Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I took a moment to stir the savory fragrance wafting from my slow cooker, memories of family dinners flooded my mind. This Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan has become my go-to comfort food, pulling everyone in with its rich aroma and warm, inviting presence. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its melt-in-your-mouth beef and luscious brown gravy but also in its effortless preparation. Just throw everything in and let your slow cooker do the magic! Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or planning a cozy family gathering, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that saves you time while delivering ultimate comfort. Are you ready to dive into this deliciously nostalgic experience? Why Is This Recipe So Inviting? Simplicity: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this slow cooker beef Manhattan is straightforward to whip up. Amazing Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the delicious seasonings, resulting in a rich and tender experience that’s hard to resist. Family-Friendly: Perfect for all ages, this dish brings everyone together for a warm, satisfying meal after a long day. Versatile: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or serving it over egg noodles with this Beef Pepper Rice or Ground Beef Dumplings option. Time-Saving: Just set it and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it simmers away. Comfort Food Classic: There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a bowl of beef Manhattan with gravy over mashed potatoes, perfect for cozy family dinners. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Ingredients For the Beef • Beef Chuck Roast – The star of the dish, ideal for slow cooking and tenderness. Substitute with brisket or round roast if needed. For the Gravy • Beef Broth – Provides depth and moisture; chicken or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. • Brown Gravy Mix – Essential for thickening and flavor; for homemade gravy, use cornstarch mixed with broth. • Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a savory umami kick; soy sauce serves as a great alternative. For the Aromatics • Onion – Infuses sweetness and enhances flavor; yellow or white onion works best. • Garlic Powder – Elevates the savory notes; feel free to use fresh minced garlic for added richness. For Serving • Mashed Potatoes – Acts as a comforting base; garlic mashed potatoes add a delightful twist. • Salt and Black Pepper – Necessary for enhancing taste; adjust to your preference. For Thickening (Optional) • Cornstarch – Helps thicken the gravy; mix with water to create a slurry for easy use. This Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that promises to warm up your family gatherings and cozy dinners. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Step 1: Season the Beef Begin by generously seasoning your beef chuck roast with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks. Use your hands to rub the spices into the beef thoroughly. Aim to create an even coating for the best taste. Set the roast aside while you prepare the slow cooker. Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Layer the bottom of your slow cooker with sliced onions, creating a savory base for the Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Next, carefully place the seasoned beef on top of the onions, allowing the juices to meld during cooking. This method ensures that the meat becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers. Step 3: Whisk the Gravy Mixture In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. This mixture will serve as the rich gravy that envelops the beef. Pour the gravy mix evenly over the beef and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring the roast is well-coated and ready to absorb all those delicious flavors. Step 4: Slow Cook for Tenderness Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen while the beef becomes fork-tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to maintain a consistent cooking temperature. As the hours pass, the delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, making it tempting to peek! Step 5: Thicken the Gravy (Optional) After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker, placing it on a cutting board. If you desire a thicker gravy, whisk together cornstarch and some water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the remaining cooking liquid in the slow cooker, and let it cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens. Step 6: Shred and Serve Once the gravy reaches your desired thickness, shred the beef using two forks and return it to the slow cooker, stirring to combine it with the rich gravy. To serve, dish out a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate, and top it with the beef and gravy mixture, ensuring a hearty serving of comfort with every bite. How to Store and Freeze Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps your comfort food fresh for those late-night cravings. Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Make sure to label them with the date for easy tracking and enjoy a quick meal later! Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout, ensuring the hearty flavors of your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan shine through. Wrapping: If you prefer individual servings, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. What to Serve with Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Imagine the warmth of a family gathering, the savory aroma filling the air as you create an inviting meal to share with loved ones. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of freshly baked bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of rich gravy. A classic and comforting pairing! Roasted Vegetables: Sweet and caramelized, roasted carrots, and Brussels sprouts add a touch of freshness, balancing the hearty beef with vibrant flavors. Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and mashed potatoes, making every bite more delightful. Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the meal and adds a pop of color! Mashed Cauliflower: For a lighter twist, creamy mashed cauliflower delivers a similar comfort while being low-carb, pairing beautifully with the beef and gravy. Sweet Corn: Tender, sweet corn on the cob or corn salad adds a burst of sweetness that beautifully complements the savoriness of the dish. Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine, like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, enhances the flavors of the beef while adding a touch of sophistication to your meal. Chocolate Cake: To complete your dinner, a slice of rich chocolate cake offers a decadent ending that leaves everyone smiling and satisfied. Apple Pie: A classic dessert that reminds you of home, warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream is the ultimate comfort food after a hearty meal. Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Season Generously: Ensure the beef is well-seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking to maximize flavor throughout the dish. Avoid Lid Lifting: Resisting the urge to lift the lid during cooking helps maintain temperature and moisture, ensuring fork-tender beef. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For added richness, consider making homemade mashed potatoes or mix in cream and butter with the store-bought version. Use Fresh Garlic: Swap garlic powder for fresh minced garlic to elevate the flavor profile; just a little can go a long way! Thickening Tips: If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, use a cornstarch slurry; whisk it in toward the end of cooking for best results. Storage Solutions: Any leftovers from this delightful Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months! Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Variations Feel free to make this delicious recipe your own with these fun and easy twists! Pork Alternative: Swap the beef for pork shoulder for a tender, juicy alternative that’s equally comforting. The flavor profile changes beautifully, making it a delightful variation. Vegetable Boost: Add sliced carrots and peas for an extra pop of color and nutrition, enhancing both flavor and texture. These veggies will soak up the gravy just perfectly! Noodle Swap: Serve this hearty dish over egg noodles or rice instead of mashed potatoes. It’s an exciting twist that creates a whole new eating experience, and it perfectly complements the rich gravy. Spicy Kick: For those who crave a bit of heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This will elevate the flavor profile and provide a delightful warmth. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant, aromatic touch. They’ll add a layer of depth that elevates the entire dish. Lighten It Up: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor. This option is ideal for a healthier twist on comfort food. Make It Homemade: Instead of using store-bought brown gravy mix, whip up a homemade version with cornstarch and your homemade broth. It’s a fun way to put your personal touch on the dish! Flavor Infusion: Consider marinating the beef in Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar overnight before cooking. This adds complexity and richness that will wow your family. For some more delicious ideas, check out these comforting recipes: Ground Beef Dumplings or Beef Stew Hearty. Enjoy the endless possibilities and create a meal that your family will love! Make Ahead Options Planning is key for busy evenings, and this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is perfect for meal prep! You can season the beef chuck roast and layer the onions in the slow cooker up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the setup with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can also whisk together the beef broth, gravy mix, and Worcestershire sauce up to 3 days ahead, storing it in the fridge. To maintain quality, ensure the beef is well seasoned and avoid letting it sit too long before cooking. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pour the prepared gravy over the beef and onions and let the slow cooker do its magic. It’s comfort food at your fingertips with minimal effort! Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting beef chuck roast? Absolutely! When choosing a beef chuck roast, look for ample marbling, which indicates tenderness and flavor. A nice bright red color should catch your eye, while the fat should be creamy white. Avoid any cuts with dark spots or dry edges, as these can indicate aging or poor quality. If you’re substituting, brisket or round roast can also work well. How should I store leftovers of Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? The more the merrier! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator; they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the beef to cool before sealing it up. If you’re not planning to eat it soon, freezing is a great option as well. Can I freeze this dish, and how? Yes, you can absolutely freeze your Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Ideally, store it in single servings to make reheating easy later on. Label each container with the date, and you can enjoy it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat on the stovetop or microwave, and savor every bite! What can I do if the gravy isn’t thick enough? Very! If you find that your gravy is on the thinner side, you can easily thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will create a lovely, velvety gravy! Is this recipe suitable for allergy considerations? Of course! If you have specific dietary concerns or allergies, feel free to adapt the recipe. For instance, if gluten is a concern, make sure to opt for gluten-free broth and gravies. You can also replace ingredients like Worcestershire sauce with tamari sauce for a gluten-free option. Additionally, consider adjusting the seasonings based on your dietary needs—cooking is all about personalization! Savory Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan for Cozy Family Dinners This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting family meal, featuring tender beef and rich gravy, perfect for cozy dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 420 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef4 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Substitute with brisket or round roast if needed.For the Gravy4 cups Beef Broth Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.1 packet Brown Gravy Mix For homemade gravy, use cornstarch mixed with broth.2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce serves as a great alternative.For the Aromatics1 large Onion Yellow or white onion works best.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Use fresh minced garlic for added richness.For Serving6 cups Mashed Potatoes Garlic mashed potatoes add a delightful twist.to taste Salt and Black Pepper Adjust to your preference.For Thickening (Optional)2 tablespoons Cornstarch Mix with water to create a slurry for easy use. Equipment Slow Cooker Method Step-by-Step InstructionsGenerously season the beef chuck roast with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the spices into the beef thoroughly and set it aside.Layer the bottom of your slow cooker with sliced onions, then place the seasoned beef on top, allowing juices to meld during cooking.Whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Pour this gravy mixture evenly over the beef and onions.Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours. This allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to become tender.If desired, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the cooking liquid and let it cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.Shred the beef using two forks and return it to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the gravy. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 1000mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 4mg NotesConsider making homemade mashed potatoes or mixing in cream and butter with store-bought for added richness. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
