Can you cook frozen short ribs in crock pot?

You can cook frozen short ribs in a slow cooker, but it's not recommended for a few reasons:

* Longer cooking time: It will take much longer for the frozen meat to reach a safe internal temperature compared to cooking thawed short ribs. This can lead to uneven cooking and potentially food safety issues.

* Tougher meat: The longer cooking time can make the meat tougher, especially since frozen meat tends to dry out more easily.

* Messy slow cooker: The frozen meat will release more water during cooking, leading to a messy slow cooker and potentially watery broth.

Here's what you can do instead:

* Thaw the short ribs: The safest and most efficient way to cook short ribs in a slow cooker is to thaw them completely before putting them in the pot. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

* Use a Dutch oven: If you want to cook frozen short ribs, a Dutch oven on the stovetop is a better option. You can sear the meat first to develop flavor and then braise it in the oven, which will result in more tender and flavorful short ribs.

If you decide to cook frozen short ribs in your slow cooker:

* Double the cooking time: You'll need to significantly increase the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked. Start with at least double the recommended time for thawed short ribs.

* Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

* Add extra liquid: The frozen meat will release more water, so add extra broth or liquid to prevent the meat from drying out.

* Be prepared for a messy cleanup: The slow cooker will be messier than usual, so plan for extra cleaning time.

Ultimately, it's best to avoid cooking frozen short ribs in a slow cooker and opt for thawing them first or using a different cooking method.