Slow cooker beef Manhattan is one of those dishes that just screams “comfort food,” doesn’t it? My version of this Midwestern classic always reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandma’s. She’d make a big pot of something similar – tender beef in a rich gravy, piled high on fluffy mashed potatoes. The aroma alone was enough to make your mouth water! I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years, using my trusty slow cooker to get that fall-apart tenderness every single time. The savory beef, the hint of herbs, and the creamy potatoes… it’s a hug in a bowl. And honestly, who doesn’t love an easy beef dinner slow-cooked to perfection? Ready for some serious comfort? Let’s get cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- It’s total set-it-and-forget-it cooking! Seriously, dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing.
- The beef is unbelievably tender. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- It’s a budget-friendly way to feed a crowd. Chuck roast is your friend!
- Prep time is minimal. You’ll spend maybe 20 minutes getting everything ready to go.
- This homemade beef Manhattan is pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
- The gravy is rich and flavorful, thanks to simple herbs and a long, slow simmer.
- It’s naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for dietary needs.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) taste even better the next day.
Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- 2 lbs beef chuck: Cut into 1-inch cubes. Don’t skimp on quality here; a well-marbled chuck roast will give you the most tender results.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the beef – this step adds a ton of flavor! You can sub with any cooking oil you like.
- 1 onion: Chopped. Yellow or white onions work best; they soften and sweeten as they cook.
- 2 carrots: Chopped. These add a touch of sweetness and body to the gravy.
- 2 celery stalks: Chopped. Celery is essential for that classic savory flavor base.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic is a must! It infuses the whole dish with its pungent aroma.
- 8 oz tomato sauce: Adds richness and acidity to the gravy.
- 4 cups beef broth: Use low-sodium so you can control the salt level. Homemade is great, but store-bought works too.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This is the secret ingredient! It adds a savory depth and umami that you can’t skip.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: Complements the beef beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
- Mashed potatoes: For serving. I prefer Yukon Golds for their creamy texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Sear the beef. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear on all sides until browned – this usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch. Trust me, this step is worth it for the rich, caramelized flavor it adds!
- Step 2: Transfer to the slow cooker. Place the seared beef into your slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add the veggies. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker, nestling them around the beef.
- Step 4: Stir in the aromatics and liquids. Add the minced garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Step 5: Season and simmer. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. I usually start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper, then adjust to taste later.
- Step 6: Slow cook to perfection. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
- Step 7: Thicken (optional). If you like a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Step 8: Serve and enjoy! Spoon the beef Manhattan over a generous pile of creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Get ready for a seriously satisfying meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Want to take your slow-cooked beef Manhattan to the next level? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:
- Don’t skip the searing! It creates a beautiful crust on the beef and adds a ton of depth to the gravy.
- Use low-sodium beef broth. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away!
- For extra-tender beef, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C).
- Add a bay leaf or two to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to remove them before serving!
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?
It’s all about the low and slow cooking! Resist the urge to crank up the heat. The long cooking time is what breaks down the tough connective tissues in the chuck roast, resulting in unbelievably tender beef. Trust me – patience is key!
Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often do. The flavors meld together even more beautifully overnight. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?
One of the biggest pitfalls is using too much liquid, which can result in a watery gravy. If this happens, simply remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate. Also, be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become dry. Keep an eye on it and test for tenderness periodically.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Manhattan
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing, comforting slow-cooked beef dish ready to go – now what? The classic way to serve this hearty beef dish is over a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy just soaks right in, and it’s pure bliss! But don’t stop there. I also love serving my beef Manhattan recipe with a side of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that delicious gravy. For a comforting and complete meal, add a simple side salad or some steamed green beans to balance out the richness. It’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend gathering!
Estimated Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect, nutrition-wise, per serving of this hearty slow-cooked beef dish:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: Around 25g
- Saturated Fat: Roughly 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: About 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: A whopping 35g
Keep in mind, this is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, especially the cut of beef and the type of broth.
Storing and Reheating Your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This slow-cooked beef dish keeps beautifully. To store, let the beef Manhattan cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. I like to portion it out into individual servings for easy thawing. When reheating, the stovetop is your best bet for maintaining texture – gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it, or the beef might dry out. A splash of beef broth during reheating can help restore moisture!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Got questions about making the best beef Manhattan in your slow cooker? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common questions I get asked, along with my tried-and-true tips:
Can I use a different cut of beef for this slow cooker recipe?
Absolutely! While I love chuck roast for its rich flavor and tenderness, other cuts can work well too. Brisket is a great option, as it also becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. You could even use a sirloin tip roast, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can be a bit leaner. No matter what cut you choose for your slow-cooked beef and gravy, be sure to trim off any excess fat before searing.
What kind of mashed potatoes go best with beef Manhattan?
Honestly, it’s all about personal preference! I’m a big fan of Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally creamy texture and slightly buttery flavor. Russet potatoes are another great choice, but they tend to be a bit starchier, so you might want to add a little extra butter or cream. For a truly decadent experience, try adding roasted garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, cauliflower mash is a delicious and healthy alternative to serve with your homemade beef Manhattan.
Can I add other vegetables to my slow cooker beef Manhattan?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite veggies to this versatile dish. Mushrooms are a classic addition, adding an earthy flavor and meaty texture. Other great options include diced potatoes (red or Yukon Gold work well), parsnips, or even frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Just keep in mind that some vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, can become mushy if cooked for too long, so it’s best to add them towards the end.
Easy Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan to Try
Want to mix things up a bit? This slow cooker beef Manhattan recipe is super adaptable! Here are a few tasty variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker for a little heat.
- Mushroom Lovers: Stir in 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for an earthier flavor. This simple beef and mushroom gravy is a comforting twist.
- Creamy Delight: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving for extra richness and tang. This makes for an ultra decadent homemade beef dessert option!
- Wine Infusion: Add a cup of dry red wine to the slow cooker along with the beef broth for a deeper, more complex flavor. A hearty beef stew with wine is always a winner!
Delicious Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in Just 8 Steps
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This is a comforting and hearty slow cooker beef Manhattan recipe. It is perfect for a cold day.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mashed potatoes, for serving
Instructions
- Sear the beef cubes in olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet.
- Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until beef is very tender.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or potatoes, to the slow cooker.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
