Crock pot question

Anna&Matt

Do you ever put meat in while it's still frozen? I never have but was debating it. If you do do you just add a couple hours to the cooking time?

greenclown

I haven't and I don't think I ever will.  The woman who writes A Year of Slow Cooking does.  I think she has some tips about it.  I'll see if I can find them.

stuzyq14

I do frozen chicken breasts all the time - I have 4 different chicken breast recipes.  I cook on low for 8-9 hours (basicaly I start them before I leave for work and then we eat when we get home).  You could probably do it on high for 4-5 hours.  I love my crock pot!!!!!!!!!

I have also done frozen pork tenderloin - same way

crownedbee

No.  Never ever do that.

The crock pot is such a low heat that if you put frozen meat in, it's in the food temperature danger zone for far too long (40 to 140 degrees F).  Bacteria grows quickly when meat is in that temperature range thus greatly increasing your chances of getting sick.

Meat needs to be completely thawed before putting it in the crock pot.

buckin

I've never put entirely frozen meat in, but I have put a whole chicken in that was still a tad frozen in the very center. Cooked for 10 hours and it was definately done. (it fell apart when I tried to take it out!)

Anna&Matt

crownedbee:

No.  Never ever do that.

The crock pot is such a low heat that if you put frozen meat in, it's in the food temperature danger zone for far too long (40 to 140 degrees F).  Bacteria grows quickly when meat is in that temperature range thus greatly increasing your chances of getting sick.

Meat needs to be completely thawed before putting it in the crock pot.

yikes I never thought of that! Good point! Looks like I will be going to the store or making it tomorrow.

murphyec

I do this all the time and have never had a problem.