Nothing beats coming home to a tender, fall-apart pork roast ready for carving and devouring. But not everyone has time to properly defrost and slow cook a pork roast. Can you skip the thawing step and go straight from freezer to crock pot? Absolutely! With the right timings and some simple tips, you can transform a frozen pork roast into a mouthwatering meal using your crock pot.
Below we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook frozen pork roast in a crock pot, including:
- Benefits of using a crock pot
- Safely cooking from frozen
- Ideal size of roast
- Recommended cook times
- Adjusting time for size and doneness
- Internal temperature to check
- Adding veggies and seasonings
- Serving suggestions
With this handy guide you’ll turn out perfectly cooked pulled pork or tender roast pork using the convenience of your crock pot.
Why Use a Crock Pot for Frozen Pork Roast?
Cooking from frozen in a crock pot offers several advantages
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Convenience – Skip multiple steps of thawing, searing, etc. Just toss in frozen and press start!
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Tender meat – Long, slow cooking ensures meat becomes fall-apart tender.
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Infused flavor – Liquids and seasonings are absorbed into the meat.
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Easy cleanup – Crock pots contain mess and make gravy from drippings.
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Safety – Maintains safe temperature without drying out or burning meat.
Follow proper guidelines and your crock pot does all the work while you’re out!
Is it Safe to Cook Pork Roast from Frozen?
Yes, cooking frozen pork roast in a crock pot is completely safe. The low, steady heat gently thaws and brings the meat up to a food-safe temperature throughout.
However, take these precautions:
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Use a thermometer to confirm internal temp reaches 145°F.
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Extend cooking time to account for frozen start.
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Cut roast in chunks if very large to cook evenly.
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Don’t interrupt power – sudden temperature drops can cause bacteria.
What Size Pork Roast Works Best?
For even cooking, choose a pork roast that fits comfortably in your crock pot:
- Small (3-4 qt) – Roasts up to 3 lbs
- Medium (5-6 qt) – Roasts up to 5 lbs
- Large (7+ qt) – Roasts up to 7 lbs
Whole tenderloins and pork loins also work well. For larger roasts over 5 lbs, it’s best to cut into smaller portions before cooking.
How Long to Cook a Frozen Pork Roast in Crock Pot
Cooking time depends on the size of the roast and your desired tenderness.
On LOW Heat:
- 3 lb roast: 8-9 hours
- 4 lb roast: 9-10 hours
- 5 lb roast: 10-12 hours
On HIGH Heat:
- 3 lb roast: 4-5 hours
- 4 lb roast: 5-6 hours
- 5 lb roast: 6-8 hours
Check at minimum recommended times, then continue cooking if not tender enough. Pork roast can keep warming for hours.
Adjust Time Based on Doneness Preference
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For pulled or shredded pork, cook 5-10% longer until fork tender.
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For sliced roasts, cook minimum time for slightly firmer texture.
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For safety, always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Internal Temperature for Safe Pork Roast
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At least 145°F throughout the pork roast.
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Let rest 10 minutes then double check temperature.
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If under, return to crock pot for 15-30 mins until min temp reached.
Cooking beyond minimum times ensures pork reaches safe internal temperature, even from frozen.
Can You Add Vegetables or Liquid?
Absolutely! For delicious one-pot meals, add any of the following:
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Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, turnips, parsnips
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Liquids: Broth, apple cider, juice, beer, water
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Seasonings: Fresh herbs, garlic, pepper, salt, spices
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Sauces: Barbecue, sweet & sour, teriyaki, etc.
Stir occasionally for even flavor distribution. The liquid prevents burning on the bottom.
Step-By-Step Guide for Frozen Pork Roast in Crock Pot
- Trim excess fat and cut roast into smaller portions if over 5 lbs.
- Place roast in crock pot and add vegetables, broth or seasoning as desired.
- Cook on LOW 8-12 hours or HIGH 4-8 hours, until fork tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature of at least 145°F.
- Let rest 10 minutes, then shred or slice roast.
- Stir in barbecue sauce, make gravy from drippings, or serve as desired. Enjoy!
It’s that easy to go from frozen to fork tender pork roast for any meal or occasion!
Handy Tips for Success
- Defrost very large roasts slightly before cooking.
- Add non-aromatic veggies like potatoes near end to prevent overcooking.
- For flavorful gravy, stir in flour last 30 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Shred and freeze leftovers for quick future meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to cook pork roast on high or low?
For best results, cook on LOW which allows meat to slowly defrost and become tender without overcooking. HIGH works if you’re short on time.
Can you put frozen pork roast directly in crock pot?
Yes, frozen roast can go straight into the crock pot, no thawing needed. Add extra time for safe cooking.
Do you put liquid in with frozen pork roast?
Adding broth, cider, beer or water is recommended to provide moisture as roast cooks and prevent burning on the bottom.
How long per pound for frozen pork roast?
Estimate 1-1.5 hours per pound on LOW. For example, a 4 lb roast takes about 4-6 hours on LOW when frozen.
Can I make pulled pork from a frozen roast?
Definitely! Cook on LOW until fork tender then shred with two forks for delicious pulled pork sandwiches and tacos.
Now that you know how to cook frozen pork roast in the crock pot, you can start meal prep at a moment’s notice. Just toss in the roast before work or errands, and come home to a hearty, stress-free dinner ready when you are.
How do you moisten leftover roast beef?
The best way to reheat leftover roast is to add some gravy over the top before heating. I like to dice it up and toss with something moist like this. Then microwave in 30 second increments stirring in between times.
Frozen Crockpot Roast Recipe
This is a great recipe to serve in the following ways:
- In small tortillas, top with salsa, guacamole, and cheese. Shred the meat and put it inside.
- Air fryer carrots can be added on top of mashed potatoes if you don’t want to add them to the pot at the end.
- For a really healthy dish, put the filling into baked potatoes and top with salsa.
Get a package of those Hawaiian rolls and make sliders. Kids love them when you serve them for dinner.
OR just serve on the plate as is. To make gravy, just put the pot’s juices into a saucepan and heat it over medium to high heat. Whisk in some cornstarch to thicken and allow it to bubble for a few minutes.
