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You are here: Home / Slow Cooker / Liver and Onions in Slow Cooker (4 ingredients)

Liver and Onions in Slow Cooker (4 ingredients)

Published By Victoria · On: Sep 03, 22 · Updated: Mar 16, 24

374 shares
  • 14

Crafted with tender liver, caramelized onions, and a secret ingredient to banish any unwanted smells, this 4-ingredient slow cooker recipe transforms liver and onions into a dish that’s irresistibly soft and juicy. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious creation that brings a classic comfort food into your kitchen with ease.

Jump to Recipe
Close view of a dark plate with liver and onions cooked in slow cooker.

Today, you’re in for a treat with a liver and onions recipe that’s far from ordinary. Cooked slowly with butter, oil, and a touch of brandy, it’s a game-changer.

Liver might not be everyone’s favorite, but give it time in the slow cooker, and it turns tender and flavorful. The sweetness from caramelized onions and butter pairs well with the upscale kick from brandy.

If you’re on the fence about liver, this recipe might just win you over. The slow cooker keeps the liver juicy and smooth, and the brandy cuts through any strong liver scent.

I’ll share some tricks to ditch the bitterness and nail the perfect creamy texture. Feel free to tweak it to hit the spot for you.

Gear up for a cozy, unforgettable dish that’ll likely turn you into a liver fan. Let’s dive in!

Top view of liver and onions in a black plate served with a few slices of bread.
Table of Contents hide
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
❄️ Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating:
📙 Answering Your Questions
📋 Recipe Card:

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

I’ve got to tell you about this liver and onions recipe I stumbled upon. It’s this incredible mix of savory, sweet, and rich flavors that just explode in your mouth. The best part? It’s all happening in the slow cooker. This means it’s super easy to make. Just throw everything in, and let it do its thing. No fuss, no mess. It’s practically effortless, and you won’t be left with a pile of dishes to clean up after.

Throwing brandy into the mix really sets this dish apart, adding a unique twist that you don’t usually find in liver recipes.

Also, this dish transforms the liver into something irresistibly tender and creamy, with a scent that’s just heavenly, thanks to the butter and a hint of prunes.

The combo of caramelized onions, butter, and brandy creates this amazing flavor profile that’s bound to impress anyone, even those skeptical about liver. It’s perfect for any gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser, even for those who think they don’t like liver.

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

A plate with raw livers, butter, 4 onions on a white table.
  • Livers. I used chicken livers for this recipe but you could follow the same instructions also by using turkey liver. If you decide to make this recipe with beef, pork, lamb, or rabbit livers, keep in mind that you should adjust the cooking time.
  • Onions. I used white onions, but you could also use red ones instead. The role of the onions in this recipe is to give the sauce a sweet taste. Also, because of the onions, the livers also will be juicier. If you don’t have onions underhand, you could replace them with leeks.
  • Butter. I used unsalted butter to give a creamy texture and extra flavor to the dish. If you opt for salted butter, be careful to reduce the amount of salt that you have to add additional.
  • Vegetal Oil. I used refined sunflower oil. You could replace it with any other oil that has a high smoke temperature in order to avoid burning the butter during cooking.
  • Brandy. I used brandy to remove the specific smell of livers and to give a special aroma slightly similar to dried plums. If you don’t like the idea of using alcohol in food, you could replace the brandy with soy sauce. If you are going to use soy sauce, exclude the salt. In the end, you can taste the dish and adjust the salt if needed.
  • Salt & Pepper. Besides them, you may consider adding a few chili flakes if you prefer spicy food.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

First off, clean the livers by washing them and getting rid of any bits you’re not fond of. It’s a good idea to cut away the liver membranes to keep them from getting tough and messing with the livers’ texture.

Next, slice the onion julienne style.

Once you’ve prepped your ingredients, crank your slow cooker up to high heat (300°F / 150°C), toss in the vegetable oil and butter, and wait for the butter to melt.

Top view of a slow cooker with a piece of butter and olive oil inside of it.

Then, throw in the sliced onions, season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you’re using. Stir everything up and let the onions get that golden caramelized look for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep them from sticking.

Top view of sliced onions with black pepper and salt.

After the onions have started to caramelize, pour in the brandy and give everything a good mix, letting the alcohol burn off for about a minute.

Top view of a slow cooker with caramelized onions.

Next, add the livers on top of the onions, stirring them in until they start to firm up a bit, which should take around 6 minutes.

Top view of slow cooker with liver and onions simmering inside.

Then, you can lower the heat (195°F / 90°C), cover up, and let them cook for about 25-30 minutes.

Quick Note: Since slow cookers and liver quality vary, check the livers at 25 minutes, and if needed, give them a bit more time. In my experience, 30 minutes was perfect.

Top view of liver and onions cooking in the slow cooker.

At the end of cooking, you’ll get livers that are tender, juicy, and perfectly creamy.

Top view of liver and onions cooked to perfection and served in a black plate.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

I love serving these classic liver and onions just as they are, but they’re also amazing with a side of mashed potatoes or other root veggies. The mash perfectly absorbs all that delicious sauce, creating an unbeatable combo of flavors and textures.

Sometimes, I’ll pair the liver with boiled rice, quinoa, or barley for a hearty, fulfilling meal. The grains really balance out the richness and add a nice textural contrast.

