Name: Beef Manhattan: Comfort Food Made Effortlessly Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Beef Roast (Chuck or round cuts are ideal substitutes.); 1 medium Onion, sliced (Shallots can be used for a milder taste.); 2 cups Beef Broth (Vegetable broth offers a lighter alternative.); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce (Soy sauce works well as a substitute.); 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (Consider using low-sodium for a healthier choice.); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can intensify the flavor.); 1 teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Italian seasoning can provide a different flavor twist.); 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust according to your taste.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Adjust according to the saltiness of your broth.); 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Used to thicken the gravy.); 2 tablespoons Cold Water (Essential for making the slurry.); 6 slices Bread (White or Texas toast; whole-grain bread adds nutritional value.); 4 cups Mashed Potatoes (Leave some potato skins on for added nutrients.)

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The enticing aroma of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan has a way of transforming a mundane weekday into an occasion filled with warmth and comfort. As the tender beef simmers away in a savory broth, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for family dinners shared around the table. This comforting dish not only serves as a delicious crowd-pleaser but also fits perfectly into busy lives—just set it and forget it! With customizable options and even dairy-free variations, you can adapt this recipe to suit your family’s taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy night in or impressing guests with something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re just moments away from mastery in the kitchen. Are you ready to dive into a dish that promises both ease and satisfaction?

Why Choose Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy life while it cooks.

Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of tender beef, hearty gravy, and spices creates a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

Customizable Delight: Add your favorite vegetables or switch up the bread for a unique twist. Consider including carrots or a vegetable boost for added nutrition!

Perfect for Busy Nights: With a slow cooker, you have a set-and-forget solution ideal for hectic schedules.

Crowd-Pleaser: Impress friends and family alike with this comforting dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s the ideal choice for cozy gatherings!

Get ready to savor a homestyle meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious!

Beef Manhattan Ingredients

For the perfect Beef Manhattan, gather these essential ingredients to create a dish that will warm your heart!

For the Beef
• Beef Roast (2 pounds) – The main protein source that provides rich flavor and heartiness; chuck or round cuts are ideal substitutes.

For the Seasoning
• Onion (1 medium, sliced) – Adds sweetness and depth to the broth; shallots can be used for a milder taste.
• Beef Broth (2 cups) – Forms the savory base for cooking; vegetable broth offers a lighter alternative.
• Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons) – Enhances umami flavor; soy sauce works well as a substitute.
• Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Deepens seasoning flavor; consider using low-sodium for a healthier choice.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Contributes savory notes; fresh minced garlic can intensify the flavor.
• Onion Powder (1 teaspoon) – Supports overall flavor enhancement.
• Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon) – Adds classic herbal notes; Italian seasoning can provide a different flavor twist.
• Black Pepper (1 teaspoon) – A spice to adjust according to your taste.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Elevates overall flavors; adjust according to the saltiness of your broth.

For the Gravy
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) – Used to thicken the gravy for a satisfying texture.
• Cold Water (2 tablespoons) – Essential for making the slurry that thickens the gravy.

For Serving
• Bread (6 slices, white or Texas toast) – Serves as a foundation for layering; whole-grain bread can add nutritional value.
• Mashed Potatoes (4 cups) – The comforting companion to your beef; leave some potato skins on for added nutrients.

Get ready to whip up a Beef Manhattan that radiates comfort and satisfaction, making any meal a delightful occasion!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Beef Manhattan

Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by slicing one medium onion and placing the slices at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will act as a flavorful foundation for your Beef Manhattan. The sweetness of the onion will infuse into the broth as it cooks, creating a savory aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Step 2: Add the Beef
Lay a 2-pound beef roast atop the onions, pressing down slightly to ensure contact. Season the beef with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper for added flavor. The goal here is to create a flavor-packed layer that will meld beautifully with the broth during slow cooking.

Step 3: Pour in Broth
Carefully pour 2 cups of beef broth, followed by 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, around the beef, ensuring it covers at least half the roast. This broth will simmer and infuse the beef while it cooks, ensuring each bite is tender and moist.

Step 4: Season Brisket
Sprinkle the roast with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme, along with a touch more salt and black pepper to taste. These seasonings will enhance the overall flavor of your Beef Manhattan, delivering a hearty dish that tastes like a home-cooked favorite.

Step 5: Set Up for Cooking
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and easy to shred once it’s ready. The long slow cooking process allows flavors to develop beautifully, resulting in a comforting meal.

Step 6: Shred the Beef
After cooking, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker using tongs and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, shred the beef using two forks until it reaches a desirable texture. This shredded beef will mix perfectly with the gravy and other components of your Beef Manhattan.

Step 7: Strain the Broth
Once you’ve shredded the beef, strain the onions from the remaining broth in the slow cooker, returning only the liquid. This step eliminates any solid bits, ensuring a smooth gravy that will envelop your dish beautifully.

Step 8: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the broth, then switch the slow cooker to HIGH. Allow it to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to a luscious consistency.

