How safe are crockpots for cooking beef?

Question

About twice in the last four years I've gotten really sick from eating beef cooked in a crockpot. All I can recall is that it was cooked on high for about 4-6 hours, looked cooked all the way through, and tasted fine. But I'm wondering if anyone knows if there's a proper cooking process to use in case I undercooked it or similar mishap.

Answer 1

like the rest of the answerers, I've never once had problems cooking beef with my crockpot, and I've used one for years. You said twice in the last four years, have you eaten beef from a crockpot more often than that? If so, perhaps the two times you got sick it was from something else in the crockpot with the beef, not the beef itself. When using a crockpot, always make sure that it is cleaned well (no stuck-on food left on, etc.) and that there are no shorts in the wires and that it is actually heating correctly. You might want to try browning your beef before placing it in a crockpot, and begin cooking it on high and then turning it down to low after an hour or two. You do not need to stir food in a crockpot, so leave the lid alone, it takes almost an hour for the heat to build back up once the lid's been removed. Hope these tips will help.

Answer 2

Crock Pot Pot Roast

Ingredients:
• 2 - 4 lb pot roast
• 3 tables spoons cornstarch
• 1 package of onion soup mix
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic (We love garlic but if you don't you can use a smaller amount)
• 1 can beef broth + 2 cubes of beef boulion and 1 cup of water
• 2 1/2 cups red wine (I used a sweet one)
• 1 tablespoon coursly ground pepper
• 3 tablespoons grey poupon country mustard
• 1 small onion sliced sliced mushrooms (any amount you like)
• baby carrots (any amount you like)
• a few dashes of oregano
• salt to taste
Method:
Put all the ingredients (except the veggies) into the crock pot and whisk together. Turn on high. Score the meat with a sharp knife so you have little squares all over it and then rub some salt into it. Then place it in the crock pot on high for an hour then reduce to low for 4 hours. OR cook on low for 6 - 8 hours (while at work). Add the veggies an hour before serving.
Notes:
Make some baked potatoes, or a box of potatoes, a salad and fresh hot rolls and you'll have a no-fuss meal that tastes like you worked at it all day. This also goes well with herb/cheese beer bread.

Number of servings: 5 or more

Answer 3

I've never had a problem using a crockpot for cooking beef or anything else. The only thing I can think of is that it wasn't cleaned well prior to use, or maybe your allergic to a spice or another ingredient used in the dish. It's a longshot, I know, but it's all I got.

Answer 4

I don't know, I have cooked a lot with crock pots and with beef and never experienced anything like that...how do you know it was specifically the beef? Once the internal temp reaches 160 degrees for 12 minutes any bacteria would die...on high in a crock pot for 4-6 hours would certainly do that, unless it was turned off for some reason or someone else tampered with the meal without you knowing about it.

Answer 5

You should cook it on high for about 1-2 hours, then let it cook on low for about 6-7 hours. If you start it when you get up in the morning on high and turn it to low when you leave by the time you come home it should be perfect and tender. This is assuming you work about 8 hours.

Answer 6

I always brown the meat first then put it on before I leave for work in the morning - cook on low for 10 hours (while I'm out). It's always been fine.

Answer 7

Yes, crockpots are perfectly safe for cooking beef...

Answer 8

Never had a problem with cooking beef in a crock pot. I usually brown the meat first then slow cook.

Answer 9

Never had a problem like that with crockpot cooking.

Answer 10

That is too bad!!!! I personally always opt for the low setting that cooks for twelve hours or i just cook it in the oven and i can't say i have ever ran into any casualties. but if you don't want to do the low setting then always check your meat with a meat thermometer.