A side of warm, crusty bread to mop up all those tasty juices is another simple yet fantastic option. It’s a pairing that never fails to satisfy.

For a bit of an Italian vibe, I’ll lay the liver and onions over creamy, soft polenta. The smooth polenta and tender liver with sweet onions is just a match made in heaven.

And for a fun twist, I sometimes toss the liver and onions with my favorite pasta or noodles. Egg noodles, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work great for a deliciously unique take on a classic dish.

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

  • Make sure to clean the livers thoroughly, especially keeping an eye out for any greenish spots, which suggest they’ve touched the gall bladder, and that’s a straight ticket to Bitterville.
  • If the liver’s smell isn’t your favorite, a splash of brandy or a bit of soy sauce can work wonders. Another pro tip is soaking the livers in milk for 30 minutes to an hour before you cook. Just drain them and pat them dry afterward. It really softens up the flavor and gives you that tender, can’t-get-enough texture.
  • Caramelizing onions is key, and patience pays off here. Keep the heat low to medium and stir them now and then. You’re looking for a golden brown treasure that’ll make your taste buds thank you. It could take 20-30 minutes, but it’s the secret sauce of flavor.
  • And keep a close eye on the clock; overcooked liver is a no-go. Depending on how thick you cut the liver and your slow cooker’s mood, cooking times can vary.
Dark plate with slow cooker liver and onions with a few slices of bread.

❄️ Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating:

Can you prep it in advance?

Yeah, I’ve made the liver and onions a day ahead and just popped them in the fridge. The flavor holds up really well overnight.

How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?

Just let it cool down before you stash it in an airtight container and chuck it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 2-3 days.

Can You Freeze This Dish?

I wouldn’t freeze the liver – it just doesn’t thaw out right. The texture and taste take a hit.

How to Reheat The Livers?

I’m all for reheating on the stove, gives me more control, and I just keep stirring to get it evenly warm.

Quick Note: If you zap them for too long, like over a minute, you might end up cleaning liver off your microwave walls. They can pop and make a mess.

📙 Answering Your Questions

Should Livers Be Cooked Fast or Slow?

Start with a high heat to sear the liver and lock in the juices, then drop the temp and let it cook slow and low to make sure it’s cooked through without drying out.

Do You Wash Livers Before Cooking?

Definitely wash the liver before you start. And don’t skip trimming off the white bits – they turn tough when cooked and mess with the liver’s smooth texture. Watch out for any greenish spots, too; they mean the liver’s brushed up against the gallbladder, which can make your dish taste bitter.

What to Do With Liver and Onions Leftovers?

Take those leftover livers, blend them up, and use the sauce you set aside to get a delicious pâté.

How Do I Know When The Liver Is Cooked Through?

It’s done when the middle isn’t pink anymore and feels tender yet firm to the touch. A meat thermometer is your best friend here – chicken livers should hit 165°F (74°C) inside.

📋 Recipe Card:

Close look of liver and onions in a dark plate.

Liver and Onions in Slow Cooker (4 ingredients)

Victoria
Delicious liver and onions cooked in a slow cooker. You will need livers, a few onions, butter, spices, and brandy to remove their smell. You should give it a try!
5 from 9 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 4 people
Calories 344 kcal

Equipment

Crockpot Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker
Chef Knife
Chef Knife
White Plastic Cutting Board.
Cutting Board
Meat Thermometer
Meat Thermometer

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 ½ oz Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 13 oz Onion
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 lb Liver
  • 2 tablespoons Brandy
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Clean well the livers and remove the excesses.
    2 lb Liver
  • Preheat the slow cooker to 300°F/150°C and pour in it oil and butter. Wait until the butter will melt.
    2 1/2 oz Butter, 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • Add the sliced onions, salt and pepper . Cook everything for about 8 minutes.
    13 oz Onion, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Add brandy, mix everything and cook for another minute until the alcohol will evaporate from the brandy.
    2 tablespoons Brandy
  • Add livers over the caramelized onions. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes.
    2 lb Liver
  • Set the lower settings (195°F/90°C ) and let the liver simmer for about 30 minutes.
  • Enjoy your delicious livers with onions cooked in a slow cooker.

Quick Note

I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑

Nutrition Estimates

Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 33gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 481mgSodium: 598mgPotassium: 508mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 33032IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 35mg
Keyword dinner, easy recipe, quick recipes, Stew
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374 shares
  • 14

Filed Under: Slow Cooker, Chicken/Turkey

About Victoria

With 15 years of culinary expertise, Victoria offers easy-to-follow recipes using just 4 ingredients. These delightful dishes exemplify simplicity in the kitchen.

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Comments

  1. Izzy

    Oct 02, 22 at 6:21 AM

    5 stars
    I recently tried the liver and onions in the slow cooker recipe, and it was a delightful surprise! As someone who was initially skeptical about cooking liver, I was pleasantly amazed by the result. The slow cooking method truly worked wonders in tenderizing the liver and infusing it with a myriad of flavors.

    Reply
  2. Amelia

    May 17, 23 at 6:00 PM

    5 stars
    Liver and onions in the slow cooker is a dish that defies expectations. The slow cooking method transforms the liver into tender morsels of perfection, while the onions add a layer of complexity with their caramelized sweetness. It’s a testament to the fact that the most incredible dishes can arise from humble ingredients.

    Reply
5 from 9 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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