Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to cook frozen corned beef? Look no further than your trusty crock pot!
With just a few simple steps, you can have a tender and flavorful meal ready to enjoy. Whether you’re preparing for St. Patrick’s Day or just craving some comfort food, this slow cooker recipe is sure to satisfy.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking frozen corned beef in a crock pot, from the ingredients to the cooking time. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook Frozen Corned Beef In Crock Pot?
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need a frozen corned beef brisket, potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage (optional), a can of beer (optional), and the seasoning packet that came with the corned beef.
Step 2: Layer Your Ingredients
To begin, lightly butter or spray your crock pot. Then, layer your potato slices and carrots on the bottom of the pot. Next, slice your onions and lay them around the vegetables. If you’re using cabbage, slice it into wedges and arrange them around the meat.
Step 3: Add Your Corned Beef
Now it’s time to add your frozen corned beef to the crock pot. Place it on top of the vegetables with the fat side facing up. If you’re using beer, pour it over the top of the meat. Then, sprinkle the seasoning packet that came with the meat on top of the corned beef.
Step 4: Cook Your Corned Beef
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until the meat is fork tender. According to the USDA, corned beef is done when its internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F when checked with a thermometer.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once your corned beef is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with your cooked vegetables and enjoy!
Ingredients For Frozen Corned Beef In Crock Pot
When it comes to cooking frozen corned beef in a crock pot, there are a few ingredients you’ll need. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:
1. Frozen Corned Beef Brisket: This is the star of the show and the main ingredient you’ll be cooking.
2. Potatoes: You’ll need potatoes to serve as your trivet, which will help elevate the meat and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the crock pot.
3. Onions: Sliced onions will add flavor and aroma to your dish.
4. Carrots: Sliced or baby carrots can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. Cabbage (Optional): If you like cabbage, you can slice it into wedges and add it to the crock pot for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Beer (Optional): If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to your dish, you can pour a can of beer over the top of the meat.
7. Seasoning Packet: Most corned beef briskets come with a seasoning packet that you can sprinkle over the top of the meat for added flavor.
By gathering these ingredients and following the steps outlined above, you can create a delicious and tender corned beef dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Preparing The Frozen Corned Beef For Crock Pot Cooking
Cooking frozen corned beef in a crock pot is a convenient and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. However, there are some steps you need to take to ensure that your meat cooks evenly and thoroughly. Here’s how to prepare your frozen corned beef for crock pot cooking:
Step 1: Thaw Your Corned Beef
Before you start cooking, you need to thaw your frozen corned beef. The best way to thaw it is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. This will ensure that the meat thaws evenly and doesn’t become too watery.
Step 2: Rinse Your Corned Beef
Once your corned beef is thawed, rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt or brine. This step is important because rinsing the meat will help control the salt level and prevent it from becoming too salty.
Step 3: Pat Dry Your Corned Beef
After rinsing your corned beef, pat it dry with paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture and ensure that the seasoning sticks to the meat.
Step 4: Season Your Corned Beef
Now it’s time to season your corned beef. Use the seasoning packet that came with the meat or create your own seasoning blend using herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the meat, making sure to cover all sides.
Step 5: Let Your Corned Beef Rest
Once your corned beef is seasoned, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensure that it cooks evenly.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious and tender corned beef in your crock pot. Enjoy!
Setting Up The Crock Pot For Frozen Corned Beef Cooking
Cooking frozen corned beef in a crock pot requires some specific steps to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and is tender. To start, you’ll want to prepare your ingredients and make sure that your crock pot is ready for cooking.
First, gather all of your ingredients, including the frozen corned beef brisket, potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage (if using), a can of beer (optional), and the seasoning packet that came with the corned beef.
Next, lightly butter or spray your crock pot to prevent sticking. Then, layer your potato slices and carrots on the bottom of the pot. Slice your onions and lay them around the vegetables. If you’re using cabbage, slice it into wedges and arrange them around the meat.
Now it’s time to add your frozen corned beef to the crock pot. Place it on top of the vegetables with the fat side facing up. If you’re using beer, pour it over the top of the meat. Then, sprinkle the seasoning packet that came with the meat on top of the corned beef.
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or until the meat is fork tender. It’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your corned beef brisket.
Once your corned beef is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Serve with your cooked vegetables and enjoy!
Cooking Time For Frozen Corned Beef In Crock Pot
If you’re cooking a frozen corned beef brisket in a crock pot, the cooking time will depend on the size of the meat and the setting you choose. For a 3-4 pound corned beef brisket, it’s recommended to cook it on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
It’s important to note that cooking on high may dry out the meat, so it’s best to stick with the low setting for a tender and juicy result. Additionally, if you’re cooking with vegetables, it’s recommended to add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking them.
To ensure that your corned beef is cooked thoroughly and safely, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Once it reaches 145 degrees F, you can remove it from the crock pot and let it rest before slicing and serving with your cooked vegetables.
Tips For Serving And Storing Frozen Corned Beef From Crock Pot
When it comes to serving and storing frozen corned beef from a crock pot, there are a few things to keep in mind. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you have more leftovers than you can eat in that time frame, you can freeze the beef brisket in a freezer-proof container for up to 3 months.
To reheat your frozen corned beef, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the microwave or oven until it’s heated through. It’s important to remember that when reheating, you should avoid overcooking the meat as it can become tough and dry.
When serving your corned beef, always slice it against the grain. This means cutting through the muscle fibers shortens them and makes each piece easier to chew. Serve your corned beef with cooked vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage for a complete meal.
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy delicious corned beef from your crock pot even after it’s been frozen and stored for later use.