Is It Safe to Cook Frozen Meat in an Instant Pot?
Updated: May 03, 2023
The answer, like your cook time with this amazing pressure cooker, is short. Yes!
Since the Instant Pot hit the market in 2010, it’s become one of the hottest products on Amazon.com. (There’s even a Bluetooth-connected version of the appliance now!) And one common question people are asking about this electric pressure cooker? If it’s safe to cook frozen meat inside this miracle appliance. Happily, for them, the answer is a resounding yes—and it works even better if you take a simple step beforehand. Also, find out if it’s safe to cook frozen meat in a crockpot.
Tack on Some Time
The Instant Pot is a countertop pro when it comes to cooking meats, even if they’re frozen, but the manufacturer points out that there is a longer preheat and cook time for frozen meats, which is based on the amount of food you are going to cook. Our writer used Instant Pot’s directions on her own countertop cooker, with great results.
The simple step to save you even more time? Some experts recommend that you cut up larger, thicker cuts of meat (roasts, breasts, sirloin, pork tenderloin, you name it) before you freeze them. Yep, all you have to do is chop it up while it’s fresh. Those smaller pieces will be easier to get in to the pot and quicker to cook.
More Reasons to Love Instant Pot
There’s almost nothing this small appliance can’t do. It serves not only as a pressure cooker, but it can also function as a steamer, yogurt maker, a slow cooker or even as a warming pot. This highly rated appliance can do just about anything you need it to do in the kitchen.
People using the old pressure-cooking method from the past know that it could be finicky at best and potentially dangerous at worst. But the Instant Pot makes pressure-cooking safer, more hands-off. Plus it offers you the ability to cook up to six times faster than traditional methods, while at the same time reducing the energy required to operate the appliance.
And if there was ever a reason to make the switch from the slow cooker, being able to go straight from freezer to pot might have to be the one. Stock your freezer with ready-to-go roasts, and you’ll be eating well on the quick (and easy).
Our Beefiest Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Taco PastaThis Instant Pot taco pasta is a welcome change from boring meals. I've taken all the flavors of tacos and created an easy pasta dish. Kids love the taste, and Mom loves how quick and easy it comes together. To lighten things up, use ground turkey. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Pressure Cooker Beef Daube ProvencalMy dish is perfect on chilly nights, especially after we have been out chopping wood. The melt-in-your-mouth goodness makes it a staple in my menu rotation. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
Pressure-Cooker Beef Burritos with Green ChilesHere's a family favorite that gets mouths watering simply with its heavenly aroma! Hearty and flavorful, it's quick comfort food. —Sally Pahler, Palisade, Colorado
Pressure Cooker Burgundy BeefWhen my adult children come for dinner, this is the recipe I turn to first. They all just love it! —Urilla Cheverie, Alfred, Maine
Pressure Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce CupsI love this light yet lively dinner for busy days that are filled with swim lessons and outdoor activities. If you can't find Bibb or Boston, green leaf lettuce is less sturdy but works in a pinch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Pressure-Cooker Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean SauceI love stir-fry with black bean sauce. This recipe takes that same delicious flavor and combines it with fork-tender pot roast. —Judy Lawson, Chelsea, Michigan
Pressure-Cooker Beef and BeansThis deliciously spicy steak and beans over rice will have friends asking for more. It's a favorite in my recipe collection. —Marie Leamon, Bethesda, Maryland
Pressure Cooker Spice-Braised Pot RoastHerbs and spices give the beef an excellent flavor. I often serve this roast over noodles or with mashed potatoes, using the juices as a gravy. —Loren Martin, Big Cabin, Oklahoma
Pressure Cooker Pepper SteakPepper steak is one of my favorite dishes but I was always disappointed with beef that was too tough. This recipe solves that problem! I've stored leftovers in one big container and also in individual portions for quick lunches. —Julie Rhine, Zelienople, Pennsylvania
Pressure-Cooker SauerbratenOne of my all-time favorite German dishes is sauerbraten, but I don't love that it normally takes five to 10 days to make. Using an electric pressure cooker, I think I've captured that same distinctive flavor in less than two hours. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Pressure-Cooker Round Steak ItalianoMy mom used to make a similar version of this wonderful dish, and I’ve always enjoyed it. The gravy is especially dense and flavorful. —Deanne Stephens, McMinnville, Oregon
Pressure-Cooker Mexican Beef SoupMy family loves this stew, and I'm happy to make it since it's so simple! Serve the dish with cornbread to make the meal even more filling. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Pressure-Cooker Beef StewI like to serve this twist on traditional stew with fresh rolls or crusty bread. The roast and vegetables cook quickly and make a comforting meal. My family loves this unique pressure-cooker beef stew. —Joanne Wright, Niles, Michigan
Pressure-Cooker Thai Coconut BeefMy husband and I love Thai food, but going out on weeknights can be challenging with busy schedules. I wanted to create a Thai-inspired dinner that could double as an easy lunch the following day. The beef is fantastic in this dish, but chicken or pork would be equally delicious! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Originally Published: March 27, 2018
