the roasting bag cannot be so full that it touches the sides or bottom of the roaster, as the heating elements can melt the bag; that's why it says to put it in a 9x13 pan.

You CAN safely use 3 or 4 6 quart crock pots with the ceramic crocks, place the ham in the pots and add the glaze ingredients. You can also just add some Coke or Pepsi, chicken broth, or water; about 1 cup will do it. Cover and cook on low for 5-8 hours, until ham is thoroughly heated. If you want to glaze the ham, place on a broiler pan and cover with glaze; broil 10" from the heat for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully, until glaze is cooked.

Or wrap the ham tightly in foil, adding 1-2 tablespoons of liquid for each pound of ham, but 30 pounds is still too much for one roaster.

To use roasters, preheat the roasters to 325. Bake in a preheated 325 degrees F oven for 10-14 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 140 degrees F in the middle of the package. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Jeanie
11/11/10
Hi, I am thinking about catering my daughter's wedding. I wanted to make pulled pork using Pork Butt Roasts. I will be making meat for 200 people. How many pounds of roast can you put in an 18 quart roaster oven at a time? If it is filled to maximum capacity, how long do you cook them and at what temperature? Do you add water or just a rub?For my sanity's sake, can I make them ahead, pull... and reheat? How long and at what temperature would I need to reheat them? It is scary because I want the meat moist AND warm! How often to stir it to distribute the heat??? Our money is really tight and I almost HAVE to do it myself...any advice?
Pam
11/11/10
We need a large pan for boiling water. Would a roaster oven be able to boil 5-6 inch depth of water? How long would it take to boil and at what temperature would I need to set it?
ellen
11/11/10
Jeannie, do it ahead, freeze in sauce, thaw in refrigerator (may take 2 days if doing all in one fridge), allow 3 hours to reheat at about 300 degrees, turning to 18 when it reaches 165 in the middle of the pan. No more than 3 gallons per roaster to reheat- do NOT fill to the brim- and someone has to be there to stir it during the wedding. You need about 50 pounds well trimmed raw bone shoulder in per 100 people. I roast with a rub, then add sauce and freeze.

Pam, yes you ca boil water, but the pan is only about 5 inches deep. Heat 350. Do NOT put in mare than 14 quarts.

Dawn
11/13/10
Rival roaster oven 18 quart
Hi, I am cooking both a 20 pd turkey and a spiral ham for Thanksgiving. I would like to cook the turkey in the oven and then place in into the roaster to keep it warm for a few hours while I cook the ham and sides. Will this work without drying out the turkey? How should I do it? Your advice would be great! Thanks!
ellen
11/13/10
No. Consider cooking the turkey in the roaster. It will not hold without drying.
heather
11/19/10
I want to cook Thanksgiving stuffing in my Roaster Oven. Can I do this?
Thanks,
heather
ellen
11/19/10
Yes. Either on the rack for a small pan, or right in the cook pan for 25 or more Make it a little less moist than for a big oven- it doesn't dry out as much.
sherry
11/20/10
I have an 18 quart nesco roast air oven. I want to fix my turkey in it. I want it to brown well but have enought dripping for gravy and basting. Should I use the oven as just a roaster or should I use the air option.
heather
11/20/10
How long do I cook the dressing?
ellen
11/20/10
Sherry, the convection/fan feature is the only way to get serious browning in the roaster oven. Use butter to baste if you want to guarantee enough fat.

Heather, preheat the roaster to the same as a regular oven, and use the same times. It doesn't get quite as crusty in the roaster.

Kathy
11/22/10
I'd like to cook two turkey breasts in my GE roaster oven for Thanksgiving. One weighs 7.1 lbs. and the other weighs 5.9 lbs. I'm not sure how long to cook them in the roaster. Would it be better to cook them one at a time (one on Wednesday evening and the other Thursday?); or will it work to cook them together? The manual that came with the roaster is quite vague about this and I've been searching the internet for hours for more information!
ellen
11/22/10
Calculate the times for the two; preheat 20 minutes, 325 degrees, start the big one, put the little one in later, as you calculated. Use a meat thermometer for exact doneness, let stand at least 20 minutes before carving. Times a little shorter than the regular oven
Johnnye
11/23/10
Happy Thanksgiving, I have a Rival 17quart electric roasting oven in which I would like to cook my cornbread dressing. My recipe is very "soupy" at the beginning and cooks in a regular oven @ 325 for 2 hours. How long do I cook my dressing in the roaster oven insert pan and should I be concerned that it will stick on the bottom? My recipe calls for melting 1 stick of oleo in the pan. Except for the onions, celery, and bell peppers, all of the ingredients are pre-cooked. Thank you.
keith
11/23/10
i want to cook my turky in my oven roaster what do i do, do i use the rack can i add anything to it for flavor i have no idea can u help me
ellen
11/23/10
Johnnye, cut the liquid by about 1/4; the roaster does not dry out the dressing like a regular oven. Yes it will probably stick Put a piece of foil down and use plenty of non-stick spray.

Keith it is exactly like a regular oven except you have to preheat at least 2o minutes and it cooks abit fatster and moister. Season any way you like The rack is a very good idea since most turkeys nowadays have too much liquid injected.

Bonnie
11/24/10
I'm cooking my 1st turkey Ever this year. I'd like to use my electric roaster, but have no rack. I read your post about using a muffin tin or cake racks instead. How do I go about taking the turkey out of the pan?
ellen
11/24/10
You don't say how large the turkey is? Plain cotton twine/rope can be used to make a sling. you put it around the turkey before cooking, hook under the wings with the "X" in the middle of the back and the two loops above the turkey, lift out. If you do not overcook, it can be lifted out with a really heavyweight spoon in the cavity and an oven glove you wash later.
Johnnye
11/24/10
Thank you!
keith
11/24/10
thank you
Bonnie
11/24/10
Thank you for your response. My turkey is a little over 12 pounds so I think your idea will work well. Late last night I read about poultry lifters. I'm in a rural area with a small HEB and small Walmart. Should I try to find the lifters or just use the spoon and glove?
tina poole
11/24/10
I need to cook some of my thanksgiving side in roaster ovens this year because of oven space in the regular oven. con I cook the same in a roaster oven as I do in a regular one mt sides are stuffing, scalloped potatoes, green bean cass, and mac-n -cheese what are the best 2 for roaster ovens
Kim
11/24/10
First question why is it that you can't cook more than a 20lb turkey in GE roaster oven. And if I were to cook a 20lb turkey can I use the reynolds oven bag.
ellen
11/24/10
Tina, same temp as the regular oven, do the stuffing and the potatoes.

Kim, to roast properly, you need an inch all around the bird between the wall and the bird, and it should not come up past the top of the roaster, never mind using the lid to smash it down. You can only use a bag in these ovens if the bag does not touch any part of the oven wall- if it touches it will melt and fuse to the wall, and also puncture the bag.

tina
11/25/10
thank you ellen
Doug
11/25/10
Ellen,
I just tried using an oven roaster to cook my turkey but I got very concerned. First, it's not a new oven. Anyways, I put an oven thermometer in there and even with the oven turned all the way up to 500 degrees the thermometer never went above about 250. I know the thermometer works because ?I use it all the time. What I was wondering was if I was misunderstanding how these oven roasters work. If you set a regular oven to 350 the thermometer reads 350 but not this oven roaster. In your opinion is it broken? I took the turkey and put it in the regular oven to cook.
Ron
11/26/10
Oster 18 quart roaster oven
I would likve to do a 12LB prime Rib with no bone's. I am very experienced with a regular (Restaurant Gas Oven, fat up, season in a bag) however I have never done one in a roaster oven and would like to know what temp I should cook in on it it. I would normally cook one at about 325 degrees in a gas oven, or on my trager gril smoke it. Thanks for the help
ellen
11/26/10
Doug, if you let it preheat 20 minutes and it still did that, it is indeed broken. May be repairable if you have a local appliance repair shop.

Ron, the thing is, prime rib is SO good with that bit of crustiness. That is what you don't get in the roaster- it cooks a bit moister. Other than that, do preheat 20 minutes or more and then temp and time like a regular oven.

marilyn
11/26/10
Heating Tamales
Ellen.......I need to reheat precooked/thawed tamales - about 10 dozen - and am checking with you to see if I can do this in my roaster? Water on the bottom of the roaster.......tamales on the rack? What temp? Cook how long?
Ellen
11/26/10
Thanks
Ellen,
Thanks for the feedback on a prime rib in the oven roaster. Your feedback was great!! Thanks and have a wonderful holidays!!
ellen
11/26/10
Marilyn, I think 10 dozen is 2 batches for most roasters, if you want even heating

You can reheat tamales in the oven or preheated roaster at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. (Don't try to re-steam them.) If you freeze them, you can reheat them by putting frozen tamales in a casserole dish or for large amounts on a baking tray, covering with foil, and heating in a preheated 350 oven for 30-35 minutes.

If you do use a roaster, rack and water, the preheating should get the water steaming and once the tamales are in- no more that 2-3 deep- don't lift the lid till they are done.

Diane
11/27/10
Ellen, I'm planning on cooking a 6 lb. leg of lamb in my roaster along with potatoes. I believe the temperature should be set at 325. Can you tell me how long it will for it to cook?
ellen
11/28/10
Allow about the same time as the regular oven, but use a thermometer to decide doneness. The shape of legs of lamb varies a lot and this affects cooking time. Pull out about 5-10 degrees below the final temp and let stand 20-30 minutes loosely tented or covered in foil, for tenderest juiciest meat.
Nikeisha Thomas
11/29/10
Hamilton Beach Buffet Roaster Oven
I have a Hamilton Beach Roaster Oven 18 qt capacity, my turkey is fitting but the breast is so high that the cover for the oven wont cover it... wat do i do?
Can i
a) Remove the insert pan and put the turkey directly on the base?
b) Use the insert pan insert the turkey and build a foil tent over the turkey?
c) Cut the turkey in parts to bake it?

Any other options will be appreciated.
Thank you.

ekken
11/30/10
This turkey is really too big for the oven- it needs the lid to close the cooking space- so cutting it up is the best. If you do this, put the dark meat in a half hour before you put the breast in.

DO NOT remove the liner pan, not safe to cook in it without it.

ron
12/02/10
nesco 12 qu conv roaster
Hi Ellen- Great advise on the prime rib. I just purchased a nesco 12 quart convection. Have not found a recipe for pheasant. It is quite wild and all over the rice fields her in nor-cal. Wanted to know if you have a recipe for one as I am going to use my smoker for one and wanted to try the other in the convection nesco. Thank you for your help.
ellen
12/02/10
Ron, I usually braise or casserole wild pheasant with red wine and herbs, not roasting, as they tend to be dry and a bit gamy. Here is a sample ingredient list:

# 10 oz (280g) dry cured smoked bacon, preferably thickly sliced.
# 2 oz (60g) unsalted butter.
# Two bay leaves.
# Two pheasants, hung, plucked and gutted.
# Two medium sized onions.
# Four sticks of celery.
# Four large carrots.
# A small bundle of fresh thyme.
# Salt and pepper
# 1 pint real chicken bone stock.
# Half a bottle of red wine. A French Vin de Pays d’Oc is a good, inexpensive choice.
# 1 ounce dried mushrooms (optional).
# Two tablespoons flour.
# Cold water.

Ron
12/03/10
pheasant
Ellen,
Thanks for the advise, I am going to try it out!! You are 100% correct they can dry out fast and bad. The gamy part I relish!
Happy Holidays to you and yours
Ron
jeanine
12/06/10
I am looking at cooking small red skin potatoes in the roaster for a large gathering of about 50 people. Can I boil or roast these potatoes in the roaster and if so ... how many can it cook and for how long/temperature?
ellen
12/07/10
Yes, you can, and it would hold in one roaster, but I would cook it in two roasters. You can bring to a boil (temp at 400) and cook that way. You can also roast, but in two roasters, same temp as a regular oven.
Deanna Bennett
12/12/10
Ellen:

Could you please help me? This is my first time using a Roaster. I just purchased a Rival 17 quart Roaster and I have searching desperately for a soup recipe that serves about 15-20 people. If I were to make the soup via my crockpots the night before, could I transfer this recipe to my roaster oven the next morning? I have to carry this in for a holiday party at work. I was wondering what settings you would place it on AND, do I need to add water? Also, if you have a soup recipe, please advise. Thank you.

ellen
12/12/10
You can cook it in the roaster if you wish. To use as a low crockpot, you set it to 190-200. No water under the cookpan, EVER.

There are several really good soup recipes on this site- see the beefy tomato vegetable in big pots or the oven fish chowder in the recipe box, for example.

katherine
12/24/10
my roaster was given to me without instructions. it has a lid, a black pan insert, a rack and than the bottom, at least i assume it is the bottom, it is every out side part with a black inside. it is a RIVAL model. my question is do i put the rack in the bottom of the thing or put water in than put the insert and rack in to cook a turkey. and also can i use this to make stews?
Ellen
12/24/10
You can download a Rival manual at the link above.

Never put water in the cooker, only in the insert pan if indicated. Insert pan, rack, turkey is the correct order. It makes great stew- enough for up to 50 people.

Andrea
12/24/10
Hi Ellen,
I saw the info about re-heating Tamales, how about temp and time for cooking tamales in the Roaster? My grandmother has never used one and is not sure of the time or temp to cook them in it. Any information is greatly appreciated!
ellen
12/24/10
We have noit had excellent success with this. The ones around the outside tend to scorch, while the middle ones don't get cooked.

The best we could do was to put foil pans bottom side out around the sides to keep them away from the sides, then another large can with both ends cut out in the middle to act as a sort of steam chimney. The tamales stand up, of course, rack in the bottom to hold them above the water. Put a heavy layer of husk over the tops to catch the large amount of steam that drips back onto the tamales from the lid.

Marty
01/07/11
Ellen, I want to cook two 4 lb whole chickens together with red potatoes and carrots in my 18 qt roaster. Can I put the chickens on the removable rack and them scatter the potatoes and carrots around the chicken? I would usually do this in the regular oven in a browning bag but my oven went south for the winter. Thanks, love the page.
ellen
01/08/11
Yes. Preheat the oven 20 minutes. Timing is about the same as a regular oven, it will be moister and not quite so brown.
Tracy
01/28/11
We're having a superbowl party and bought an 18oz boneless boston butt.... would like to make pulled pork for sandwiches. Do not want to smoke. Should we do in the oven or borrow a friends big roaster? I'm leaning toward the roaster, but have NO IDEA how to cook it! Brine or no brine? Rub or no rub? Inject it or not? Water in the roaster? Do the weekend before or day before? I'm guessing 1.5 -2 hours per lb at 225....But don't want to ruin it! Talk to me!!
Tracy
01/28/11
oops, meant 18lb.
Deanne
01/29/11
Hi, I just bought a 6 qt nesco to bring baked ziti to a going away luncheon at work. I normally would bake the ziti at 350 degrees for 30-45 min in my regular oven. My question is what would be the best way to do it in the nesco that I will be bringing into work on that day already filled with the baked ziti?
ellen
01/29/11
Tracy, easy to do pulled pork in either the oven or roaster. Go to this page and scroll down to pulled pork recipe.

www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/bbq.html

Deanne, I would make the macaroni and sauce, refrigerate in baggies overnight and at work, place in the Nesco an hour before and bake an hour till lunch. Separate baggie of toasted bread crumbs or French fried onions to top. Fresh and tasty.

Tracy
01/31/11
The recipe says to cook in oven and then put on the grill..... can I do it all in the oven/roaster? If I do it in the roaster will it take longer than the oven? Is there a rough time estimate per pound? THANKS
ellen
01/31/11
Yes you can do the whole cooking in the roaster, do keep the 200 temp and DO use a thermometer. It takes about the same time. If you want it really shreddy, take the internal temp to 180, which takes longer.

I usually make ahead, store shredded in the sauce and reheat. Easier on the cook, and I think standing in the sauce improves the flavor.

darrell
02/24/11
do i need to put water between the lift out pan and the base
ellen
02/25/11
NO, NEVER! These are ovens, not chafing dishes. It is NOT SAFE to put liquid there.
CRinQC
03/07/11
I'd like to cook 4 corned beef briskets (3-4 lbs. each) for a St. Patty's get together for 16 people. I normally slow cook a brisket and would like to use my same recipe but slow cook using my roaster. What setting should I use on my roaster if my slow cooker is 8-10 hours on low?
ellen
03/08/11
Great plan. 200 degrees. Erin go bragh.
m velasco
03/13/11
I am looking for a recipe and temp guide for a beef stew or Irish stew in an 18 qt. electric roaster oven. Please help.
ellen
03/14/11
Brown the meat and veggies in the pre-heated roaster, then add the liquids. 200 degrees for about 8 hours, 350 for about 3.
Barb
03/14/11
Ellen, I obtained a beautiful Farberware 18 Qt. roaster at a yard sale. I have used it twice for roasting a turkey but it didn't brown and looked pale when done. I need to find out how to brown a turkey or other meat. No booklet came with this roaster.
I also want to know if I can use this roaster to roast and bake other dishes such as other beef and pork roasts, casseroles in a casserole dish and a whole oven cooked meal, at times? My regular oven in my gas stove is so large that it seems such a waste to just just put in a casserole for two people. I wonder about baking potatoes, etc? I did not get a bottom rack with it.
Barb
03/14/11
Hi Ellen, I just wrote you a comment/question and forgot something. My 18 qt. roaster has the large pan that can be lifted out of the initial roaster and washed. I am wondering, since I did not get an information booklet, am I ever supposed to put water in the pan that is attached permanently into the roaster -- (the one the other pan lifts out of) -- or does that just stay dry at all times? I thought maybe it was for steam or something.
ellen
03/14/11
Barb, you NEVER put water in the main pan of the roaster, it is not safe.
Use the same manual as for any other 18-quart roaster, there are links in this and other roaster threads. The not browning is normal, there are some discussions online for getting a bit more brown, but the moister meat is the trade-off for the less browning.

Yes you can cook anything in the roaster that you can cook in the oven, you need a rack in the bottom to lift any pans off the bottom for air circulation. You can by at the Farberware site, or use a very heavy cake rack.

molly
03/16/11
i have an 18 quart roaster and plan on cooking three corn beefs in it. what temp do I cook it at and for how long. the corn beefs are an average of about five pounds each
ellen
03/16/11
At simmer, allow for the largest roast, not the total weight. At 200 they take about 8 hours, at 325/350 50 minutes per pound.
gayle
03/27/11
I want to cook 2 slab of ribs in my Roaster.
Do you have a recipe?

Thanks

ellen
03/27/11
These cook exactly the same as in your oven. My favorite rib recipe is the jerk ribs on the BBQ and brisket page.
ellen
03/27/11
What you will notice is different, is, the edges don't get crispy. For this, you have to run them under the broiler.
Bobbie
04/04/11
I need to keep a large amount of precooked meatballs warm at a wedding reception. Can they be heated and then kept warm in my 18 qt roaster oven without over-cooking or burning the meatballs on the bottom of the pan?
ellen
04/04/11
Yes, if you THOROUGHLY preheat (20-30 minutes) the roaster, set to 180 degrees and keep covered except for occasional stirring. Roasters with side heating elements such as the Nesco, work better for this than the bottom heating ones like Rival and Hamilton Beach.
DONNA
04/08/11
I want to make a meatloaf in my 18 qt roaster and i want to know if i can and how much groundbeef and sauage would it take and how long and what woul i set it on
ellen
04/09/11
Donna, you can make regular meatloaf in regular pans, set them on the rack that came with the roaster or a cake rack in the preheated roaster, it will hold 2. Or, you can make a larger meatloaf (4-5 pounds meat), set it in a 9x13 pan and put that in the preheated roaster.

I STRONGLY recommend you use a lean beef, as it is quite difficult to get the pans out without spilling grease if you use regular ground beef.

Karen
04/11/11
Hi Ellen, I am making a Chicken Marsala casserole for my daughter's graduation (about 40 people). I am going to dice and precook the chicken and assemble it with the sauce and penne the day before. I was thinking of using 5lbs of pasta. Is this enough pasta, how long I should I heat it and at what temp.? Oh and this is a GE Roaster, not to sure if that makes a difference. Thanks for your help
Lisa
04/11/11
How many pans
I am having a surprise party and am making macaroni salad and potato salad. I need to feed 50 and was going to put the salads in a 13x9x9 inch foil pan. Do I need more than one pan for each or is one pan adequate enough.
ellen
04/11/11
Karen, you need to tightly cover the casserole (foil placed so the lid still fits) before preheating. Assuming the casserole is going from the fridge directly to the roaster, preheat the roaster covered before putting in the pan to 400 degrees, insert the covered pan, and IMMEDIATELY turn down to 325. This keeps it from turning back on as soon as the pan goes in and helps prevent scorching. Allow about twice as long as for the oven, because the casserole is much deeper filled. Temp in the center should be 180; when it reaches 180, turn the roaster down to 180 to hold.
If the rest of the sides are light, I would do 7 pounds of pasta. This allows for seconds and big eaters.

