Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely put frozen meat in a crockpot stew. The low, slow cooking environment of the crockpot will safely thaw and cook frozen meat as the stew simmers away. However, you may need to increase the cooking time to allow the meat time to thaw and become tender. Plan for at least 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high when using frozen meat in a stew.
How Does It Work?
Putting frozen meat in the crockpot works because the low, moist heat helps thaw the meat gently without cooking it too rapidly. Here’s what happens when you add frozen meat to your crockpot stew:
- The frozen meat acts as a “cold spot” bringing down the temperature of the surrounding liquid.
- As the stew heats up, the frozen meat begins to gradually thaw from the outside in.
- It takes 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low for meat to fully defrost in the crockpot.
- Once thawed, the low heat slowly brings the meat up to temperature without overcooking it.
- The extended cooking time tenderizes the meat and integrating the flavors.
The key is to allow enough time for this process to take place. Rushing it by cranking up the heat can lead to dry, overcooked meat.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips when adding frozen meat to your crockpot stew for best results:
Cut Into Smaller Pieces
Cut larger frozen cuts of meat like roasts, chicken breasts, and pork chops into 1-2 inch pieces or cubes before adding to the crockpot. Smaller pieces thaw faster and cook more evenly.
Surround with Plenty of Liquid
Make sure frozen meat is fully submerged in the stew broth, wine, tomatoes, or other cooking liquids. Enough liquid is key to thawing and braising meat properly without drying out.
Give it Enough Time
Cooking times must be increased by 50-100% to allow for frozen meat. Plan for 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high. Check meat is fork tender before serving.
Use the Right Cut
Choose cuts like stew meat, pork shoulder, beef chuck, chicken thighs with the bone in. These cuts have connective tissue that break down into tender and delicious meat after long cooking times.
Skip Additional Dairy or Thickeners
Wait to add dairy like milk, cream, sour cream, or cheese until the last 30 minutes so it doesn’t curdle or break from extended cooking. Save starch thickeners for the end too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to put frozen meat in the crockpot?
Yes, it is completely safe to cook frozen meat in a crockpot provided you allow for the full defrost and cooking time. The low crockpot temperatures keep bacteria growth in check.
Does frozen meat take longer to cook in a crockpot?
Absolutely, frozen meat will take 50-100% longer to fully cook in the crockpot compared to fresh or thawed meat. Make sure to plan for at least 8 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high.
Should you thaw meat before putting in crockpot?
You don’t need to fully thaw meat before putting it in the crockpot. In fact, starting with frozen meat helps prolong safe cooking temperatures and prevents bacterial growth.
Can you overcook meat from frozen in a crockpot?
It is possible to overcook frozen meat in a crockpot if the temperature gets too high. Keep your crockpot on low and check meat for tenderness to avoid overdoing it. Slow cook times result in moist, tender meat.
Do you brown meat before adding to crockpot?
Browning frozen meat before the crockpot is optional but can add deeper flavor. Thaw just the outside before searing. Or brown individual pieces as they thaw in the simmering liquid.
Choosing the Right Frozen Meat & Cut
You have lots of options when it comes to frozen meat for crockpot stews. Consider these points when selecting your protein:
Pre-Formed Stew Meat
Packs of pre-cut beef, lamb, pork, or chicken stew meat are convenient options. The small uniform pieces thaw quickly.
Whole Roasts or Chops
Choose inexpensive cuts like pork shoulder, chuck roast, bottom round, or bone-in chicken. Cut them into 1-2 inch pieces before cooking.
Ground Meat
Frozen ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb make great crockpot stew bases. Break apart ground meat as it thaws.
Sausage
Fully-cooked sausages add bold flavor. Try kielbasa, Italian, chorizo, smoked, or andouille. Slice before adding to the crockpot.
Chicken Pieces
Skin-on, bone-in parts like thighs, legs, and wings do well. The bones add gelatin that gives body to the broth.
Pork Chops or Ribs
Bone-in chops or country-style ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender after 8+ hours of cooking.
Braising Cuts
Well-marbled cuts ideal for braising like short ribs, oxtail, or brisket work beautifully when simmered low and slow from frozen.
Fish Fillet or Shrimp
Heartier fish like cod, haddock, salmon, or shrimp can be added straight from the freezer to seafood stews.
Best Practices for Stew with Frozen Meat
Here are some top tips for getting the most out of your frozen meat when making crockpot stew:
- Cut large pieces into 1-2 inch chunks before adding to crockpot.
- Start with a hot base by browning any aromatics, herbs, or spices in the pot.
- Surround frozen meat completely with chopped veggies and liquid.
- For tough cuts or bone-in meats, aim for 8+ hours on low or 5-6 hours on high.
- Check meat for tenderness and cook longer if needed.
- Skim any hardened fat after cooking and before serving.
- Remove bones and excess fat from finished stew.
- Stir in tender vegetables and dairy/cream during last 30 minutes.
- Season stew with salt, pepper, and other spices just before serving.
Recipe Ideas for Crockpot Stew with Frozen Meat
The long cook time and moist heat of a crockpot is perfect for taking inexpensive frozen meat from tough to tender and delicious. Try these recipe ideas:
Beef Stew
Chunks of frozen chuck roast simmered with potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and peas in a savory broth.
Turkey or Chicken Chili
Shredded frozen turkey or chicken breasts cook down in a blend of beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, spices, and broth.
Pork Posole
Frozen pork shoulder or stew meat mixed with white hominy, green chiles, onions, garlic, and Mexican spices.
Lamb Curry
Frozen lamb stew meat or shoulder chunks cooked in a blend of spices, coconut milk, chickpeas, and spinach or kale.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Shredded frozen chicken, tomatoes, corn, beans, peppers, onions, cumin, garlic, and garnished with tortilla strips.
Sausage and Cabbage Stew
Kielbasa, frozen Italian sausage, or bratwurst with potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and beer or broth for flavor.
Chicken and Dumplings
Bone-in frozen chicken cooks down into a thick broth perfect for dropping in fluffy biscuit dough dumplings.
Conclusion
Adding frozen meat to your crockpot stew is an easy way to save time and money while still ending up with a delicious and tender meal. The gentle thawing and prolonged cooking transforms even the toughest cuts into fall-apart tender stews and chilis. Just be sure to add extra cooking time for frozen meats, keep the temperature low, and submerge the meat in plenty of liquid. In no time, you’ll see how convenient it is to start from frozen and let your crockpot do all the work!