If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting meal that practically cooks itself, you’ve come to the right place! Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is one of those dishes that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and brings everyone together around the table. This recipe transforms tender beef chuck roast into a savory delight, simmered with sweet onions, garlic, and carrots. It’s a favorite not just because it tastes amazing but also because it suits any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering. Trust me, letting your slow cooker do the work means more quality time with your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With just a bit of chopping and measuring, you can set this dish up to cook while you go about your day.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a warm bowl of beef stew! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and it’s ready when you are.
Delicious Flavor: The rich gravy combined with tender beef and veggies creates a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of the joy of cooking. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan:

For the Beef and Gravy

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 medium sweet onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)

For the Vegetables

3 medium carrots, sliced
1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (optional), diced

Variations

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

Add More Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and color.
Change Up the Herbs: Try adding different herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for a unique twist on flavor.
Swap the Protein: If you’re looking for something different, use chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter option.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into 2-inch cubes. This size allows the meat to cook evenly while becoming tender. Chop your sweet onions and mince the garlic as well. These ingredients form the base of our rich gravy, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Optional Searing for Extra Flavor

If you have time, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides. This step isn’t necessary, but browning enhances flavor by creating those delicious caramelized bits that add depth to your dish.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place your seared beef (or raw if skipping that step) in your slow cooker. Add in the chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes (if using), thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and enough beef broth to cover everything. This combination will create a flavorful gravy as it cooks.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The low-and-slow method really allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully while making sure that beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Before serving, check and adjust seasoning to taste. If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix some cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the pot until thickened. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for an unforgettable meal that everyone will love!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Making the perfect Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is all about the details, and I’ve got some great tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time!

Sear the beef for depth of flavor: Searing your beef chuck roast before adding it to the slow cooker creates a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste of the dish. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in flavor.
Use fresh herbs when possible: If you have access to fresh thyme, don’t hesitate to use it instead of dried. Fresh herbs provide a vibrant taste and aroma that dried herbs simply can’t match.
Customize with veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds color and texture to your meal.
Thicken gravy to your liking: If you prefer a thicker gravy, consider using a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix equal parts cornstarch and water, stir it into the cooking liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and let it thicken up.
Adjust seasonings before serving: Tasting is key! Before serving, make sure to adjust your seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Each slow cooker can vary in how it cooks, so this final touch ensures perfect flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Serving Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary sides. Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the dish.
Chopped green onions: These provide a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch, enhancing both texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food! Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the flavorful gravy from the beef.
Butter Noodles: Simple egg noodles tossed in butter are an excellent pairing, providing a light base that complements the hearty beef.
Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch while balancing out the richness of the main dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: With their earthy flavor, roasted Brussels sprouts bring an exciting contrast to the dish while adding extra nutrients.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan will not only taste fantastic but also look inviting on your table. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is not just great for dinner; it’s fantastic for meal prep! You can make it in advance and enjoy the comforting flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Keep any extra gravy separate to maintain texture.

Freezing

Portion out into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze for up to 3 months; label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, use a microwave, heating in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this wonderful dish:

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chop all your ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine them in your slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables to complete your meal.

How do I thicken the gravy in my Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

To thicken your gravy, mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I use other cuts of beef for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

Yes! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round cuts. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly.

Is there a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

While this recipe focuses on beef, you can create a delicious vegetarian alternative using hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit combined with vegetable broth for a savory flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan! It’s a recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any dining table, perfect for those busy nights when all you want is a delicious, hearty meal. Enjoy sharing it with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding favorite veggies or spices. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re seeking a warm and satisfying meal that practically cooks itself, Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is the perfect choice. This delightful dish features tender beef chuck roast simmered with sweet onions, garlic, and carrots, creating an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is adaptable and easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—spending time with loved ones. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the comforting flavors of this savory beef stew!

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 medium sweet onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
3 medium carrots, sliced
1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (optional), diced

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Instructions

Begin by cutting the beef chuck roast into 2-inch cubes. Chop the sweet onions and mince the garlic.
If desired, sear the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned on all sides to enhance flavor.
In your slow cooker, combine the seared beef (or raw if skipping), chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes (if using), thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and enough beef broth to cover all ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.