Lisa, I have not seen a 13x9x9 pan, don't know what that is in cups/gallons. You need about 6 quarts of each of these to make sure everyone gets their preferred choice (you will have some left over); fill the pan with water and measure the volume and you will know if you need one or two.

Karen
04/12/11
Thanks Ellen. Can I use one roaster or do you suggest borrowing another one? We will be having the dinner right after the graduation which will last about 45 min, do you think it will be ok to be at 325 for about 1 1/2? This is all new to me. I have had my roaster for years but only used it maybe once for a turkey. Thanks again.
Lisa
04/12/11
Ellen, I wasn't sure of the pan dimensions basically I was looking at using those foil pans that you would typically use for lasagna.
ellen
04/12/11
Karen, I think I would do it at 300 if I were going to leave it; everything is already cooked and delays do happen...

Lisa, most of the regular 13x9 size pans do at most 3 quarts, which is at most 24 servings.

Lisa
04/13/11
Thanks Ellen! I think I will need 2 of those and maybe a small pan as well!

Really appreciate your help.

Now I am also doing sweet & sour meatballs in a average size crockpot, how many crockpots do you think we will need for 50?

ellen
04/13/11
You need 10 pounds of meatballs, 2 of the larger or 3 of the smaller regular crock pots.
Lisa
04/14/11
Thank you so much. Honestly this is the BEST website!!!
RUBY EGLE
04/14/11
Can I use oven cleaner on the inside of the roaster insert pan. I sprayed it with Pam but still left black crusty. I soaked it all night and scrubbed but still black crusty stuff on inside sides of pan. I have a GE Roaster Oven, Model #169012. Oh yes and I way over cooked my turkey. thanks first timer lol, Ruby
ellen
04/14/11
Yes, if it is enamel, no if it is non-stick. If non-stick, try Dawn Power Scrub (near the dish soaps). If nothing works, the insert pan is replaceable.
Jeanen
05/17/11
Ellen, I'm serving 130 on a camping trip. I will have a generator. I need a potato dish to go with baby back ribs. Any ideas for potato's in a roaster oven, or potatoes I can do mostly ahead of time? (preferably no baked potatoes)

Thank You!!!

ellen
05/18/11
I would do potato salad. Boil but do not peel the potatoes.
Karen
05/21/11
Green Beans
HELP! I thought I had everything plan for tomorrow but my crock pot is not big enough for the green beans so I am using a 19 quart Nesco Roaster. I have about 16 pounds of green beans how long do I cook them and what temp.? And do you have any suggestions on the amount and kind of liquid? Thank you for all of your help!!!!!!
ellen
05/21/11
300 degrees is the equivalent of high on your crock pot. Use approximately the same amount of liquid you would for the crock pot beans, and the same time.
keep them covered.
Stephanie
05/24/11
I need some advice as I'm a vegetarian attempting to cook meat for a dinner party. I was given a recipe that calls for braised Veal breast, but I'm thinking I'll substitute it with pork shoulder (unless you have another suggestion) and cook it in my electric roaster. Most of the recipes I've found are for pulled pork, but I would like to slice. The recipes also vary wildly in terms of cooking temps and times. I plan on cooking the pork with the same braising liquids/vegetables that were in the original recipe. What temp and cooking time would you suggest for roughly a 5 pound shoulder with bone-in? Thanks!
jeanne
05/24/11
Ellen, can I cook Scrambled eggs in a roaster oven. I'm feeding about 130.

Thanks!

ellen
05/24/11
Stephanie, slicing a bone in shoulder is pretty challenging. The butcher can bone it out for you. This is a pretty nice recipe:

www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Cider-Braised-Pork-Shoulder-with-Caramelized-Onions-105913

Jeanne, yes, but for 130 it will do best in 3 roasters.

ellen
05/24/11
Jeanne, sorry, I meant 2 roasters:

Electric Roaster Scrambled Eggs
70 people

Preheat roaster to 325. Put in and melt:
1 pound real butter

Crack and mix well:
11 dozen eggs
9 cups milk (part ranch dressing adds Z-i-n-g)
2-3 tablespoons salt
other seasonings to taste (eg 1/4 cup dry parley, etc)

The egg mixture MUST be refrigerated if not cooked immediately.

Swirl the butter all around the roaster pan, pour the egg mixture carefully into the roaster.
Cook, covered 50 to 60 minutes, stirring thoroughly- get all the corners- every 10 to 15 minutes with plastic or wooden spoon. When eggs begin to thicken, stir in:

2 teaspoons ground pepper

Serve once cooked, turn the roaster to 150 degrees as the eggs finish thickening.

ellen
05/24/11
Last 15 minutes, you can add 1 1/2 pounds crumbled cooked sausage or diced warmed ham, or shredded cheese or other add-ins.
Stephanie
05/26/11
Ellen, thanks for the recipe. I figured the bone would just slide out after cooking, but better not take a chance. Are there any special instructions for cooking in the electric roaster? Is 2.5 to 3 hours at 325 degrees still accurate? In another post (for pulled pork) you suggested reducing the heat to 200 degrees after an hour. Would that make sense for sliced shoulder or would it be too tender after cooking at a low temp?
Stephanie
05/27/11
Also, for braising, do I use a dutch oven dish as I would in a regular oven? If I just put the pork directly into the roaster, do I cook it on the rack or just on the bottom of the roasting pan?
ellen
05/28/11
If you lower the temp you must use a thermometer for the end point.

The 200 for pulled is because you have to get it to 180 without drying it out, so it will shred, which is actually fairly difficult. You don't want yours to shred.

I would suggest tight foil wrapping for the roasters. If not, use a rack.

Barbara
06/01/11
I need to cook stuffing for 50 and thought my roaster oven might work. Any suggestions on the best way to cook it so I don't dry it out.
ellen
06/02/11
It is big enough. Be sure to preheat at least 20 minutes before inserting the cooking well. Cook at 325- not higher.
Barbara
06/02/11
do I need to put water in the well?
ellen
06/02/11
No, no, no, a thousand times no. As mentioned several times on this thread, this practice is specifically forbidden byu the manufacturer.
beraleday
06/05/11
Thank You For This Post, was added to my bookmarks.
Doreen
06/22/11
20 qt. Rival Roaster Oven
I have a 20qt. Rival Roaster Oven and I'm looking to make Baked Ziti in it...I have never done this before and have no clue on how to do this. Do I have to cook the ziti before hand? I'm making this for a party on Sat. and probably around 60 people give or take. Can you tell me if this can be done and if so can you tell me step by step so I don't screw it up. Thanks so much for you help.
ellen
06/23/11
Yes the pasta is cooked, just al dente, and 1 roaster is just about perfect for 60 people.See this thread, 12/13/06, 5/14/09, 8/25/09, also the spaghetti page. If you have more questions, write back- you might start a new thread..
Robin
06/28/11
I would like to prepare baked potatoes for a large group in the roaster. How many medium sized potatoes can I do at one time...can I stack them?
ellen
06/28/11
You can do potatoes for abput 20 in one roaster. Preheat it at least 20 minutes before adding the potatoes. If you stack, it about doubles the cooking time.
Fran Truelove
07/21/11
Could you tell me how long and at what temperature you cook a roaster of hot dogs for a large quantity of people. We used the method last year at the fair and it worked great.
ellen
07/22/11
See the below thread, 10/24/06, 6/26/07, 5/29/08, 3/30/09:

www.ellenskitchen.com/forum/messages/2911.html

Also the chafing dish thread, 7/15/11.

Pat J
09/09/11
I want to steam my tamales in my roaster. I read the comment about placing them around a cup. (This seems like a potential problem of them falling over).I don't have the rack to keep them out of the water. Can I just place several tamales in ovenproof cups so they will stand upright and won't touch the water in the bottom of my roaster? Then cook for an hour or so at 325?
ellen
09/10/11
Probably not. I n the first place, they take much longer than 1 hour, at 325 more like 3-4 hours. In the second place, they cook by steaming and the ends in the cups will be protected from the steam.
Replace the rack with a heavy duty cake cooling rack, under $10 at most store, or re-order one from your manufacturer. This is especially important if yu have a roaster with the heating element on the bottom, such as HP or Rival. The Nesco has the heating element around the side which is more like the traditional crock pot.
How many are you making? Up to 2 dozen can be made in a crock pot, and the technique is very like for a roaster. Go here for a guideline to making tamales in slow cookers, which is very like a roaster:

crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-make-tamales-in-crockpot.html

Debbie
09/19/11
Hi Elllen,
I'm doing pulled pork for the first time in my 20 quart electric oven. The lunch is for 30 (heavy eaters). How many lbs of raw boston butt should I need?
I also want to offer a crock pot of smoked sausage, baked beans, cole slaw, rice, and rolls.
ellen
09/19/11
Boneless raw for heavy eaters, 1 pound for each 2 eaters. I usually allow 2 pounds for 5 for dinner or 1 pound for 3 for sandwiches. One roaster can handle up to 20 pounds of meat.
Kelly
10/06/11
Ellen, please help!! We are hosting a meal for approximately 300. The problem is my side dish of whole frozen green beans. How many pounds will I need, how many roasters to cook them in & at what temp & for how long? We plan on using ham hock as the seasoning but wonder about water is that needed as well & if so how much for each roaster? Thanks a bunch.
ellen
10/08/11
Seems like I just answered this, but here goes:

22-24 pounds beans per 100

Simmer the hocks in the water for an hour or so before adding the beans, to flavor the water and tenderize the meat.

Use 3-4 roasters for this many beans.

325-350, allow up to 1 hour in water already hot if you like them cooked southern style (really really done). Otherwise, only about 30 minutes. Turn down to 160 when they are almost done, to hold a while.

Kelly
10/24/11
We are serving augratin potatoes as a side dish for 300. These are a boxed potatoes with each box making 42 1/2 cup servings. How many boxes can go in one roaster & at what temperture? In a conventional over they require 45 min. per box baking time would the timing be the same in a roaster? Thanks so much!!
ellen
10/24/11
First of all, each box will actually serve only about 35, so allow 3 boxes per 100.

The roasters would do best with 2 boxes, could do 3 with an increase in cooking time and the risk of being too done around the edges and not quite done enough in the middle.

If your liquid is hot/preheated, allow an hour, if not, up to 2.

Preheat the roasters a full 20 minutes before adding the cook wells.

If you heat the liquid in the roasters, allow at least 20 minutes per gallon.

