Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that practically makes itself, you’ve come to the right place! This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a family favorite in my home and for good reason. It’s rich, savory, and oh-so-comforting, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when friends gather around the table. Imagine coming home after a long day to the delightful aroma of tender beef and hearty vegetables simmering away. Trust me, your loved ones will gather with smiles as this dish warms their hearts and fills their bellies.

With just a few simple steps and wholesome ingredients, this recipe allows you to spend more time enjoying each other’s company while your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ease of Preparation: With minimal prep work, you can set it and forget it! Just toss everything into the slow cooker.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a hearty beef dish that’s full of flavor. It’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prepping! You can make this ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet onions, garlic, and tender beef creates a mouthwatering gravy that elevates every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find that they’re all simple and wholesome, ensuring that you’re serving up something healthy as well as delicious.

For the Beef Dish

• 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

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s explore how to make this delightful Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan!

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences!

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or peas for added nutrition and color!
• Swap the Protein: If you’re feeling adventurous, use chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Spice It Up: Add spices like paprika or bay leaves to give it an extra kick of flavor.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in some cream or sour cream at the end for a rich and creamy gravy twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into 2-inch cubes. This size helps ensure that each piece cooks evenly and becomes tender. Then, chop those sweet onions and mince the garlic—their flavors will be crucial in building up that savory gravy.

Step 2: (Optional) Sear the Beef

If you want to add an extra depth of flavor, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides. This step really locks in those juices and adds beautiful caramelization!

Step 3: Load Up Your Slow Cooker

Place your seared beef (or raw if skipping searing) into the slow cooker along with your chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes (if using), dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and enough beef broth to cover everything. The broth will create a luscious gravy as it cooks.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. As it cooks, all those wonderful flavors meld together. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender!

Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving

Before serving, taste your dish to adjust any seasonings if needed. If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) until you reach your desired consistency.

And just like that, you’ve created a heartwarming meal that’s sure to become a cherished favorite! Enjoy every comforting bite of this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan with loved ones gathered around your table!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan to mouthwatering perfection!

• Sear the beef for added flavor: Taking the time to sear the beef chuck roast before adding it to the slow cooker creates a caramelized crust that deepens the flavor of your dish. This extra step enhances the overall taste and brings out the savory richness of the meat.

• Customize with seasonal vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or peas. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds vibrant colors and textures to your meal, making it visually appealing.

• Use fresh herbs for better aroma: If possible, opt for fresh thyme instead of dried. Fresh herbs release more essential oils during cooking, which adds a wonderful aromatic quality that dry herbs may lack.

• Adjust gravy consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This simple trick allows you to control the thickness without losing flavor.

• Prep in advance for busy days: You can chop your vegetables and cube the beef ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge overnight for an even quicker assembly in the morning. This way, dinner is ready when you are!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Serving your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan can be as creative as it is satisfying! Here are some ideas on how to present this heartwarming dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley adds freshness and color, complementing the rich flavors.
• Sliced green onions: These provide a mild onion flavor that brightens up each bite while adding a crunchy texture.

Side Dishes

• Creamy mashed potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes serve as a perfect canvas for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
• Egg noodles: Cooked al dente egg noodles provide a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with the tender beef and gravy.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These add a delightful crunch and their slightly bitter edge balances out the richness of the dish.
• Steamed green beans: Crisp-tender green beans bring brightness and a pop of color to your plate while providing a healthy side option.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting meal that encourages everyone to gather around and enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a fantastic choice for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and store it for later, ensuring that you have comfort food ready to go on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan cool completely before freezing.
• Portion the beef and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave in intervals, stirring in between.
• Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy is too thick upon reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan.

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

Yes! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times as needed.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up all that delicious gravy!

How do I thicken the gravy without using animal-derived gelatin?

To thicken your gravy, simply mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into your hot sauce until desired thickness is reached!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe becomes a cherished part of your family meals! It’s not just about feeding everyone; it’s about creating moments together around the dinner table. Enjoy every step of making this comforting dish, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your favorite sides or any additional veggies. Happy cooking!