Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun dips below the horizon, I’m often greeted by the heavenly aroma of a slow-cooked meal wafting through my home—a true hallmark of comfort. My go-to favorite? Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. This dish combines tender, fall-apart beef with a rich and savory gravy, all served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the answer to every busy weeknight craving, as it requires minimal prep and practically cooks itself! Not only does it warm the soul, but it also brings the family together for a hearty dinner that satisfies everyone’s appetite. Imagine gathering around the table, laughter and stories shared, all fueled by this deliciously cozy meal. Curious about how to create this satisfying dish in your own kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why is Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan a Family Favorite? Hearty Comfort: This dish embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness, warming hearts and filling bellies. Effortless Cooking: With minimal prep, simply toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the magic. Versatile Flavors: Customize with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even switch up the gravy for a personal touch. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family gatherings, this meal is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Stress-Free Dinner: Say goodbye to the fast-food hustle; this comforting option is ready when you are, making weeknight dinners a delight! If you enjoy hearty meals, you might also love these Cheesy Beef Chimichangas for a flavorful twist! Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Ingredients For the Beef • Beef Chuck Roast – Choose well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness; brisket or round roast can be used but may require adjusted cooking times. For the Aromatics • Onions – Yellow onions add a natural sweetness; shallots can work as a milder alternative. • Garlic – Fresh minced garlic enhances the flavor profile; garlic powder is a convenient substitute too. For the Gravy Base • Beef Broth – Adds depth to your gravy; low-sodium chicken broth offers a lighter touch if desired. • Gravy Mix – Helps thicken and flavor the dish; consider using homemade gravy from drippings for extra richness. For the Sides • Mashed Potatoes – Opt for high-starch varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds for the creamiest texture. For Additional Veggies • Carrots, Celery, and Bell Peppers – Enhance both nutrition and flavor; feel free to swap in your favorite root vegetables! Explore how these ingredients come together to create the ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan that makes family dinners cozy and delightful. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Step 1: Prep Ingredients Begin by cutting your beef chuck roast into large, uniform chunks and gently season with salt and pepper. Dice the yellow onions, mince the garlic, and chop your chosen vegetables such as carrots and bell peppers. This preparation sets a flavorful base for your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, making it easier to assemble everything later. Step 2: Sear Beef (Optional) In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a deep, brown crust. This step enhances the flavors of your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan and creates a richer gravy. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker. Step 3: Add Ingredients In your slow cooker, place the seared beef along with the chopped onions, minced garlic, and your selected vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the gravy mix over the top, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined. This mixture will simmer beautifully, allowing the flavors to meld together in your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Step 4: Cook Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds. Your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma, signaling that your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is nearing completion. Step 5: Prepare Mashed Potatoes While the beef cooks, take the time to prepare creamy mashed potatoes. Peel and quarter your chosen high-starch potatoes, then boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter and cream until smooth and fluffy, seasoning to taste. These will be the perfect base for your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Step 6: Serve Once the beef is ready, carefully plate generous portions of mashed potatoes and top them with the beef and rich gravy. The combination of tender meat and savory sauce over the creamy potatoes defines the essence of the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving to family and friends. What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? As you prepare to enjoy this comforting dish, think about how to round out the meal for an unforgettable family dinner. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect pairing; their smooth texture soaks up the rich gravy beautifully, making each bite heavenly. Garlic Bread: This crispy, buttery addition not only complements the savory flavors but also provides a delightful crunch to contrast the soft beef. Steamed Green Beans: Bright and vibrant, these tender vegetables bring a pop of color to your plate while adding a fresh, slightly crisp element to balance the meal. Side Salad: A mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty beef, keeping the dinner light yet satisfying. Roasted Carrots: Sweet and earthy, these caramelized gems enhance the dish’s comforting essence, adding a touch of natural sweetness. Herb-Infused Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice with fresh herbs provides a subtle background that beautifully absorbs the luscious gravy from the beef. Red Wine: A glass of deep red Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon elevates the meal, complementing the dish’s rich flavors with every sip. Chocolate Mousse: End the meal on a sweet note with a light, airy dessert that offers a rich chocolate experience, contrasting nicely with the earlier savory flavors. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan components are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can chop the vegetables and season the beef up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, prepare the gravy mix and broth combination, transferring it to the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. This way, all you need to do is add everything in the slow cooker and set it to cook. When it’s time for dinner, simply mash your prepared potatoes, and serve alongside the rich, savory beef for a hearty meal that tastes as though it was made from scratch, all while fitting seamlessly into your hectic schedule! How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore its delicious flavor. Freezer: Freeze beef and gravy in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickens too much. Portioning: Consider portioning your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan before freezing; this way, you can easily enjoy servings as needed without defrosting the entire batch. Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Choose Quality Beef: Select well-marbled beef chuck roast for the best tenderness; avoid lean cuts, which may result in a tougher texture. Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavors, creating a richer, more savory gravy for your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Adjust Cooking Times: Keep an eye on cooking times based on your slow cooker model; if it’s cooking too quickly or slowly, you might need to tweak the heat settings. Thicken Gravy Wisely: For a heartier gravy, dissolve cornstarch in cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve the perfect consistency. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to play with add-ins like mushrooms or peas, but be cautious not to overcrowd the slow cooker, which can affect cooking times. Rest Before Serving: Let the cooked beef rest for a few minutes before shredding; this results in juicier meat and allows the flavors to meld beautifully in your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Variations Feel free to play with these ideas to bring your own twist to this beloved recipe! Mushroom Medley: Add sautéed mushrooms to the mix for a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef. Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an exciting heat that livens up each bite. Creamy Spin: Swap in some cream cheese or sour cream for the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of creaminess that will delight your taste buds. Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish. Fresh herbs can transport your dinner into a whole new realm of deliciousness. Veggie Power: Toss in some frozen peas or corn during the last hour of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness without any extra effort. Homemade Gravy: Replace the gravy mix with homemade gravy from scratch using the drippings from your sealed beef for a touch of authenticity that’s sure to impress. Cheesy Delight: Top the finished dish with shredded cheese before serving. A melty cheese layer will complement both the beef and mashed potatoes and add a comforting touch. Sweet Switching: If you’re feeling adventurous, pair with sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for mashed potatoes, offering a wonderful flavor contrast that’s both sweet and savory. Now that you have these delicious variations in mind, why not try experimenting? Each adjustment brings its own magic to the classic Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, making it your very own family treasure! Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe FAQs What type of beef should I use for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Absolutely! Choosing a well-marbled beef chuck roast is key for tenderness and flavor. Look for cuts that have a good amount of fat running through them; this will ensure your beef becomes fall-apart tender. If you can’t find chuck roast, brisket or round roast can work as alternatives, but be aware that they may require adjustments to the cooking time based on their thickness. How should I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Very! Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, taking care not to overheat which can dry out the beef. Can I freeze my Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Absolutely! To freeze, be sure to let the dish cool fully before portioning it into tightly sealed containers or freezer bags. Your beef and gravy can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickens too much. What if my beef is tough after cooking? Very! If your beef doesn’t seem tender after cooking, it may need more time. Check to ensure the lid is on securely, as this helps trap steam. You can also add a bit more beef broth or water to create moisture. Continue cooking on low for an additional hour and check again. Also, be sure not to rush the cooking process; slow and low is the way to go for tender beef. Are there any dietary considerations for my Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider the following: for gluten sensitivities, use a gluten-free beef gravy mix or make your own gravy from scratch. Always double-check labels on pre-packaged ingredients for hidden allergens. If you have pets, remember that onions and garlic can be harmful to them, so keep this dish safely out of their reach! How long will it take to prepare the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Absolutely! The overall prep will take around 20-30 minutes. This includes chopping your ingredients and, if you choose, searing the beef. Once everything is in your slow cooker, just let it work its magic for 6-8 hours on low heat, or 4-5 hours on high heat. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Comfort Food for Cozy Nights No ratings yet Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is the perfect comfort food that brings the family together with tender beef and rich gravy over creamy mashed potatoes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 8 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Choose well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness.For the Aromatics2 medium Yellow Onions Diced.4 cloves Garlic Minced.For the Gravy Base4 cups Beef Broth Low-sodium if desired.1 pack Gravy Mix Store-bought or homemade.For the Sides3 pounds Mashed Potatoes High-starch varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds.For Additional Veggies2 medium Carrots Chopped.2 stalks Celery Chopped.1 medium Bell Pepper Chopped. Equipment slow cookerLarge skilletPotato Masher Method PreparationBegin by cutting your beef chuck roast into large, uniform chunks and gently season with salt and pepper. Dice the yellow onions, mince the garlic, and chop your chosen vegetables such as carrots and bell peppers.SearingIn a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a deep, brown crust. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.CookingIn your slow cooker, place the seared beef along with the chopped onions, minced garlic, and your selected vegetables. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the gravy mix over the top.Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours.Mashed PotatoesWhile the beef cooks, peel and quarter your chosen high-starch potatoes, then boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with butter and cream until smooth and fluffy.ServingOnce the beef is ready, carefully plate generous portions of mashed potatoes and top them with the beef and rich gravy. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 45gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesThis dish is versatile; customize with your favorite vegetables or switch up the gravy for a personal touch. Let the beef rest before shredding for juicier meat. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
