My husband bought this little crock pot for me and I love it. I do not put raw meat into it, but I've done lasagne with Barilla no-boil lasagne sheets, just breaking them into smaller pieces. I've cooked homemade mac-and-cheese. I boil the noodles to al-dente before putting them into the pot. I tried lentils and rice once. The lentils were soft enough, but the rice was crunchy. Next time I'll either cook the rice first or use minute rice. My friends at work have been really impressed with the lunch crock pot and the meals I've been able to prepare in it.