As I walked into my kitchen on a chilly evening, the enticing aroma wafting from my slow cooker instantly enveloped me in warmth. The Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan was bubbling away, transforming a simple beef chuck roast into a heartwarming marvel, just waiting to be savored. This recipe isn’t just about comfort food; it’s a gentle reminder of cozy family dinners that bring everyone together. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll have a hearty meal that warms both the heart and soul, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Imagine spooning tender, savory beef over fluffy mashed potatoes, each bite a delightful embrace of flavor. Are you ready to create this wonderfully comforting dish and fill your home with its inviting hug? Why is This Recipe a Must-Try? Easy Preparation: With minimal cutting and just a few simple steps, you’ll have dinner nearly done before you know it. Flavor Explosion: The blend of Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and savory slow-cooked beef creates a flavor profile that feels gourmet yet comforting. Comforting Warmth: Perfect for chilly evenings, this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan becomes a family favorite, just like our Ground Beef Potatoes. Versatile Options: Pair with mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles, and feel free to sneak in extra veggies for a healthier twist! Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: This hearty dish guarantees to satisfy hungry bellies, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or weeknight meals. Time-Saver: Prep it in the morning and let the slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day; it’s that simple! Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Ingredients • Here’s everything you need to create this cozy dish! For the Meat Beef Chuck Roast – A well-marbled cut ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef as it slow cooks. For the Aromatics Sweet Onions – Adds a mild sweetness; yellow onions can be substituted if needed. Fresh Garlic – Enhances flavor; use fresh over pre-minced for the best taste. For the Broth Low-Sodium Beef Broth – Keeps the dish moist while allowing you to control the salt level. Worcestershire Sauce – Provides a savory kick that amplifies the overall flavor depth. For the Herbs Thyme – Fresh thyme is ideal for a fragrant touch; dried thyme works in a pinch. Bay Leaves – Contributes to the aromatic experience of the dish. For the Vegetables Carrots – Adds sweetness and texture; chop into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Celery – Offers freshness and crunch; diced uniformly for even cooking. For Serving Potatoes – Essential for a classic pairing; serve this hearty meal over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles for a comforting feast. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Step 1: Prep Ingredients Start by chopping the sweet onions, mincing fresh garlic, and dicing the carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces. This will create a flavorful base for your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Having all ingredients ready makes the following steps smooth and efficient, ensuring you’re prepared for a comforting meal. Step 2: Sear Meat Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the beef chuck roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until it’s beautifully browned. This vital step locks in the juices, enhancing the flavor of the beef during the slow cooking process. Once seared, carefully transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Step 3: Combine Ingredients In the slow cooker, layer the seared beef chuck roast, followed by the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and place the bay leaves. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and low-sodium beef broth, ensuring the beef is well-covered. This combination will create a savory aroma that fills your kitchen. Step 4: Slow Cook Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The goal is to achieve tender beef that shreds effortlessly. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and infused with the rich, savory flavors of the broth and vegetables. Step 5: Shred and Serve After cooking, use a fork to shred the beef in the slow cooker, mixing it with the gravy and vegetables. Serve this delightful Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and prepare to enjoy every delicious bite of this hearty dish. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Variations Invite a world of flavors into your kitchen by customizing this delightful recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences! Dairy-Free: Swap out mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash or serve with rice to keep it dairy-free. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a warm, spicy twist that will delight your palate. Veggie-Packed: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture; these aromas will infuse your dish, transforming dinner into a colorful feast. Red Wine Add-In: Pour in a splash of red wine while cooking for a deeper flavor profile; the rich, fruity undertones will elevate the whole dish! Gluten-Free: Instead of egg noodles, serve over creamy polenta or quinoa for a gluten-free option that pairs wonderfully. Herb Varieties: Experiment with dried rosemary or oregano instead of thyme; these herbs can create a unique flavor twist, giving you a creative cooking experience. Lightened Up: Substitute half the beef with lentils or chickpeas for a lighter, veggie-packed version while still maintaining that comforting essence. Slow Cooker Adaptation: Try using your trusty slow cooker for a Butter Roast Beef recipe when you’re in the mood for something different yet wonderfully hearty. With these variations, the comforting spirit of your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan will keep you and your family coming back for more! Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Sear for Flavor: Ensure to sear your beef chuck roast thoroughly; this step locks in the natural juices and enhances the dish’s overall flavor. Rest Before Shredding: Let the seared beef rest briefly before shredding to maintain its juiciness, resulting in a tender texture. Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic and thyme for the most vibrant flavors; dried herbs can be a substitute but won’t match the richness of the fresh ones. Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker; give space for the ingredients to cook evenly, enhancing the flavors throughout the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Check Liquid Levels: If cooking for longer durations, check the broth levels to prevent drying out; add more beef broth as needed to keep it moist. What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Imagine a complete meal unfolding before your eyes, each dish playing a joyful harmony alongside your comforting beef masterpiece. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate classic, their buttery texture perfectly soaks up the flavorful gravy, creating a blissful bite. Fluffy Egg Noodles: Soft and delicate, egg noodles provide a wonderful base that soaks in the savory sauce and complements the tender beef. Garlic Bread: Crispy and golden, it’s perfect for mopping up leftover gravy, adding a crunchy contrast to the dish’s tenderness. Fresh Garden Salad: A refreshing contrast, bright greens and crisp veggies add a nice, light balance and crunch to the hearty meal. Roasted Vegetables: Nutty and slightly caramelized, they lend earthy flavors that enhance the comfort food vibes of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Red Wine: Serve a glass of smooth red to enhance the bold flavors of the dish, creating a cozy dinner atmosphere. Apple Crisp: For dessert, the warm, sweet, and slightly tart flavors of apple crisp provide a delightful finish to this fulfilling meal. Herbed Rice: A fluffy side dish with a hint of herbs can soak up the gravy while adding a light, aromatic taste that rounds everything out. Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side adds a refreshing contrast, enhancing the meal’s richness with a crisp, bright touch. How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Fridge: Store leftover Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 3 months. Allow room for expansion to maintain texture. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture. Serving Suggestions: Reheat and serve over fresh mashed potatoes or noodles for a comforting meal that feels just as delicious as the first time! Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can chop the sweet onions, mince the garlic, and dice the carrots and celery up to 24 hours in advance, storing these prepped veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can sear the beef chuck roast and combine it with the broth and seasonings, refrigerating the mixture for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting meal, simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. This way, you’ll still enjoy the same rich flavors, which is perfect for savoring a homemade dinner without the last-minute rush! Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Absolutely! For the best results, opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast. The marbling ensures that the meat remains tender and juicy as it slow-cooks. Look for a piece with a nice balance of fat throughout, as this will contribute to the delicious flavor and moisture. How should I store leftovers? To keep your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing. Gently reheat on low heat on the stove or in the microwave for the best texture and taste! Can I freeze Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Certainly! To freeze, place the cooled beef and gravy in airtight containers, allowing some headspace for expansion. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to refresh the sauce. What should I do if my beef is tough after slow cooking? If your beef turns out tough, don’t worry! It might need more time in the slow cooker. Next time, try cooking it longer on low for an additional hour or so. Also, ensure you’re using enough liquid in the cooker; the stewing process tenderizes the meat, so it needs the moisture to break down properly. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Absolutely! This recipe contains beef and should be avoided by those with beef allergies or following a vegetarian/vegan diet. Additionally, if cooking for young children or those with specific dietary restrictions, consider the sodium content in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, as low-sodium varieties are available. What can I use instead of beef broth? If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or chicken broth if you prefer. Just remember that using beef broth adds richness, so choose your alternative based on your flavor preference! Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Comforting Meal for Cozy Nights Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a heartwarming dish perfect for chilly evenings, combining tender beef chuck roast with aromatic vegetables and flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: BeefCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meat3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast A well-marbled cut ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.For the Aromatics2 medium Sweet Onions Adds a mild sweetness; yellow onions can be substituted.4 cloves Fresh Garlic Enhances flavor; use fresh for the best taste.For the Broth4 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth Keeps the dish moist while controlling salt levels.1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce Provides a savory kick that amplifies overall flavor.For the Herbs2 teaspoons Thyme Fresh thyme is ideal, dried thyme works in a pinch.2 leaves Bay Leaves Contributes to the aromatic experience of the dish.For the Vegetables3 medium Carrots Adds sweetness and texture; chop into bite-sized pieces.2 stalks Celery Offers freshness and crunch; diced uniformly for even cooking.For Serving6 medium Potatoes Serve this hearty meal over creamy mashed potatoes or noodles. Equipment Slow CookerSkillet Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef ManhattanStart by chopping the sweet onions, mincing fresh garlic, and dicing the carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces.Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the beef chuck roast for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned.In the slow cooker, layer the seared beef chuck roast, followed by the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and place the bay leaves.Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.After cooking, use a fork to shred the beef in the slow cooker, mixing it with the gravy and vegetables. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg NotesThis dish can be prepared in the morning and left to slow cook throughout the day. Check broth levels if cooking longer to prevent drying out. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
