How to Cook Frozen Roast Beef in a Crock Pot for Tender, Juicy Results

Cooking frozen roast beef in a crock pot may seem daunting but it’s actually a simple process that yields incredibly tender and flavorful results every time. As avid crock pot enthusiasts we’ve perfected the art of cooking frozen roasts in the slow cooker through plenty of trial and error.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook frozen roast beef in the crock pot from thawing and prepping the meat properly to seasoning and cooking it to perfection. We’ll also provide tips for choosing the right cut of beef, as well as several mouthwatering crockpot roast beef recipes to inspire your cooking.

Benefits of Cooking Roast Beef in a Crockpot

Cooking roast beef in a crockpot offers many benefits:

• Convenience – Simply prep and add your ingredients in the morning and enjoy tender, fall-apart beef for dinner. The crockpot does the work for you.

• Moist and tender meat – The slow cooking process gently breaks down tough cuts of beef, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.

• Enhanced flavor – The low and slow cooking infuses the meat with delicious flavor as it braises in its own juices and spices.

• Affordable cuts – Less expensive roasts like chuck roast and rump roast shine when prepared in the crockpot. The long cook time makes them tender.

• Easy clean up – Crockpots minimize dirty dishes since everything cooks in one pot.

Tips for Choosing a Roast for the Crockpot

When selecting a roast to cook frozen in the crockpot, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose larger roasts – Roasts over 3 pounds are ideal, as smaller roasts may dry out. Good options include chuck roast, rump roast, and bottom round roast.

• Select well-marbled cuts – Look for roasts with good marbling or fat content running through the meat. This keeps the meat tender and moist.

• Buy roasts, not steaks – Cuts of meat specifically labeled as “roast” will be more suitable for long cooking times. Steaks are better for quick cooking.

• Get boneless roasts – Boneless cuts allow the meat to cook more evenly in the crockpot.

• Eye of round – While lean, this roast can turn out quite tender in the slow cooker with ample liquid.

Thawing Frozen Roast Prior to Cooking

Never put a completely frozen roast straight into the crockpot! Always thaw it first for food safety:

• Thaw in the fridge – This safest method takes 1-2 days for a 3 pound roast. Place on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips.

• Cold water thaw – Submerge the frozen roast in its packaging in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This may take 2-3 hours.

• Microwave thaw – Use the “defrost” setting in short bursts, flipping periodically. Only partially thaw.

Once thawed, pat the roast dry thoroughly with paper towels before preparing it for the crockpot.

Seasoning and Browning the Roast

For the most flavorful finished dish, we recommend taking these two key steps:

Season generously – Coat all sides of the roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, etc.

Brown the meat – Sear it in a skillet on the stovetop until browned on all sides. This adds greater depth of flavor.

Skip these steps if short on time, but the roast won’t be quite as flavorful.

How to Prep and Cook Frozen Roast Beef in the Crockpot

Now we’re ready to start cooking! Follow these simple steps:

1. Add liquid – Pour 1-2 cups of beef broth or stock into the slow cooker, enough to cover the bottom. Wine, tomatoes, or water also work.

2. Prep aromatics – Slice onions, carrots, celery, garlic, etc. to release flavor as the roast cooks.

3. Insert roast – Place the thawed, seasoned, and browned roast directly into the slow cooker.

4. Add aromatics – Top the roast with the prepped onions, carrots, herbs, garlic, etc.

5. Cover and cook on LOW – Cover and cook for 8-10 hours on the LOW setting until very tender.

6. Shred or slice – Once cooked, remove the roast and shred it or slice against the grain.

7. Make gravy – Mix cornstarch with cold water. Whisk into the cooking liquid. Cook until thickened.

Tips for Moist, Tender Roast Beef

Follow these tips for the most succulent roast beef every time:

• Don’t lift the lid! Resist the urge to check on it.

• Cook for the full time – A low 8-10 hours produces the best results.

• Use a meat thermometer – Cook until it reaches 190-210°F internally.

• Let it rest before slicing – Tent with foil for 10-15 minutes, juices will redistribute.

• Slice against the grain – This makes the meat more tender to chew.

• Use leftovers for sandwiches – Pile on crusty bread with gravy for French Dip sandwiches.

Satisfying Crockpot Roast Beef Recipes to Try

The following recipes result in outrageously delicious frozen roast beef when cooked in the slow cooker:

Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes

Browned chuck roast seasoned with garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cooks with potatoes and carrots in beef broth seasoned with Worcestershire sauce. Simple and comforting!

French Dip Roast Beef Sandwiches

Flavorful rump roast cooked until fall-apart tender. Shredded and served on rolls with provolone cheese and au jus dipping sauce made from the cooking liquid.

Red Wine Braised Beef Roast

Tender bottom round roast braised with garlic, onions, and crimini mushrooms in a red wine sauce infused with oregano and basil. Serve sliced with mashed potatoes.

Crockpot Roast Beef Tacos

Shredded browned chuck roast seasoned with chili powder and cumin transforms into delicious tacos when cooked in a crockpot. Top with your favorite taco fixings.

Italian Herb Roast Beef

Eye of round roast rubbed with a blend of Italian herbs including basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Cooks up super tender and full of flavor.

BBQ Pulled Beef Roast

Shredded beef roast bathed in homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce. Pile onto buns for pulled beef sandwiches.

Perfectly Cooked Roast Beef Any Night of the Week

As you can see, cooking up tender, juicy crockpot roast beef from frozen is easy when you follow our tips. All it takes is a little prep and the right cut of meat.

Most importantly, enjoy the convenience of coming home to a house filled with the irresistible aroma of perfectly cooked roast beef. Your family will be begging for second helpings! Let us know how your crockpot roast beef creations turn out.