How to Cook a Tender, Juicy Frozen Roast Beef in Your Crockpot

A frozen roast beef transformed into a mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth meal with minimal effort? Yes, it’s possible, thanks to the magic of the crockpot! While it may seem questionable to start with frozen meat, this method produces impressive results Learn how to safely thaw and cook frozen roast beef in a crockpot for simple, delicious homemade pot roasts, sandwiches, and more.

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Roast Beef in a Crockpot

Cooking frozen roast beef in a crockpot offers several advantages

• Super convenient – No need to remember to thaw meat in the fridge
• Tender and juicy – Long, slow cooking tenderizes tough cuts
• Intensifies flavor – Trapped juices infuse meat with richness
• Mess-free – No splattering like stove top browning
• Hands-off – Just toss in ingredients and ignore for hours
• Big batch cooking – Make extra portions for busy nights ahead

With minimal prep time, you can enjoy pot roast perfection and leftovers with ease.

Tips for Choosing the Best Roast for the Crockpot

To ensure tender, flavorful results, select the right cut of beef:

• Chuck roast – Well-marbled for moisture. The classic pot roast choice.

• Rump roast – Leaner but still does well with slow cooking. Nice for slicing.

• Brisket – Super flavorful with lots of connective tissue that breaks down.

• Round roast – Budget-friendly option though can turn out slightly drier.

• Blade roast – From the Chuck. Excellent pot roast thanks to fat marbling.

Look for roasts around 3-5 pounds to feed 4-6 people. Calculate cook time as 1 hour per pound on LOW.

Step-By-Step Guide to Perfect Crockpot Frozen Roast Beef

Follow these simple steps for fork-tender frozen roast beef.

Ingredients Needed

• 3-5 lb frozen roast beef
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onion (optional)

Directions

1. Grease inside of crockpot with cooking spray.

2. Place frozen roast beef in crockpot fat-side up.

3. Sprinkle onion soup mix on top. Pour in liquid.

4. Add vegetables around roast if desired.

5. Cook on LOW 8-10 hours until fall-apart tender.

6. Transfer roast to cutting board and slice across the grain.

And just like that, you’ll have deliciously melting roasted beef for sandwiches, over mashed potatoes, or however you wish to serve it up!

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Add minced garlic, rosemary, thyme or other seasoning along with soup mix.

• Use cream soups like mushroom or cream of celery instead of broth.

• Bake roast uncovered last 30 minutes for crispy edges if desired.

• Shred meat with forks instead of slicing for tacos or enchiladas.

• Mix juices with cornstarch to make gravy.

• Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours but check tenderness.

• Use broth leftover from corned beef for extra flavor.

Is it Safe to Cook Frozen Roast Beef in a Crockpot?

Cooking frozen meats in a slow cooker is controversial, with some warning of bacteria risks. However, the USDA states it can be safe provided the roast reaches 140°F within 1-2 hours and finishes at a food-safe temperature.

To ensure safety:

• Use a newer crockpot that maintains consistent heat
• Keep lid on and don’t open within first couple hours
• Ensure roast reaches safe finishing temp of 145°F (medium)

Cooking at a LOW temperature for a longer timeframe minimizes risks. Take proper precautions and frozen roast beef can cook up deliciously in the crockpot.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Crockpot Roast Beef

• Allow roast to cool completely before storing.

• Refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking.

• Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, freeze roast beef up to 3 months.

• Thaw frozen meat in fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

• Reheat fully until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

With proper storage, enjoy your succulent roast beef all week long!

Satisfying Pot Roasts Made Simple

One of the easiest yet most impressive meals is a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast. Thanks to the crockpot, you can skip tedious defrosting and achieve delectable results with just a few ingredients. Next time you spy a frozen roast beef in the freezer, look no further than your crockpot. In just a few hours, you’ll have spoon-tender meat and enticing aromas filling the house. Round out the meal with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty, homemade dinner minus the fuss.