Do you have to let a roast completly defrost before you cook it in a slow cooker?

Question

I was just wondering if I would be able to put the roast in the slow cooker frozen or woudl this make it cook bad or have a bad taste. Any Ideas....also how long should I cook it for...6 hours? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

You should defrost it first. You can also put carrotts and potatos in the bottom before you put the roast in. You should cook it for
at least 8 hours. A great seasoning to use is onion soup mix. It really gives a good flavor to the roast! You just open the envelope, pour it on, and add about 1/4 cup water. Or you can use a can of soda or even beer, adds great flavor!
Hope that helps!

Answer 2

It's always best to completely thaw meat (of any kind) before you cook it, but you don't have to fully thaw your roast if you're using a slow cooker/Dutch oven.

What you SHOULD do, though, is at least thaw it partially, so you can brown it before it goes in the cooker. Either leave it (wrapped) at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, or leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours. The surface of the meat will thaw partially, but the inside will remain frozen solid. Pat the meat dry with some paper towel, then brown it off (all sides) in some vegetable oil, over medium-high heat. Your slow cooker probably doesn't get hot enough to do this, so you'll have to use a saucepan or frying pan.

The browning will add great flavor and color to the meat, which will pass along to whatever else is cooked in the slow cooker (it will also give you a tasty gravy). As for the time involved: it depends on the size/weight your meat, the type of cooker, etc. If the standard recipe calls for (for example) 6 hours, I would give it 8. No matter what, when the meat is fork-tender, then it's ready.

Answer 3

No, you can start it off completely frozen if you wish. Cooking time will need to be slightly increased.

Cooking time depends on temperature of the cooker, size of the roast, and what else is in the pot. On average, six hours on a high setting should be sufficient. A good roast should reach an internal temperature of at least 145F.

One suggestion I would make is with a small amount of oil, quickly sear all sides of the roast before placing in the cooker. This makes a huge difference in the juiciness of the roast!

Be sure to load that sucker up with good ole' onions, carrots, and potatoes. Top it off with a can or two of cream of celery. If you need to add liquids, use beef or chicken broth, NEVER water.

Oh, and most importantly, call me the day before and let me know what time dinner is!

Answer 4

Doesn't have to be entirely defrosted...as long as it's thawed enough to brown it will be fine. Brown it, throw in your veggies, and let the slow cooker do the rest. You didn't give the weight of the roast, so I can't tell you the cooking time. For the most part...I'd say give it 3 hours and check it...if it's a large roast...6 hours is feasible. Good luck...

Answer 5

You can cook your shoes in a slow cooker and they'd taste great. No, cooking a frozen roast will make it just as tasty, just take longer.

Answer 6

If it is frozen, it will take longer than it would if it were thawed out.

If you put it in frozen, you want to be careful that cooking it longer won't turn everything else to mush. If possible try defrosting your meat ahead of time next time.

Since you're not following a recipe, try 6 hours. Taste. Cook a few hours longer if not completely done.

The more you experiment, the better you'll be.

Answer 7

I would think it would take longer to cook when its frozen. I would at least partially thaw it out before cooking in the crock pot. I usually cook a roast of medium size on high for a couple of hrs., then on low for the rest of the day, and it comes out perfect. Yu don't have to add water to it either if you are not adding veggies to it. It makes its own juice.

Answer 8

you can put it in the slow cooker frozen, but keep in mind that it will have to defrost before it will start cooking and it will make a LOT of extra liquid in the pot. I prefer them completely defrosted and you are giving up a lot of flavor if you don't brown them before adding to the pot. don't forget to deglaze the pan and add the juices.

Answer 9

My girlfriend make the Best roast beef I've ever eaten and her "secret" (taught by her aunt) is to put it in frozen. It takes twice as long but is so tender with lovely texture. She puts in beef broth cubes, carrots etc. Try it and see.

Answer 10

No you do not have to defrost it completely, the cooking time will be longer though...obviously.