Pat Henley
10/27/11
I want to cook my turkey the previous day and the next day put it in my GE 18 qt. cooker to keep warm. What should I do to keep the meat moist.
ellen
10/27/11
You have some major food safety issues to cope with, and you cannot safely reheat a whole bird, you will have to take it off the carcass and slice it before storing. See the article on reheating turkey and also the article on roasting, which has some additional food safety tips.
Chrissy
11/04/11
Can i make rice in a 18 quart roaster over
ellen
11/04/11
Yes, there are several threads on this, there are some tricks to it.
Michele
11/06/11
I just inhereited (unused NIB) the GE 18 qt roaster over. I would love to use it for Thanksgiving. I had to buy a almost 26 lb turkey due to # of guests. Can I cook this big bird unstuffed in this oven? Thanks so much!
Michele
11/06/11
I just inhereited (unused NIB) the GE 18 qt roaster over. I would love to use it for Thanksgiving. I had to buy a almost 26 lb turkey due to # of guests. Can I cook this big bird unstuffed in this oven? I put the frozen bird in it and it does fit. Thanks so much!
ellen
11/06/11
Nope, even with luck, a 20-22 pounder is all it can do. The bigger one sits so high that the heat does not circulate well.
Michele
11/06/11
Thank you so much for getting back to me!!
donna
11/13/11
I'm taking my 18qt.GE roaster to Il to cook turkey dinner. There is no room in the house...can I use it in a cold garage & do I adjust cook time or temp for 12 lbs.?

Thanks!

ellen
11/14/11
Yes, many turkeys have been roasted in garages and on porches.

unless it is very cold, about 45 or less, heat adjustment is not required. If very cold, expect it to go to the long end of the time estimate, or a bit beyond.

donna
11/14/11
I'm taking my 18 qt GE roaster to IL to cook a turket dinner at my daughter's house.
There's no room in her kitchen for the roaster ...can I use it in the unheated garage?
donna
11/14/11
Thanks so much for your answer...sorry this came twice!
Debbie
11/16/11
cooking an almost 19 lb turkey in my 18 quart nesco roaster oven..how long will it take to roast?
ellen
11/16/11
Check out the table at the Nesco site, it is also in your manual.
Joyce
11/18/11
I have a 18 qt roaster oven that I received after the death of my parents. There is no manual, and I have looked at the downloadable manual you posted a link for. My only question is this: I am set in my ways in that I love my old fashioned oven cooking, but I need a way to keep a ham, dressing and a vegetable warm for a pot luck on Tuesday. There is a 'keep warm' setting on my roaster, but I am unsure of whether to use water in the roaster pan or use it dry. Also, should the individual pans be sprayed before adding the food? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
DJ
11/20/11
Ellen, I just want to say "THANK YOU" for having this website! You have helped me without me even having to ask!
ellen
11/20/11
Joyce, no water in the roasting pan. I would put the stuffing in a 9x13 pan, cover with foil; slice the ham into a big rather flat foil package with a little liquid, any fruit juice, coca cola, whatever; vegetable in a loaf pan covered tightly with foil. Stack the veg and ham on the stuffing and put in a roaster preheated to 300 degrees for at least 20 minutes, cover, turn down to keep warm right away if the food is hoot or after 1/2 hour if it started from the refrigerator.

DJ, you're welcome.

Michele
11/21/11
What a great find. your answers are so helpful. Can you explain what determines when to use water in the roaster under the pan and when no water is neccesary under the pan. I want to cook my turkey all night in my roaster we are having a 16 lb fresh turkey it will be in a brine for 10 hours prior and I want infor on what you reccommend. Here's my plan put turkey in at 9pm on 350 let it cook 1.5 hours turn down to 150 to 200 let cook no water any where not with the turkey or under the pan. Then at 7 or 8 am turn heat up 250 or 300 cook until 1130 turn heat off unplug let set carve by 1215 eat by 1230. I just need guidence and you expertise. I am cooking for 12 to 16 and want it to be soooo moist. I know the brine is a first step but slow and consistant a second step or dangerous??? Can i put 2 apples and 1 onion in the turkey cavity?? We are eating on Sunday after Church. Thanks Ellen
Joyce
11/21/11
Thank you ellen. It's really hard to figure out how to use an appliance when you don't have a manual! I did forget to mention that this roaster has 3 separate metal pans that can be used as well as the roasting pan. I assume that these would work the same as your directions. Sorry I didn't mention these in my original post. Thank you so much for helping me with this problem :)
ellen
11/21/11
Michele as said many times: NEVER NEVER water in the bottom. It is an oven, not a chafing dish. The turkey cooked as you describe will be cooked to death. See eatturkey.com, do not cook overnight, wash the turkey after brining and before cooking. This turkey will be fully cooked in under 5 hours.

Joyce, I think this is the buffet server for the roaster- it is for serving, nut cooking- this is where you put the three pans in a rack that holds them and fits on the top. Hot water goes in the removable cooking pan, NOT THE BOTTOM OF THE ROASTER, kept at around 200-250 to keep the food warm for serving.

Joyce
11/21/11
Ellen, thank you for clarifying. Yes, your description is exactly right! So I now know that I can transfer the cooked food to these serving pans and keep them warm for the potluck. Thank you so much for your help.
Michele
11/21/11
Good evening I just read up on brine and one article was about how much salt a turkey has if brined I never realized or really thought about that. My husband has high blood pressure so I was curious about how to brine without all the extra salt in our diet. Do you have a recipe to share? I was looking for one with pepsi but maybe I should pass on brining. Ellen I need your help. I do not want to turn a healthy meat into a danger zone for my family. I am using an electric roaster oven to roast out 16 - 18 lb turkey. I love moist white meat other wise I only eat the dark.
ellen
11/22/11
Do not brine if there is a salt issue, and look for a turkey that does not have the "basting solution" added; it is full of sodium. Free range, organic, and minimally processed do not.

The white meat is dry because it is overcooked.

The roaster cooks moister, but there are some tricks. Preheat the roaster at least 20 minutes before adding the turkey. Rub the bird all over with olive oil or butter. Clap the lid on and leave it on for the minimum cooking time before checking, it will probably be done, use a thermometer to check. Don't baste. Don't peek.

Or do what I do, cook it from rock solid frozen using Dr. Snyder's USDA approved method. Perfect juicy white meat every time.

www.hi-tm.com/Documents2005/turkey-cook-frozen.pdf

You larger turkey will take about 7 hours instead of 5.

www.hi-tm.com/Documents2005/turkey-cook-frozen.pdf

ellen
11/22/11
Do not brine the turkey if there is a salt issue. Also, get one that does not have the 8-12% solution added, it is full of sodium. Most free range and organic turkeys do not have it added.

White meat is dry because it is overcooked.

The roaster makes a moister turkey, but there are a few things- preheat at least do minutes. Rub olive oil or butter all over. Do NOT lift the lid until the minimum time for cooking has passed, but expect it will probably be done. Do not stuff the turkey- to get safe dressing, you have to overcook the breast.

Or do what I do, cook the turkey frozen (yes, rock solid frozen) using Dr. Peter Snyder's USDA approved technique. The breast cooks lower, and is always juicy.

www.hi-tm.com/Documents2005/turkey-cook-frozen.pdf

Karen
11/22/11
turkey breast in 18 qt roaster
I have an 8 lb turkey breast I want to cook in the roaster. How long and at what temperature should roast the turkey. I want to put onions and celery in the bag along with the turkey. Will this work? Thank you.
Wendy
11/22/11
I want to cook a standing prime rib roast in my roaster. Di I have the butcher remove the bones? or would a tenderloin be a better cut?
Cathy
11/22/11
have a stainless steal rival roasting oven and have lost instruction manual want to roast a 16 pound turkey and stuffing for thanksgiving can you help with reciepe and instructions
ellen
11/22/11
Karen, yes you can put all that in the bag, don't let the bag touch the walls of the roaster. Preheat the roaster before adding the meat, put the rack under the bag, use the lowest temp and shortest time recommended on the breast package, let stand at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Wendy, prime rib is one thing I never cook in the roaster, because the crispy outside is part of the deliciousness. I like Alton Brown's recipe for standing rib roast. If you have the bones taken off for convenience, have them tied back on; it cooks better and tastes better. Tenderloin is also a dry oven meat, not best in the roaster.

Cathy, the Rival manual link is above, and you can find what you need at:

eatturkey.com

I don't do the stuffing in the bird.

Mike
11/23/11
Hasmilton Beach roaster oven 18 quart
I would like to cook 2- 8lb turkey breast and was wanting some time frame and any recommend spices
Thanks you
Mike
ellen
11/23/11
Cooks just like one- Any rub is fine- you can use pork or turkey/poultry rub- or rub with the honey/soy sauce given in the honorable turkey recipe on the recipe box. Temp and time same as the regular oven the short side of the time.
Tarsha
11/23/11
hi ellen i need help i have a 8 pound whole uncooked ham do i put water in the bottom of my roaster oven or do i use the rack to cook it help please./
JARSHA
11/23/11
hi ellen do i need to put water in my roaster oven to do my uncooked ham or do i use the rack to roast it? its my first time using one need help
ellen
11/23/11
You do not ever put water in the bottom pan of the roaster; you can put it in the cooking pan, it should stay under the rack, you are not boiling the ham, and I would use pineapple or apple juice for part of the liquid.
jennifer
11/23/11
Hello. I would like to cook 2 6 pound turkey breasts in my GE roaster oven. Can you estimate how long this will take? I read above and I tentatively plan to cook in the roaster at 325 or 350 degrees for awhile and then put the roaster insert in the oven to brown. Does this sound right to you. Thanks in advance for your time.
ellen
11/23/11
This will work fine. Use 325, and preheat. It will take the same time as 1 breast. Take out at around 140-145 if you are going to hit it with 425 in the big oven.

You can also brown first if it is more convenient.

jennifer
11/23/11
Thank you Ellen. I have never used the roaster before. Can you tell me how long per pound? My roaster did not come with directions for a turkey and I'm lost. I very much appreciate all your help and your quick response above!!
Mary
11/23/11
how long do i cook a 8lb ham in the oven and at what temp.
RYLEE
11/23/11
i have to cook a 10lb ham for thanksgiving in a nesco oven. this was given to me by my mother in law. i have no clue how to do this. they want pineapple juice, coke and cherries. help please. don't have instructions for this.
Tinker
11/23/11
My question is can I wrap my 17.2 pound ham in foil and warm in my 18 qt roster?

Thanks for your help>

ellen
11/24/11
Jennifer, if it is a new roaster, you need to put it ouside and burn it for at least an hour at 450 to burn off the manufacturing oils, or it will stink up the house and ruin your turkey. A 4 pound breast takes about 1 1/2 hour at a preheated 325, an 8 pounder, about 3 hours.

