How to Thaw Pot Roast Fast

If you need to cook a frozen pot roast, then you will need to handle the beef appropriately to prevent illness. Pot roast thaws best in the refrigerator overnight. If you do not have the time to wait for the pot roast to thaw, you can defrost it safely and quickly either in cold water or in the microwave. Pot roast can be cooked in a variety of ways, and it is often served with a mixture of vegetables.

Thaw pot roast quickly to enjoy a fast and delicious meal.

Things You'll Need

  • Airtight container or plastic sealed bag

  • Microwave-safe dish

Thaw in Water

Step 1

Remove the pot roast from the freezer. Keep the pot roast in its original packaging. If you removed it from the package, place it in an airtight container or plastic sealed bag so that water cannot touch the beef.

Step 2

Fill your kitchen sink with cool water. Place the pot roast into the sink so that it remains submerged.

Step 3

Change the cool water every 30 minutes. This will ensure that the pot roast will continue to thaw. The time it takes to thaw will depend on the size of the pot roast.

Thaw in Microwave

Step 1

Place the pot roast into the microwave in a microwave safe dish with the original packaging. Remove any metal clips from the plastic if they are present.

Step 2

Select the defrost button on your microwave. Enter the weight of the roast beef to thaw it.

Step 3

Thaw the beef for 2 minutes. Allow it to sit in the microwave for 2 minutes, and turn the beef. Defrost it for another 2 minutes until the pot roast thaws completely.

Step 4

Remove the pot roast from the microwave. Cook the beef immediately since food that cooks partially can begin to grow bacteria.


Never thaw pot roast at room temperature.

Never place partially cooked pot roast back into the refrigerator.

Always cook the pot roast immediately after thawing it in the water or in the microwave before you refreeze the beef.

Always cook beef to a safe internal temperature between 145 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit.