BEST EVER BEEF MANHATTAN

I remember my grandma making Beef Manhattan on chilly autumn evenings. The aroma of simmering beef and gravy would fill the house, a warm and inviting embrace that signaled comfort and love. It was a dish that always felt like a special occasion, even though it was incredibly simple to make. Today, I’m sharing my secret to creating a delicious and easy weeknight meal: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan! You’re going to adore how simple it is to prepare and how incredibly comforting it is to eat.

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Let’s be honest, sometimes the most delicious meals are the ones that require the least amount of effort. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or any time you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you!

Beef Manhattan is essentially tender, slow-cooked beef smothered in a rich, savory gravy, served over mashed potatoes or bread. It’s a classic American dish that’s been warming hearts and bellies for generations. My version takes that classic recipe and simplifies it even further, using the magic of the slow cooker to create a truly unforgettable meal.

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

There are tons of recipes out there for Beef Manhattan, but I truly believe this one is special. Here’s why:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. No browning required!
• Incredible Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and complex gravy that’s simply irresistible.
• Tender, Juicy Beef: The beef becomes incredibly tender and juicy as it slowly cooks in the gravy, practically melting in your mouth.
• Perfect for Weeknights: With minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. You can even prep it the night before and have it ready to go in the morning.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this hearty and comforting meal.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dish. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward!

• Beef Chuck Roast: I prefer chuck roast because it has great flavor and becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. About 2-3 pounds is perfect.
• Beef Broth: This forms the base of the gravy, so use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the gravy. Yellow or white onion works great.
• Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic!
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and acidity to the gravy.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that adds a savory umami flavor.
• Dried Thyme: A classic herb that complements the beef beautifully.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle but important layer of flavor. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
• Salt and Pepper: To season the beef and gravy to perfection.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the gravy at the end.
• Water: To make a cornstarch slurry for thickening.
• Mashed Potatoes or Bread: For serving! I personally love it with creamy mashed potatoes, but thick slices of crusty bread are also amazing.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Beef Manhattan

Now for the fun part! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Don’t worry, it’s super easy. I’ll guide you through every step.

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better (even though we’re not browning it, it still helps with the overall texture!). Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chuck roast in the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become.
4. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. This is where you’ll see just how tender the beef has become – it should fall apart easily!
5. Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.
6. Cook on High: Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. The gravy should be rich and glossy.
7. Return the Beef: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the gravy.
8. Serve: Serve the Beef Manhattan hot over mashed potatoes or bread. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Success Tips: Guaranteeing the BEST Beef Manhattan

Want to make sure your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my golden tips:

• Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce: This is a key ingredient that adds a ton of depth and flavor to the gravy.
• Use a Good Quality Beef Broth: Since the broth forms the base of the gravy, using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the overall flavor.
• Cook on Low for Best Results: While you can cook this recipe on high, cooking it on low for a longer period of time will result in more tender beef and a richer gravy.
• Adjust the Gravy Thickness to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a little more cornstarch slurry. If you prefer a thinner gravy, add a little more beef broth.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add a little more salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

Variations and Adaptations: Making It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your own tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, or potatoes to the slow cooker along with the beef for a more complete meal.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for a little kick.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or basil.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the slow cooker for a richer, more savory flavor.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy and tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal

While Beef Manhattan is delicious on its own, it’s even better when served with the right accompaniments. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic accompaniment to Beef Manhattan.
• Crusty Bread: Thick slices of crusty bread are perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
• Green Beans: A simple side of steamed or roasted green beans adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a perfect complement to the savory beef and gravy.
• Side Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Beef Manhattan.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions: Planning Ahead

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the Beef Manhattan up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving. The flavors will actually deepen and improve over time!

To store leftovers, transfer the Beef Manhattan to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Related Recipes: More Comfort Food Favorites

If you’re looking for more delicious and comforting recipes, be sure to check out some of my other favorites! For instance, if you’re in the mood for a hearty and flavorful soup, you absolutely HAVE to try my CROCK POT CRACK SOUP. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

And speaking of the slow cooker, you might also enjoy my SLOW COOKER STUFFED PEPPERS for an easy and satisfying meal! Or if you are in the mood for a quick family favorite why not try CROCK POT CHILI MAC PERFECTION? It’s the perfect comfort food.

And don’t forget about my CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP MAGIC for a fun and flavorful twist on a classic dish!

Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Here is the full recipe for my Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pound beef chuck roast
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Mashed potatoes or bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Place the seasoned chuck roast in the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
4. Carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry.
6. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.
7. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the gravy.
9. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or bread. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy!

Conclusion: A Taste of Home, Made Easy

I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe for Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan as much as I do. It’s a dish that brings back so many wonderful memories for me, and I’m so excited to share it with you. With its tender beef, rich gravy, and comforting flavors, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. So, go ahead and give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. You’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Happy cooking!