Mar, Rylee, times for ham in the Nesco are the same as the oven, preheat the oven, don't lift the lid often, as this slows it down a lot.

Rylee, here is an offsite recipe site for the ham and cola- it's a southern thing:
www.cooks.com/rec/search?q=ham+cola

Tinker, notes on reheating ham are in the reheating turkey and ham article, basically, yes, but slices reheat a LOT better than whole ham.

jennifer
11/24/11
Oh my gosh - thank you! I would have been lost without this thread and stunk up our house for Thanksgiving. I appreciate all your help!!
veronica
11/24/11
I am cooking a turkey in my electric roaster, do i put water in the bottom part of the oven.
ellen
11/24/11
No, NEVER.
Crystie
11/24/11
I am stuck without turkey until about 4pm when I found a pre-thawed one at the grocer (the are still frozen, though). I am using an electric roaster hoping to speed up cook time on this 18-lb bird which was the smallest I could find! How long before it will be ready? I put it in unstuffed at 400 degrees and after 1.5 hrs reduced the temp to 350 degrees. Help!!
Crystie
11/24/11
above, I meant to say the giblets are still frozen. I have since boiled them for giblet gravy with no worries.
Crystie
11/24/11
@veronica -- I did not and have never added water to my turkey when cooking in electric roaster. Supposedly, these things steam instead of roast, so I usually end up with too much liquid -- ergo the need for the rack that comes with the electric roasters. Good luck!
ellen
11/24/11
Crystie, same as on the USDA sheet:

www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/lets_talk_turkey/index.asp

This should cook just like any other this size.

Also, next time, just cook it frozen:

www.hi-tm.com/Documents2005/turkey-cook-frozen.pdf

Crystie
11/25/11
Thank you! I didn't know you could do that. Mine took 3.5 hrs. It wasn't my best, but it was good.

Great website, btw!

greg
11/26/11
hi - i just picked up the ge create 169221 roaster oven from walmart they were selling them for $29.99 which is a great price. i just checked on line and it say up to a 18 lbs turkey but the box says upto 21 lbs. do you know which is correct? my other question is - can the reynolds oven bags in the ge roaster oven? thank you for you time.
ellen
11/26/11
The 18 pounder cooks better. The bag is OK as long as it does not touch the side or bottom. Use a rack.
Janet
11/26/11
I have a GE Roaster oven model 169152, and would like to find an buffet insert for it. Can you purchase one separately and where.
ellen
11/26/11
Not all the roasters will take the buffet insert. Go to the GE website and look at the parts list, but make sure the insert will fit your model.
JMiller
11/28/11
I bought a GE roaster Model RO 04 from Walmart years ago and would like to buy serving pans. Any ideas on where to purchase them?
ellen
11/28/11
Go to the GE site itself, they carry all available accessories.
Kathy
12/08/11
I have seen questions regarding putting water in the roaster but not a very clear response. The turkey is set on the rack and lifted into the roaster. Could it be roaster without water? If water is okay to use HOW MUCH do i use, please? HELP I am doing the turkey now.

Thank you so much.

ellen
12/09/11
You do not need water in the roaster to roast your turkey.
Pat
12/09/11
I read a recipe for prime rib that states to put on a rack, preheat oven to 375, of course season etc., roast 1 hour turn off oven and leave for 3 hours (don't open the oven) then 30-40 mins before serving turn oven back on at 375 to reheat roast. Remove from oven let rest 10 mins and should be cooked to perfection. Will this work in roaster oven if I put on a rack and don't open etc.
ellen
12/09/11
No, this is a fine recipe, but it depends on the retained heat and the roaster, with its thin top, doesn't retain heat well enough...
Heather
12/15/11
Prime Rib for Christmas
I want to cook a prime rib for Christmas dinner for 8 adults. I do not have a double oven. I do have a counter roaster oven, bought for Thanksgiving.
1) how much meat do I need?
2) can I cook the prime rib in the counter roaster? I have no idea how the sides will get done if I can't.
3) do you have recipe and/or time recommendations for prime rib in a roaster?
4) many recipes call for salting the meat, but I have read 2 that said NEVER salt meat as it will dry the meat out during the cooking process. So do I use salt or not?
Please help!
Mike
12/16/11
I'm thinking about making a ham for christmas. I've never cooked a ham at all. All I have is a roaster oven. About 25-30 people. How many pound ham do you think would be enough? Any preferences on hams? I seen other recipe with juice in the roaster. 10 minutes per pound to heat right? thanks for the help!
ellen
12/16/11
Roaster ovens are great for ham. 18 pounds bone in. Any whole ham; spiral cut is easy but more expensive. Juice is fine. Time depends on whether it is cooked or not; they come both ways; read the label. Use a meat thermometer and cook to 165 if raw, 145- 165 if reheating.
Kris
12/18/11
Help! My regular oven is not working. I want to use my 18 qt Nesco roaster oven to bake a standard pan of lasagna. I don't want to cook directly in the well. Can I just sent my pan on the rack inside the roaster oven? If so, do I use any water in the well? What temp do I use, and how long do I cook it? I have no manual for the roaster, so desperately need your help.
ellen
12/18/11
No water, yes rack, preheat 20 minutes before at the same temp as the regular oven, expect not quite so brown or crispy-edges.
Lisa
12/20/11
I am making 2-halved smoked cooked bone-in hams approximately at 8-9 pds each. Can I do this in an 18 quart Roaster & approximately how long? Do I calculate roasting time for 1 or 2 hams since it cooks faster then an oven? Can I use my Pinnaple and Cherries on top and glaze? If so how do I do it?
ellen
12/20/11
Yes, the roaster is fine. Preheat 20 minutes before adding the meat. Calculate for one ham, the other cooks at the same time. Yes, you can glaze- see the reheating ham instructions in the reheating ham and turkey article.
Maggie
12/24/11
I have a 20lb. Raw Bone in whole ham. I want to use my Rival roaster. Should I preheat it? And at what temperature should I cook it at? Also should I glaze before or just before it's done. Thanks!
ellen
12/24/11
Preheat at least 20 minutes, same temp as a regular oven. Takes about the same time. Usual to glaze before its done, but you can baste with a glaze or sweet sauce through cooking- just be aware that taking the lid off to baste increases the time about 1/2 hour.
Maggie
12/24/11
I asked about the 20lb raw bone in ham, but I forgot to ask if I put it in a bag and put it in the Rival roaster oven.
ellen
12/24/11
Does not need a bag! Internal temp 145.
Cathy
12/26/11
I'm wondering how you can get the stain from the ham juice out on the side of the pan without scratching it!!
ellen
12/26/11
If this is in a removable metal cookwell, first try Dawn Power scrubber, found near the dish washing liquids. If not, fill with water and put on simmer for a long time.
Jackie
12/30/11
I want to cook a 5lb boneless pork loin roast in my GE roaster. Could you please give me some info about degrees and roaster time. My husband is concerned that it will not get brown on top, is there anything I can do to brown the top? Also is it ok if we put water under the rack that the roast will be on. Thank you so much for any information you can give me.
Maggie
12/31/11
I have about an 8lb roast. Can I cook it in a bag and how much time per pound should it be and at what temperature?
ellen
12/31/11
Jackie, Brown the roast in a skillet before putting it in the roaster. Use a thermometer. See the beef roasting article for discussion about time and temp. Why water? The roaster already cooks wetter than the oven.

Maggie, what cut of meat? You can cook in a bag, but the bag MUST NOT touch the roaster walls; it will melt.

Lisa
12/31/11
I want to make an egg/sausage/hasbbrown/cheese breakfast type casserole for 30 in my roaster. I am considering whether I should double my 9 x 13 oven recipe (It takes about an hour in the regular oven) and put it in the roaster, and then put one 9X13 equivalent in the crockpot. I am wondering about cooking times and twemperatures in the roaster vs. oven. I saw your earlier post of times if you have quadrupled the recipe, what if I double or triple it? I plan on thawing the hash browns the night before. Also can I just layer the shredded cheddar cheese in as I would in the regular recipe or should I put it in toward the end. It is for a brunch after church so I was trying to find some way to make it so it is nearly done when we get home, or I will have to have a neighbor come and babysit the egg bake. Thanks!
ellen
12/31/11
You can put all three in the roaster- it is only about 8-9 quarts. You can turn the roaster down to 300 to increase the time, if you need it. It is done when the middle is 165. That will give you 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Do preheat. OK to put the cheese in per your usual mode.

Douglas
01/01/12
I want to do a crab boil in my roaster. Can i cook without the insert pan and just use the bottom pan?
ellen
01/01/12
Not safe. Use the insert pan.
shaynesherby
02/08/12
i am wondering can you heat up gallons of nacho cheese
ellen
02/08/12
By using low heat and plenty of time. In the oven covered or in the electric roaster or crock pot.
Bill
02/11/12
How do i cook 20 lbs. of boneless pork riblets and for how long. Also can i make roasted red potatos in the roaster.
ellen
02/11/12
These ribs will be more steamy than roasted in the roaster if you do this large of an amount in one roaster. Have you considered oven-roasting, then transfer?
Yes, you can make roasted potatoes in the roaster, but again, you are working around the moisture issue. So they don't get quite as crusty as in an oven.
Write back about your parameters.
Bill
02/11/12
The ribs I planed on grilling the day before to get a lite crust and than transfer set on a low heat with the sauce. Would that work? Would it help to par boil the potatos first. This also is a large amount.It was suggested I use olive oil, use high heat than turn to lower temp. Ill be adding garlic,onion and dry Italian seasoning ect. Iam preparing this for my daughters reception and under a time crunch this is just two items of many
Karen
02/21/12
I cook 150 pounds of sloppy joe every week and am looking for a shortcut. Can I brown the meat in a roaster? I think this would be so much easier than 4 separate pans going on the stove all day!! Any suggestions? Thank you!
ellen
02/21/12
Bill, sorry I missed the second post- read the jerk rib recipe on the bbq and brisket page for help on prepping the ribs. Yes, do parboil the potatoes.
ellen
02/21/12
Karen, brown it in the Big oven! The roaster will fill with grease and not brown, and you can only do 20 pounds at a time per roaster. Alsao, brown ahead and freeze?
Bridget Maron
02/21/12
Bella 18 QT roaster oven
I need to triple my pulled pork receipe from 7lbs to 22lbs. first time cooking it in a roaster oven usually cook in a slow cooker but 22 lbs will not fit. what is the approximate time do you think to slow cook 22 lbs of pork for pulled pork receipe
ellen
02/21/12
Set the roaster at 225 and time as for the slow cooker, stirring once in a while.
jill
04/16/12
I would like to make scalloped potatoes for 25 people in a 18qt roaster I don't want any cheese in it does anyone have a recipe
ellen
04/20/12
You want to start with 12-15 pounds of potatoes.

