Quick Answer
Yes, you can cook frozen steaks in a crock-pot! The low, slow cooking environment of the crock-pot thaws and tenderizes frozen steaks beautifully. While cooking times will be longer than fresh steak, frozen steak can become fork-tender and delicious after 6-8 hours on low in the crock-pot.
Cooking Times for Frozen Steak in a Crock-Pot
Cooking frozen steak in a crock-pot takes patience, but the results are worth it. Here are some guidelines for approximate cooking times:
| Steak Thickness | Cooking Time on Low |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 6-8 hours |
| 1.5 inches | 8-10 hours |
| 2 inches | 10-12 hours |
Check for doneness after the minimum cooking time by poking the steaks with a fork. When fully cooked, the meat should be fork-tender and shred easily.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Steak in the Crock-Pot
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking frozen steaks in a slow cooker:
– Let the frozen steaks thaw slightly before cooking. This reduces overall cooking time. Thaw just until steaks can be separated, about 20-30 minutes.
– Trim off any freezer burn or hardened edges from the steaks before cooking.
– Cut partially frozen steaks into smaller pieces or thin strips if desired. Smaller cuts will cook faster.
– Brown the steaks first for better flavor. Quickly sear thawed steaks in a hot pan with oil before placing in the crock-pot.
– Use a meat tenderizer mallet or fork to pierce the steaks before cooking. This will help seasonings and moisture penetrate.
– Add 1/2 cup beef broth or water to the crock-pot to prevent drying out. Replenish liquids as needed.
– Cook steaks on low only to prevent overcooking. High heat can make frozen meat tough.
– Shred fully cooked steaks with forks and serve with juices for fajitas, sandwiches, tacos, etc.
Choosing the Best Frozen Steaks for Crock-Pot Cooking
While most frozen steaks will work in the crock-pot, here are some of the best cuts to use:
– Chuck steak or chuck roast – Well-marbled and tender.
– Bottom or top round roast – Lean but become tender. May shred better than slice.
– Beef stew meat – Pre-cut into 1-inch cubes to cook quickly.
– Flank steak – Affordable cut that cooks up tender. Slice across the grain.
– Sirloin tip steak – Budget-friendly with good moisture when cooked slowly.
– Strip, ribeye, or filet mignon – More expensive but become very tender.
Avoid frozen steaks with a lot of excess fat, gristle or connective tissue if possible. These may not break down well during slow cooking. Always check for freshness and use frozen steaks within 3-6 months for optimal quality.
Seasoning and Flavoring Frozen Steaks
Frozen steaks benefit from bold seasoning and umami-rich flavors when cooked in the crock-pot. Here are some ways to add lots of flavor:
– Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder before cooking.
– Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, barbecue sauce or steak sauce to the crock-pot.
– Use an umami-rich soup base like beef, mushroom or onion soup. Dilute condensed soups with equal water.
– Cook steaks in tomato sauce, salsa, canned tomatoes, or tomato paste.
– Sauté aromatics first like onions, garlic, mushrooms. Add to crock-pot.
– Toss in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley or cilantro.
– Add savory vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, bell peppers.
– Stir in a splash of red wine, coffee, Worcestershire or balsamic vinegar.
The wet environment and low heat of the crockpot make it difficult to over-season. Be generous with spices, marinades and sauces to infuse the meat with lots of flavor.
Serving and Using Cooked Frozen Steaks
After 6-12 hours in the slow cooker, frozen steaks transform into fork-tender, juicy meat that can be used in all kinds of ways.
– Slice or shred beef and serve with cooking juices over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta or roasted vegetables.
– Pile shredded or sliced beef onto sandwiches, tacos, nachos, pizza, salads and more.
– Use cooking liquid as base for gravy, soup or sauce.
– Store cooked steak and juices in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days. Can be frozen up to 3 months.
– Reheat gently in juices on the stovetop, adding water if needed to prevent drying out.
With the right cut, seasoning and cooking time, frozen steaks can become delicious, budget-friendly meals from the crock-pot. Get creative with the flavors and serving options!
Conclusion
Cooking frozen steak in the crock-pot may take some patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. The moist, low heat environment gently thaws and tenderizes steak until it can be shredded and served in a variety of hearty, comforting dishes. With enough time, flavorful seasoning, and a few tips, frozen steaks can become delicious homemade meals from the slow cooker. Experiment with different cuts, cooking times, and serving ideas. You’ll enjoy tasty crock-pot creations all winter long using budget-friendly frozen steaks.