Step 9: Serve
To serve your Beef Manhattan, layer slices of bread on each plate, followed by a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes. Top with the shredded beef and ladle the rich gravy over everything. This warm, inviting dish is sure to bring cozy comfort to any meal!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

Transform your comforting dish into a delightful meal by adding perfect sides and accompaniments that will take your dining experience to new heights.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic side that pairs seamlessly with the rich gravy, making every bite a comforting dream.
Toasted Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside with a buttery, garlic-infused center, this bread is perfect for soaking up sauce and adds crunch to your meal.
Steamed Green Beans: These tender, vibrant veggies offer a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the hearty flavors, enhancing every mouthful.
Coleslaw: Light and refreshing, this crunchy salad adds a tangy bite that balances the richness of the beef and gravy, keeping the meal exciting.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized, these tender roots not only add color but also complement the savory notes of the Beef Manhattan beautifully.
Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine elevates the meal further, enhancing the umami flavors while providing a sophisticated touch to your dining experience.
Apple Crisp: End the meal on a sweet note with a warm apple crisp, its buttery topping and spiced filling perfectly contrasting the savory course.

Expert Tips for Beef Manhattan

Choose Quality Beef: Opt for well-marbled cuts like chuck or round for deliciously tender results. A good cut makes a world of difference in your Beef Manhattan!
Flavor Infusion: For more depth, let the seasoned beef sit for 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps the seasonings penetrate the meat.
Control Gravy Thickness: Remember to whisk the cornstarch slurry well to avoid clumps. This ensures a silky gravy that enhances your Beef Manhattan.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time, especially on HIGH. Overcooked beef can become dry, so aim to shred it just after it becomes fork-tender.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to sneak in veggies like carrots or green beans during the last couple of hours of cooking for added nutrition—this makes your Beef Manhattan even heartier!
Perfect Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and consider reheating with a splash of broth to keep the dish moist and delicious.

Make Ahead Options

These Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can season the beef and layer it with onions up to 24 hours in advance, simply refrigerating it until you’re ready to cook. Additionally, you can make your mashed potatoes ahead of time—just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, add a small amount of milk before reheating for creaminess. When it’s time to serve, pop the slow cooker on low and let it do the work, finishing with the thickening of the gravy as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort!

Beef Manhattan Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to personalize your Beef Manhattan with these exciting variations that will elevate each bite!

Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, green beans, or peas for a pop of color and added nutrition in every spoonful. These vibrant veggies not only infuse nutrients but also enhance the dish’s appeal as you mix in those hearty flavors.
Italian Twist: Swap thyme for Italian seasoning to bring a fragrant herbal quality to your dish. The blend of herbs will take your Beef Manhattan to a whole new level, evoking the essence of Italian cooking right in your slow cooker.
Spicy Kick: If you’re craving some heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This little addition can transform your dish into an exhilarating experience while perfectly complementing that luscious gravy.
Dairy-Free: Substitute traditional creamy mashed potatoes with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free delight. This tweak ensures that everyone can enjoy the comforting flavors without compromising their dietary needs, still keeping that creamy texture!
Different Breads: Experiment with sourdough or a crusty baguette instead of white bread. The unique flavors and textures from these breads offer a delightful twist, making each plate even more memorable.
Smoky Flavor: Introduce some smoked paprika to your seasoning blend for that irresistible smoky essence. This twist could mirror the comfort of a hearty barbecue on a chilly night, bringing warmth to your dining experience.
Red Wine Addition: Pour a half-cup of red wine into your broth for a depth of flavor. As it simmers, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a rich, savory taste that beautifully ties everything together.
Loaded Variation: Stack it up with toppings! Consider adding cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions on top for an extra layer of richness. This allows you to get creative with textures and flavors while embracing the heartiness of your dish.

Remember, the beauty of this Beef Manhattan is in its adaptability. Like many of my family’s beloved recipes, it shines in its ability to adapt to personal tastes. For more delightful recipes, check out my Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan or try cooking something different with Cheesy Beef Chimichangas. Enjoy unleashing your culinary creativity!

Storage Tips for Beef Manhattan

Fridge: Store leftover Beef Manhattan in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness while keeping the flavors intact.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-friendly bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture and a rich gravy texture. This way, your Beef Manhattan stays delicious!

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe FAQs

What type of beef is best for Beef Manhattan?
I recommend using well-marbled cuts like chuck or round roast, as they provide both flavor and tenderness. If you’re feeling adventurous, brisket can also add a delightful twist to this comforting dish!

How should I store leftovers from Beef Manhattan?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months in freezer-friendly bags—just be sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Can I freeze Beef Manhattan, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the Beef Manhattan to cool completely. Then, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. For the best flavor and texture, try to use it within 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

What if my Beef Manhattan gravy is too thin?
If your gravy turns out thinner than expected, don’t worry! Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering broth and cook on high for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your liking.

Are there any dietary considerations for Beef Manhattan?
Yes, if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe! For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk in place of traditional mashed potatoes. Additionally, be mindful of soy sauce if serving to someone with a gluten allergy—opt for tamari or a gluten-free alternative.

Can I add vegetables to my Beef Manhattan?
Very! You can enhance your Beef Manhattan by adding vegetables like carrots, green beans, or peas during the last couple of hours of cooking. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds a splash of color to the dish!