The usual basics are potatoes, flour, pepper, butter, milk/cream, and may include cheese, usually sharp cheddar cheese.

Other seasonings sometimes included are: bacon, onion or garlic, chives, parsley, Gruyere, Parmesan and cream, thyme, cayenne, smoked paprika, bay leaves, white wine. Herbs and spices may be simmered in the milk/liquid, then strained out. 4 pounds (1 gallon) onions, if desired. per 35 pounds of potatoes.

Preferred potatoes are Yukon Gold potatoes or other bakers, definitely NOT new potatoes. 45 lb fresh white potatoes A.P. will yield 35 lb peeled potatoes, minimum for 100 people. Peel if planned, rinse sliced potatoes twice. If partially pre-cooking, steam them using a steaming basket, or bring to a boil and boil for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until just tender.

Whatever weight of potatoes you start with, use:
1/4 wt of potatoes in cheese, if cheese is used
1 1/2 T butter per pound of potatoes
1 1/2 T flour per pound of potatoes
6 ounces dairy/liquid per pound of potatoes

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Butter the pan and dust with flour or grated Parmesan cheese. You will put the baking dish on a sheet pan when it goes into the oven to avoid messy spills. 35 pounds peeled makes 2 18x24 pans or 8 9x13 pans.

Heat the milk! If the milk is cold, it doubles the cooking time.

Sauce method (usual if no cheese):
Layer the partially steamed potatoes in the pan. Blend butter and flour together; stir until smooth. Add cold roux to milk, stirring constantly. Simmer 5 minutes or until thickened. Add 4 tbsp salt and pepper to sauce. Pour about 3 qt sauce over potatoes in each pan (2 18x24 pans or 2 roasters). Bake at 375 for 1 hour or until browned in a preheated oven or roaster. Let stand at least 10 minutes before serving.

Layer method:
Layer 1/3 the potatoes in each pan. Sprnkle with 1/3 flour and cheese, dot with 1/3 butter/ Repeat 2 times, ending with the prettiest potato slices and then buter, flour and cheese. Pour on the hot milk. Bake at 375 for about 2 hours or until browned in a preheated oven or roaster. Let stand at least 10 minutes before serving.

Finishing Tip
For a beautiful top, remove the potatoes from the oven and heat the broiler on high. Uncover the potatoes and gently press them down with a flat spatula so the cream mixture mostly covers them. Broil until nicely browned on top, 5 to 8 minutes. Let the potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead Tips
The dish can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Let sit at room temperature while the oven heats. You can keep the cooked scalloped potatoes, covered, in a warm oven for up to 1 hour before serving.

BRENDA
04/21/12
I have a GE roaster and I have 2 small pot roast. One is 4.5 lbs and the other one is 2.5 lbs how long do I cook them and at what temp.
ellen
04/22/12
The small one will be done almost twice as fast as the larger. Pot roast cooks well tightly covered at 325 for about 1 hour for the first pound, 45 minutes for each additional.
Karen
04/26/12
I have four uncut tri tip roasts totaling 8 lbs. i am making pot roast with gravy in my electric roaster oven. Can you please tell me at what temperature I cook it at and for how long? Thank you so much!
ellen
04/27/12
You cook this according to the weight of one piece, adding only about 1/2 hour for multiple pieces. Same temp and time as your oven. Be SURE to preheat the roaster 20 minutes.
Cindy
11/15/12
I can't find my manual for the GE #169154 Roaster Oven with 3 buffet server dishes.

How do I use the buffet server to reheat and keep things warm. Do I put water in the roaster pan - how much? Thank you.

ellen
11/16/12
Here is the link to download the manual:

www.gehousewares.com/products/169154%20roaster%20eng_1181751066924.pdf

1. Prior to use wash all Serving Dishes and Buffet Server Frame with warm soapy
water.
2. Fill the removable cooking pan from your Roaster Oven with 8 Qts. of water (or
18260;2 - 38260;4 full) and place inside Roaster Oven Body.
Caution: Never add water directly inside the Roaster Oven Body.
3. Place Buffet Server Frame on top of the cooking pan. Make sure the frame is
secure and level.
4. Add empty Serving Dishes, making sure they are also secure.
5. Cover with Roaster Oven Lid and plug roaster into a 120V outlet. Preheat on
350ºF for 30 minutes or until water is very hot.
6. Uncover and carefully add hot, cooked food into Serving Dishes.
7. Cover and turn control to 250ºF setting to keep foods warm. If necessary,
adjust temperature.
8. Stir occasionally and keep food covered to maintain temperature.
9. Periodically check and carefully add more hot water if necessary.

It's safe to hold hot food for 2 hours before bacteria becomes an issue. Happy Thanksgiving.

Steve
11/21/12
You are AWESOME. Happy Thanksgiving. I have an Older GE 18 Quart Roaster, my Mother-in-Law got us at a yard sale a few years back. Like new with a ding in it. We have cooked our T-Day bird in for the last 4 years just fine. I was Googling for tips just because my wife is disabled and I do most of it, and my Mother-in-law very unexpectedly passed away Nov 2nd. It took a while for me to realize I was reading posts from 2005. Haha. I scrolled down and kept reading. Great job. Great site. I have Bookmarked it. Have a great Holiday!!!
ellen
11/22/12
Hoping for health and happiness for you and all my readers on this favorite day for hospitality.
kristie
12/24/12
I am cooking a 17lb turkey in my slow roaster. I have the bird on the handle rack. Do I need to put any oil or water under the turkey rack?
ellen
12/24/12
No, it will do fine as is.
ellen
12/24/12
Kristie, DO preheat the roaster 20 minutes covered before you put the bird in and start your cooking time.
frank
12/26/12
looking for insert pans for ge roaster over model 169060 boughtn at walmart you know where i can get them
ellen
12/26/12
Yes, you can order directly from GE:

need spare parts or accessories, please call our Customer Assistance number.
1-877-207-0923 (U.S.)

Terri
04/02/13
I have read the post regarding spiral hams, but I would like to make sure I don't overcook. We are taking boneless spiral hams and completely slicing them before heating to make serving easier. Do not want to "carve" after heating. I was going to layer slices in roasting pan (15# of sliced ham)and add water/ juice. I planned on heating at 325 for 12 minutes per pound (3 hours). Should I cover meat with foil to help prevent meat from drying out, or will lid from roasting pan alone be OK? I read where you said spiral hams cook faster in roasters, so is this time too long? I got the cooking times from the manufacturer's website which is considering it being heated in a regular oven. Thank you!
Shirley
04/02/13
Such grt info. Now I can use my roaster! Need the voice of experience...about how long to heat canned baked beans @ room temp to 140 in a 22 qt roaster? Probably 12 qts beans. Thanks.
ellen
04/02/13
Layered slices do not take nearly as long to reheat as whole spiral hams. Whole hams take about 10 minutes per pound.

Preheat to 325. Put the rack in the bottom of the roaster before layering in the ham. Depending on the thickness of the individual slices, and how cold it was to start with, it could be done in as little as 1 hour.

Do put a tight foil cover over, and then the lid. Replace the foil after checking.

Check the ham about every 10 minutes afetr the first 1/2 hour. Insert a meat thermometer into the middle of a couple pieces of ham. The ham is ready when it registers 140 degrees Fahrenheit for previously packaged fully cooked ham or 165 degrees Fahrenheit for fully cooked leftover ham (that has previously been out to serve).

Turn the roaster to 180 if it gets done before you are ready to serve.

If this saves you time, trouble, or money, consider a donation to support the site.

Pat Hall
09/05/13
Hello, I need to cook hams for a weddding of about 40 people and use the 18qt roaster. First, what type of ham cooks best in the roaster, second, what would be the cooking instructions? Thank you so much!!
ellen
09/05/13
You need about 20 pounds bone in ham, which is at least 1 1/2 roasters. By far the simplest is to cook ahead, slice, and then reheat using the reheating instructions in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots, under "reheating turkey and ham".
JOYCE
09/16/13
TOASTMASTER roaster oven 18 quart
I purchase mine at a yard sale. How would I do a leg of lamb and still have some browning to it.
I cooked one in a regular oven frozen to try and keep it moist but couldn't cut slits and put garlic it to them.
ellen
09/16/13
These roasters are great for keeping moist, but they don't brown at all.

For juicy lamb, first, buy fresh. Freezing, then thawing, causes cell breakdown, so you start losing juices even before you start cooking.

Second, after browning, cook at a lower temp. Try to keep at or below 325.

Third,the biggest cause of drying out is overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check, and take out at 140, no later, some folks even say 135. Let it sit uncut to 145.

A 5-7 pound bone in leg takes 20-25 minutes per pound, but a 7-9 pound takes only 15-20. So 2 legs with the same weight but different shapes, can vary in cooking time by over 1/2 hour.

Finally, to get browning in a roast oven leg, you have to brown on the stove top by searing or under the broiler before placing in the roaster.

Hope this helps.

Jeanne
10/07/13
Hello, you have an amazing amount of information in this forum.
We will be taking a trip with several others in a few weeks. I am planning on feeding 10 adults. The camper has a 2 burner cooktop but no oven. I am planning on baking various items using my 18qrt Hamilton Beach electric roaster. I know you need to use the rack under your baking pan, but do you also need to use the insert pan? or should you bake without it? Also, can you stack 9X13 pans using a rack between them? Thank you
ellen
10/07/13
You always put the insert pan in, even when you are baking. Yes, you can stack 2 with a rack in between.
Tawnya
10/08/13
I am planning to cook 40 lbs of chicken breasts in 2 large electric roasters. They are thawed. How long will it take to cook?
ellen
10/09/13
No telling. Depends on whether they are in sauce , whether you brown them before putting them in the roaster, etc. More info, please.
Tawnya
10/09/13
I am planning on having them in a BBQ sauce just raw.
ellen
10/09/13
OK. You definitely want to brown the chicken, and it will stay juicier if you brine it for 4-6 hours first-

Cook down the BBQ sauce to about 2/3 the original volume (or make thicker than usual)

Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken pieces on all sides until well-browned, about 3 minutes per side.

Add the prepared HOT BBQ sauce making sure to cover all the chicken pieces. Add 1 cup of water if more liquid is needed to cover. Place insert into the preheated (20 minutes preheat, 400 degrees) roaster and bake until the chicken is fully cooked and tender and the sauce is slightly thickened and caramelized on top, about 30 minutes.

