Yes, you can cook frozen ready meals in a slow cooker, but there are some tips and things to keep in mind when doing so.
Thawing First
It’s generally recommended to thaw frozen ready meals before putting them in the slow cooker. This helps ensure the food cooks evenly. There are a few different ways you can thaw frozen meals:
- Refrigerator Thawing – Place the frozen meal in the refrigerator overnight or for 24 hours to thaw.
- Cold Water Bath – Place the frozen meal in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Microwave Thawing – Use the defrost setting on your microwave to safely thaw the frozen meal.
Liquid
Frozen ready meals often don’t contain much liquid. It’s important when slow cooking frozen meals to add some additional liquid to prevent burning and help create more flavorful finished dishes.
Some good options for extra liquid include:
- Broth or stock
- Tomato juice or sauce
- Wine or beer
- Water
Aim to add around 1/2 to 1 cup of extra liquid to the frozen ready meal before cooking.
Cooking Time
Cooking frozen ready meals in a slow cooker takes longer than recipes created specifically for the slow cooker. The thawed or partially thawed meal needs to reach safe internal temperatures.
Here are some general cooking time guidelines:
| Frozen State | Recommended Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Completely Frozen | Low: 8-10 hours |
| Partially Thawed | Low: 6-8 hours |
| Completely Thawed | Low: 4-6 hours |
Check your slow cooker’s manual for specific timing. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F.
Prevent Burning
To prevent frozen meals from burning in the slow cooker:
- Don’t cook on high – Use the low setting only.
- Stir occasionally while cooking.
- Add extra liquid as needed if drying out.
- Don’t overfill – Leave room for food to cook down.
Finishing Steps
Once the frozen meal has finished cooking, there are a couple things you can do before serving:
- Use a fork to break up any large chunks and stir thoroughly.
- If the sauce looks thin, remove the lid and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Taste and season with salt, pepper, or other spices as desired.
Food Safety
To keep food safe when cooking frozen meals in the slow cooker:
- Don’t use slow cooker liner bags which can melt.
- Don’t lift the lid often – heat escapes.
- Don’t keep cooked food in the slow cooker on warm for over 2 hours.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose frozen meals with higher moisture content like stews, chili, or pasta dishes.
- Add extra vegetables for flavor and texture.
- Skip frozen meals with crispy coatings or dough-based toppings.
- Cut large pieces of meat into smaller chunks before cooking.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Conclusion
Yes, with some planning frozen ready meals can be successfully cooked in a slow cooker. Thaw completely or partially first, add extra liquid, use low heat, and stir occasionally. Frozen meals will take longer to cook than recipes made for the slow cooker. Follow food safety guidelines and check for doneness. With the right techniques, you can make tasty slow cooker meals from the convenience of frozen ready meals.