Slow Cooker - adjusting time/servings

I found this recipe online, and I'm working on it now.

The original recipe calls for 8 servings, but I've adjusted for 4.

Does the timing change at all?

Sorry, I'm new to this slow cooker/crock pot world!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Slow-Cooker-French-Dip/Detail.aspx?scale=4&ismetric=0

Re: Slow Cooker - adjusting time/servings

Sorry one last question - what happens if I have frozen meat - should I defrost first, or can I just throw it in and adjust the timing (by how much?)

Re: Slow Cooker - adjusting time/servings

If you have a smaller amount of food in there, I think it will cook faster, so I would definitely plan on a shorter cook time.

Same thing with the size of the slow cooker - some recipes say "put ingredients in a 4 quart slow cooker" -- I have a 6 quart slow cooker, so that will cook it faster.

I don't think there's an exact science to figuring out how much faster it will be done, and I've found that slow cooker recipes are pretty forgiving. And if something looks done early, you can always switch it to "warm" if you have that setting to hold it until you are ready to eat. But if I were you, I would just make the whole recipe as written and save leftovers. Then, you don't need to worry about modifying the cook time.

I would defrost the meat first if you can. Because it can take awhile for a slow cooker to heat up, I've heard there can be food safety issues with putting raw frozen meat in the slow cooker (unless it's something that's full cooked and frozen, like cooked frozen meatballs). I think with frozen raw meat, the food can be at unsafe temps for too long.

Re: Slow Cooker - adjusting time/servings

Thank you so much!!! Your response was super helpful!