If the chicken or sauce is cold, it can take up to twice as long.

MJ
11/06/13
Hi Im trying to cook boneless ribs in my roaster,as an all day thing..Dinner around 6 and its 930 am. what degrees should I put it on to do this,also can it cook in bbq sauce mixed with water or should I some how pre cook boneless ribs?
I tried a chicken and rice recipe the other day and it was a fail..It cooked the rice,but after 3 hours I had to take chicken out and bake in regular oven..I dont want to have to do this with my ribs,as I want them very tender...Thanks
ellen
11/06/13
You don't give much info, and I don't answer emergency timing calls. Any recipe that works in the oven, works in the roaster if you follow these guidleines.

Preheat 20 minutes or longer before adding cooking pan
No water in the roaster
Brown the meat on the stove top if you want browning
LEAVE the lid on
put the meat on the bottom unless it is a Nesco. Hamilton Beach and Rival have the heating element on the bottom.

Terri
11/24/13
Last year I cooked a 14 pound turkey and a 6 pound breast in my regular oven, then sliced and layered the meat into the inner pan of an 18 qt borrowed Nesco, poured gray pat way up and froze that inner pan covered with foil several days the weekend before Thanksgiving. Thawed it the day before and reheated on the big day. It was terrific. This year i would like to add an additional 14 pound turkey to the pan. Do you have any idea how long it will take to thaw that much frozen meat and gravy in the same Nesco and reheat to serving temp? I'm not sure this would be a good idea but it would sure be nice to have oven space freed up all day. Thank you.
ellen
11/24/13
You were just about at the safe and effective level for the nesco.

You could package the second turkey separately reheat in the corner of the regular oven while all the rest cooks. Or borrow a second Nesco (plug in on a separate circuit so you don't blow a fuse).

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tim
11/26/13
NESCO Roaster oven 18 quart
We are having 17 people over for christmas dinner and we want to use our new 18 quart roaster to cook two 9 lb. spiral sliced hams. How long do we roast it for? (how many pounds per person) Do you place it flat side down and do you have to flip it? I was reading the manual and it states 13-28 mins per pound. What is the right time to roast? Thank you and happy holidays.
ellen
11/26/13
CRITICAL- if the roaster is brand new. Put it out on the porch and run for an hour at highest temp to burn off manufacturing temps. Some roasters have stinky manufacturing leftovers.

When cooking, preheat the roaster 20 minutes before adding the ham.

Have a meat thermometer.

Roast for 1 piece (as if 9 pounds, not 18).

Flat side down is fine, but it doesn't matter. DO have the rack in the bottom (meat not directly on the bottom).

You want an internal temp of 160 degrees. Estimate about 20 minutes per pound, a bit more if they are coming out of the fridge- when they reach 160, just turn the roaster to 180 to hold.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tim (from the one ab
11/26/13
Another thing when cooking the spiral hams in the roaster do we cover with the cover or just with the tin foil

thanks

tim
11/26/13
what temp do we roast it on? sorry to bother you just want to make sure it is perfect so my wife will look good.
ellen
11/26/13
You absolutely MUST use the lid, it will not heat well without it- and the less you lift the lid, the better it cooks. See this article:
www.ellenskitchen.com/turkey/reheat.html
Laura
11/28/13
my turkey is 27 lbs. I have a GE16 it's a tight fit, but if I weigh down the lid, can I do it?
thanks!
ellen
11/28/13
Too big. Cook in the real oven and do the sides in the roaster. As the instruction book says, up to 18 pounds.
The untight lid messes up the heat. The turkey touching the sides causes the skin to burn and stick.
carol kaltenbach
11/28/13
how can i reheat a 12 lb. fully cooked turkey in my ge counter top roaster oven
ellen
11/28/13
THIS IS WHAT THE ny tIMES SAYS, AND I AGREE:

The only way to reheat a turkey without drying it out would be to cut it into pieces. Roast it the day before, let it cool, and store it in the fridge overnight. Then bring it to room temperature for about two hours before reheating — show it off to your guests.

help line

Then carve it into large pieces (legs, wings, breast halves) and spread them on one or two baking sheets and cover with foil. Reheat at 325 degree until warm, about 20 to 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and broil for a minute or two so the skin crisps up.

See the discussion on reheating turkey in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots.

Just be sure you preheat the oven at 325 for at least 20 minutes before adding the meat.

Loretta
12/08/13
I want to do pulled beef mini sandwiches for 50 people for a Christmas party. There will be appetizers, double baked potatoes, glazed carrots, green salad and multiple desserts. Should I use Chuck Roast? I thought I would buy 20 lbs. is that too much, enough or not enough? I wanted to use my Nesco Roaster. Do I roast the meat with a little liquid or cover it in liquid? How long should I cook the meat and at what temperature?
ellen
12/08/13
Chuck is perfect and 20 pounds, or just a bit more, just right. Simmer in a flavorful liquid, or at least broth. You want to keep it at a low simmer until the meat reaches 160 internally; the temp of the roaster varies depending on the size and shape of the meat; keep it at a low simmer.
Loretta
12/08/13
Ellen- thank you for the advice. I was planning on about 12 lbs glazed carrots for 50 people and 8-10 heads of lettuce for the salad. How much dressing do you think I'll need? I plan to dress the salad before serving. Do you have a good recipe for creamy poppyseed dressing?
ellen
12/08/13
Here is an excellent poppyseed dressing, middle of the page.

www.ellenskitchen.com/turkey/fruitsal.html

6 cups needed.

Your amounts are good on the vegetable, you may have some lettuce left, depending on the size of the heads.

paula
12/11/13
can you cook tamales in a nesco 18 roaster oven for tamales?if so for how long ??
paula
12/11/13
sorry i meant on the steamer setting ?
ellen
12/11/13
Yes, but it is very tricky, there is a whole thread on it.

www.ellenskitchen.com/forum/messages/4434.html

Kathy
02/05/14
I have a 51/2 lb pork butt I want to fix in my Toadtmaster. How long do I cook it and can I put wood chip in the bottom of roaster for a smoky flavor
ellen
02/05/14
Had to look up Toadmaster, see it is a smoker. I refer these to:

thesmokering.com

Basically, smoke at around 225 for 4 1/2 to 5 hours (or when the internal temp hits 160). Let rest at least 1/2 hour.

tammy
02/24/14
Hello,
I am without an oven and have a Welbilt rosater/oven. Can I use corningware casserole dishes in it to make meatloaf and other casserole recipes? Would I use the same temperature as a regular oven?
Thank you!
ellen
02/24/14
Absolutely. We had only one of these as our oven for several years in Taiwan, and you can use any oven-safe casserole dish. Hints; use the rack in the bottom; preheat with lid on up to 20 minutes for good, even heating without scorching; don't lift the lid if you can help it; use a meat thermometer to check doneness with meats and meatloaves.
Michele
03/09/14
Prime Rib for 20 in Oster 18 Qt Roaster
Hi Ellen! Could you give me some pointers on how to make a Prime Rib for about 20 people in my roaster? How big should the Prime Rib be? Cooking time and temp? Directions of how to prepare meat? Thanks!!
ellen
03/10/14
10 pounds bone-in, but this is one item I encourage people NOT to cook in a roaster. The dry heat of a regular oven, preheated, is better for this.

There is a full article on beef roasting in the holiday cooking section at the top of big pots. I strongly recommend low and slow

Also, see the recent thread on roast beef:

ellenskitchen.com/forum/messages/46124.html

Andrea
04/18/14
I have an 18qt Rival electric roaster. Can I use it to smoke ribs in?
ellen
04/18/14
No smoke... It will cook them with a moister result than a standard oven.
Roberta Kipper
08/29/14
Can I put the insert pan in a conventional oven. I find myself cooking for our football team. Although I used my smallest blade for slicing the potatoes and carrots, 3 1/2 hours later, they still aren't done. Need it to be done sooner than later this is a hamburger casserole. Everything frozen or pre cooked with the exception of potatoes and carrots. That's the bottom 2 layers. Cooker is full..
ellen
08/29/14
Yes, it is safe in the regular oven.
Colm Egan
09/24/14
Hi Ellen,

What is that maximum amount of pork (shoulder) I can put in an 18 quartz? Could I cook 24lbs?

ellen
09/24/14
I don't ever do over 20, and that is bone in (cooks faster). If I were doing it, I would do it in 2 batches.
Colm Egan
09/25/14
Ok great, thanks. I have two slow cookers so I can just divide. I am going to be serving pulled pork sandwiches at a market. I will pre-cook the pulled pork and bring to the market. Do you have any suggestions on how I can keep the pork warm and moist over a five hour period? Also is it ok to quickly fry on a hot pan before serving? This is just really to create a nice aroma around the market and to have the pork piping hot when serving....
ellen
09/26/14
Hold at 180 covered in the roasters, have extra sauce as needed. The electric fry pan will work.
Violet
11/22/14
Ellen, I want to try my 18qt Nesco roaster for the first time..I have had it for years but have never used it..somewhere in moving it around I have lost the inside rack..Can I roast a turkey without the rack..Also is it ok to use a roasting bag..?
ellen
11/22/14
You can use a cookie rack as a rack. If you gave never used it, you need to heat it to 350 outside for a few hours a day or two ahead; some have manufacturing residues that can smoke and flavor the food badly until burned off.

Yes, you can use a bag as long as the turkey is small enough that the bag does not touch the sides of the roaster.

tricia
11/26/14
When I use my roasting oven, the sides of my food burn, if it is touching while cooking. I want to cook my Turkey for the first time but a little afraid, that what will touch on the sides will burn. any suggestion on how I can keep that from happening...??
ellen
11/28/14
Shapes of turkeys do vary, get a longer one. Or a pound or 2 smaller...
Jen
12/17/14
Reheating lasagne
Hi Ellen- I have to reheat 2 half steam pans of lasagne (one meat and one veggie). Can I do this in my roaster and if so how? Or should I make the lasagna in glass pans instead of half steam pans? Thanks for your help!
ellen
12/17/14
Tightly covered, and they would be better in the shallower pans. Not clear if the glass pans are the typical 9x13? these can be cone 2 at a time in one standard roaster IF you have the metal racks to separate them.

Preheat to 350, allow at least 90 minutes for the deep pans; use a thermometer to check, and when they get to 165 in the middleand a little bubbly around the edge, turn down to 180 to hold.

Hope that helps. Lasagna really is better baked fresh, though.

dora
12/25/14
I have cook mac & cheese in my 18 qtr roaster for my church homeless shelter and it was a great hit. I made the chese sauce on the oven then added to the cook noodles. MY QUESTION is can i cook the noodles in the roaster then add the cheese sauce next time. I have been asked to make the mac & cheese again because it was so good.
ellen
12/25/14
The roaster could be used to boil water and cook the noodles. The difficulty is, you have to lift out the hot, heavy cookpan full of water and noodles, to drain the noodles. It is hard- I have done it, but a pot is much easier to handle.

You can make the noodles ahead, drain, oil and refrigerate, as outlined on the spaghetti page. If the noodles are cold, and the sauce hot, it will add 20-30 minutes to the heating time.

Thanks for doing the cooking.

Sharon
12/31/14
How long would you recommend I roast a 6 pound turkey breast and at what temperature?
ellen
12/31/14
Thaw the turkey completely in the refrigerator, allow at least 24 hours.

Preheat to 325.

Use a shallow pan. Roast for about 2 hours or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers 150 degrees F. Time varies as the breasts have somewhat different shapes and thicknesses at the same weight.

Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil for 30 minutes. The breast temperature will continue to rise to 160 degrees as it rests.

You will see temp recommendations up to 160,even 180, but the lower temperature is safe and the breast will be juicier.

Barb
01/03/15
Hamilton Beach roaster oven 18 quart
I have a 19lb ham to warm up. It is fully cooked with bone in. How long do I warm it for and at what temp? Also do you have a receipt to use to baste it with?
ellen
01/03/15
Use the reheating instructions for turkey and ham, link in the top section of the Big Pots page.

I usually don't baste, but make a paste of brown sugar and mustard or wine, stick in some cloves, maybe some pineapple rings.

Gail
01/13/15
I'm hoping to use a Nesco Roaster to make a baked pasta dish. I've looked over your lotsa pasta and baked ziti pages, which have been very helpful, but I have a couple of questions. The recipe I would like to adapt uses dry pasta presoaked in olive oil. Can I use the dry pasta or do I have to precook it al dente? The recipe doesn't have any milk, cheese, meat, or eggs. It's tomatoes, roasted vegetables, and pasta. Is it better to precook the dish and then reheat it in the roaster or is it better to do it all at once? For me, I think it would be easier to do it all at once. This is for a meal for approximately 24-30 people. I'll also serve a soup, sandwiches, & salads. Where we will be eating, there won't be a stove or an oven. I'll use a crock pot for the soup. Thanks!!!
ellen
01/14/15
Interesting recipe. Suggest you pretest by doing a small batch in the regular oven covered and see if it needs any additional liquid.

The amount for 30 people might fit in a pan inside the roaster- then it would just be like a regular oven- do preheat.

All at once, not reheat.

If this works well for you, would love to have the recipe.

Gail
01/14/15
Good, thanks. I wondered if I could use a pan inside the roaster. I tried it last night and it fits. I'll let you know how it goes.
Jeanette
03/14/15
Ellen I have a whole 12 lb corned beef that I want to boil in my GE roaster oven and need to know how long to boil it. I've seen anywhere between 4 to 12 hrs all over the web. Please help I am cooking it tomorrow. Thank you in advance.
ellen
03/14/15
Jeanette, if you want really perfect, moist corned beef, don't boil. This direction, just posted by cooks illustrated, is excellent.

Use flat-cut corned beef brisket, not point-cut; it’s more uniform in shape and thus will cook more evenly. When slicing the cabbage, leave the core intact or the cabbage will fall apart during cooking.
Ingredients

1 (4- to 5-pound) corned beef brisket roast, rinsed, fat trimmed to 1/4 inch thick
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups water
12 carrots, peeled (3 chopped, 9 halved crosswise)
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 onion, peeled and quartered
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1 teaspoon whole allspice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes
1 head green cabbage (2 pounds), cut into 8 (2-inch) wedges
Pepper

Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 300 degrees. {In your case, preheat the roaster} Combine beef, broth, water, chopped carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme, and allspice in Dutch oven. {You can also use butcher wrap foil.} Cover and bake until fork slips easily in and out of meat, 4½ to 5 hours.

2. Transfer meat to 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Strain cooking liquid through fine-mesh strainer into large bowl, discard solids, and skim fat from liquid. Pour 1 cup cooking liquid over meat. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and let rest for 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, return remaining cooking liquid to Dutch oven, add butter, and bring to simmer over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and simmer until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add carrot halves and cabbage, cover, and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer vegetables to serving platter and season with pepper to taste. (Reserve cooking liquid for making Creamed Chipped Beef using leftover corned beef; recipe at right.)

4. Transfer beef to carving board and slice against grain into ¼-inch-thick slices. Serve with vegetables.

TO MAKE AHEAD: Prepare corned beef through step 2. Refrigerate moistened beef and cooking liquid separately for up to 24 hours. To serve, adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer meat to carving board and slice against grain into ¼-inch-thick slices and return to baking dish. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake until meat is heated through, about 25 minutes. While meat is heating, proceed with step 3.

Vickie Miller
03/29/15
Reheating Bbq Pork Ribs
I'm making a bbq ribs for about 15 to 20 people at work. I'm slow roasting them in the oven and then finishing them off in the oven and broiler with sauce. I'd like to reheat these the next day at work and I'm just wondering how long it will take. I have 2 racks of pork ribs and about 6 pounds of boneless country style ribs. I have an 18 qt Kenmore roaster oven.

Thank you!

ellen
03/30/15
Keep meat refrigerated until oven is ready for reheating.

Preheat the roaster to 350 for at least 20 minutes before adding the meats. Put water in the bottom, then a rack above, when preheated, then the ribs.

Allow a half hour, then turn to 180 to hold.

If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation,maybe a nickel or dime per guest, to support this site. Thanks.

Vickie Miller
03/30/15
Reheating ribs
Thanks Ellen, I guess what I really wanted to know was, could I reheat them like I would a crockpot putting them all in the liner because there will be so much? And what temp would I set it to and how long woul it take for them to get hot?
Mary
05/12/15
GE Electric Roaster insert pan
My daughter used my electric roaster for a college activity and when I got it back, there was no longer the removable insert pan to my electric roaster. Can I buy this separately from some website?
ellen
05/12/15
Yes. Just be sure it is the insert for that particular brand, as they all look alike, but they don't fit alike.
Fiona
05/24/15
18 Qt Slow Cooker
What is the usual lowest temp setting for large 18 qt slow cooker/roasters? I need one that can keep a temp at 180 or below.
ellen
05/24/15
None of them safely or reliably hold below 180.
BJ Smith
08/17/15
Trying to figure out how long to heat approx 500 1/2 oz meatballs with tomato sauce for a wedding also is it better to cook them thawed or from frozen
Angela
11/03/15
I am feeding around 60 people rigatoni. I've read a 1lb. Box of dry pasta feeds approximately 6 people with side dishes. My question is if I cook the pasta on the stove the morning of and use the roaster to keep warm, will my 10 pound of cooked pasta and 10 jars of sauce will fit in the roaster?
ellen
11/03/15
It will just fit, however if you heat it all day, it will be mush.

If you have to cook ahead, cook the pasta barely done, drain, add a bit of oil, and chill it.

About 2 hours before you want it, put the sauce in the roaster and bring to a boil, then turn to 250 and add the pasta. It will take about an hour to heat up, as soon as it is 180 in the middle, turn to 180 to hold.

If this saves you time, trouble, or money, please make a donation, maybe a nickel or dime per guest, to support this site. Thank you.

diana
11/24/15
I have a oven roaster my husband likes hes turkey cooked in a oven bag. can you use it this oven help. I have never used one before
ellen
11/24/15
Yes, easily. Just be sure the bag does not touch the walls of the oven and do preheat the oven 20 minutes so that it is hot when the turkey goes in. Same temp as the regular oven, but DO check a little early- it can finish a little more quickly.
ellen
11/24/15
Diana, if it is a NEW never used roaster, do plug it in outside or on the porch/patio for 2 hours the day before so any manufacturing residue can burn off. It can be stinky, and ruin the turkey!
Ann
11/25/15
Can I put the insert pan in my oven and bake cheesy potatoes in it? I want them crispy on top. Then i could put the insert back into the roaster and take to family dinner.
ellen
11/25/15
Yes, you can put the insert pan in the oven. Cover the finished casserole with a clean cotton dish towel right on top of the crisp, or the transport in the covered roaster will soften it up probably more than you like.
Sandra phippard
12/02/15
Nesco oven 18 quart
I want to keep mashed potatoes and veggies warm in this roaster. How much water, what temperature and
does the cover stay on to use the buffet asserories?
ellen
12/02/15
Yes, the cover stays on.

The link to the buffet insert instructions is in the middle of this page:

www.nesco.com/products/Roaster-Ovens/Roaster-Buffet-Kits/5-Pc-Buffet-Kit-N-S/session_32871e95cd49/#reviews

Basically, you fill it 1/4 with water, cover, and PREHEAT at 350 for about 30 minutes; add frame and pans and turn heat to 250.

This only keeps warm. If you need to heat from cold, heat in the roaster with no water, oven style, till hot, then do the above for serving.

Wyatt
06/23/16
Ge roaster oven 18 quart 15 pound roast
Ellen,
I have a 15-16 pound roast that I cut into fours. What's the best temp and time to cook it?
So far I have read to cook it at 250 for 8-9 hours.
Thanks
ellen
06/26/16
No. On the roast beef page it explains how to cook several roasts of different sizes so all will be done correctly. I assume this was a round or chuck; use the guidance on temp and cooking on that page. If you need a bit more help, read it over and write back with your estimates, and I will check them.
Olivia
09/03/16
Hamilton Beach roaster oven 18 quart
What's the best temp for cooking cornbread dressing in my roaster?
ellen
09/06/16
Same as for your oven, just be sure to preheat covered 15-20 minutes before baking. Also, does better with the rack under the baking dish.
Marty
10/17/16
I would like to find out with my 18 qt. roaster oven I have three containers with already made home made gumbo and I would like to find out how to reheat it in that roaster I did hear a guy telling me that you should put water in the Roaster oven body then add the cooking pan?
Then I did hear never add water in the Roaster body at all so what would you recommend and reheating that already cooked food?
ellen
10/19/16
No! No water in the oven! Only in the cookpan
Thaw the gumbo completely in the refrigerator- may take a couple of days, depending on the size of the containers. Preheat the oven to 300 and expect it to take at least30 minutes per gallon to heat through. When it is hot/steaming (180 by thermometer), reset to 180 to hold.
Of course this does not work with file gumbo or gumbo with shrimp/seafood already in it, unless you don't mind texture changes.
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Ellen's Kitchen
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