Thawed or Frozen? Help Please

[PAMMELA]

I am going to be making meatballs in the crockpot for my upcoming party and purchased frozen italian meatballs from Omaha Steaks. My question is what would be best: thaw them and then put them in the crockpot or put them in frozen? Does it really matter except for the cooking time? My party is at 3:00 pm so i'm not sure what time I should put them in the crockpot with the sauce? Any help will be appreciated!

Pam

[sneezles]

I'd heat them in the oven first, JMHO!

[PAMMELA]

So thaw first, then heat, the keep warm in the crockpot? Hadn't thought of that at all!!!!!! Good idea!! Thanks sneezles!!

[sneezles]

Originally posted by PAMMELA
So thaw first, then heat, the keep warm in the crockpot? Hadn't thought of that at all!!!!!! Good idea!! Thanks sneezles!!

You don't need to thaw just heat from frozen in the oven. directions on the package should give guidelines for cooking from frozen.

[tbb113]

I cook them frozen all the time. I also have let them thaw and cooked them that way. Same taste as far as I can tell.

[Kathy B]

Originally posted by tbb113
I cook them frozen all the time.

If you can do that, I would, just because it's easiest, it uses less electricity, and it won't heat up the house. Why do it in three steps if you can get away with just one? ;)

[tbb113]

Regarding the cooking time...on high the frozen meatballs take about 3 hours for 3 lbs of meatballs (I think...its been a while since I've done it).

[sneezles]

For 3 pounds of frozen meatballs it's at least 8 hours but more likely 10 or 11 hours on low and closer to 5 hours on high. The 40-45 minutes in the oven is not really going to add to the heat of the house but the time saved will most certainly reduce the stress level of the hostess!