Are you in a rush to cook a delicious beef tenderloin roast, but forgot to thaw it out?
Don’t worry, cooking it frozen is a great option! While it may take longer than cooking a thawed roast, the end result is still just as mouth-watering.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking a frozen beef tenderloin roast and provide tips for reheating leftovers.
So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook A Frozen Beef Tenderloin Roast?
Method 1: Oven Roasting
Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the frozen beef tenderloin roast with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan and put it in the preheated oven.
Cook until the roast’s internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare meat or 160 degrees Fahrenheit for well-done meat. This method will take about 50% longer than cooking a thawed roast, so be sure to factor in additional cook time when planning your meal.
Once the roast is cooked, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Method 2: Dutch Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen beef tenderloin roast in a dutch oven and pour a mixture of broth and cream of mushroom soup on top of the meat. Add Worcestershire sauce and sprinkle all the seasonings on top of the meat.
Cover the dutch oven and bake for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 135 F for medium-rare, 145 F for medium, or 160 F for well-done.
Once cooked, remove the dutch oven from the oven and let it sit for 15 minutes before slicing. If you want to make gravy thicker, put the dutch oven with drippings on the stovetop and whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
Method 3: Pressure Cooker
If you’re short on time, using a pressure cooker is a great option. Add liquid to steam the meat to tender and any seasonings or sauce you like. Salt and pepper are a given when cooking a roast or else it will be bland.
Cooking time will depend on your pressure cooker’s instructions, but generally, it takes about 90 minutes in the freezer, pan-seared on a cast-iron pan, then about 90 minutes in the pressure cooker at 126 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why Cook A Frozen Beef Tenderloin Roast?
Many people may wonder why they would want to cook a frozen beef tenderloin roast instead of a thawed one. One reason is convenience. If you forgot to thaw your roast ahead of time, you can still cook it without having to wait for it to thaw. Another reason is that cooking a frozen roast can actually result in better texture and taste.
When a frozen roast is cooked, its surface can reach high temperatures necessary for browning reactions before the interior overcooks. This results in a more evenly cooked roast with thinner bands of gray, overcooked meat directly under the crust. Additionally, frozen meat can retain more moisture during cooking than thawed meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful roast.
There are also practical reasons for cooking a frozen beef tenderloin roast. Freezing meat can extend its shelf life up to five times by removing the oxygen in the package, thereby limiting the growth of bacteria that causes meat to decompose. If left too long in a freezer, meat can dry out and pick up odors from its neighbors. However, vacuum-sealed meat lasts for up to a year and paper-wrapped meat for six to eight months.
Ultimately, cooking a frozen beef tenderloin roast can be a convenient and delicious option for those who don’t have time to thaw their meat ahead of time or who want to achieve a better texture and taste.
Method 1: Oven Roasting A Frozen Beef Tenderloin Roast
Oven-roasting a frozen beef tenderloin roast can be a delicious and easy option for a special meal. The key is to cook the roast at a low temperature to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly without drying out.
To start, preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the frozen beef tenderloin roast with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan and put it in the preheated oven.
Cook until the roast’s internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare meat or 160 degrees Fahrenheit for well-done meat. This method will take about 50% longer than cooking a thawed roast, so be sure to factor in additional cook time when planning your meal.
Once the roast is cooked, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender roast.
Oven-roasting a frozen beef tenderloin roast is a great option for those who want to save time and still enjoy a delicious and impressive meal. With just a few simple steps, you can have a perfectly cooked roast that will impress your family and friends.
Method 2: Slow Cooking A Frozen Beef Tenderloin Roast
Slow cooking a frozen beef tenderloin roast is a great option for those who want a hands-off approach to cooking. To start, add a cup of room temperature liquid such as broth or water to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the frozen beef tenderloin roast in the slow cooker and then turn it on.
If you want to add vegetables, you can toss them in to caramelize before adding them to the slow cooker. Onions and carrots work particularly well for this method. Place any veggies you want to include into the slow cooker, then add the roast. Pour one cup of broth or water around the roast and sprinkle seasoning over the top.
Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 5-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender. Use a fork to check if the meat is fork-tender and if potatoes and carrots are tender to your liking. Once the roast is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding and serving.
If you want a thick gravy, pour the drippings into a saucepan and boil. Add cornstarch to thicken it up. This method is perfect for those who want a flavorful, juicy beef tenderloin roast without having to thaw it first.
Method 3: Grilling A Frozen Beef Tenderloin Roast
Grilling a frozen beef tenderloin roast may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done successfully with a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by preheating your grill to high heat, around 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. While the grill is heating up, season the frozen beef tenderloin roast with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Once the grill is hot, place the roast directly on the grates and sear for 5-10 minutes, turning once or twice, until browned on all sides.
4. After searing, move the roast to indirect heat and lower the temperature to around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the grill and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the roast reaches 135 F for medium-rare or 145 F for medium.
5. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the roast periodically, making sure not to overcook it.
6. Once the roast has reached your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Grilling a frozen beef tenderloin roast can be a bit tricky, but with these steps, you can achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful roast every time. Just make sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking.
Tips For Reheating Leftover Frozen Beef Tenderloin Roast
Reheating leftover frozen beef tenderloin roast can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you can ensure that your meat stays juicy and flavorful:
1. Thaw the roast completely before reheating. This can be done by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or by running it under cold water until thawed.
2. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast before reheating. The temperature should be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that it’s safe to eat.
3. If reheating in the oven, wrap the roast in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
4. If reheating on the stovetop, slice the roast into thin pieces and heat in a skillet with a little bit of oil or butter. Cook on medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
5. To add moisture and flavor to your reheated roast, spoon some of the leftover sauce or cooking juices over the top before reheating.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious and tender leftover beef tenderloin roast without sacrificing its quality.
