There’s something magical about walking into the house after a long day and being greeted by the rich, meaty aroma of slow-cooked beef Manhattan. As a busy mom of two, my slow cooker is my kitchen MVP – it turns ordinary weeknights into cozy family dinners without the fuss. This recipe? It’s the one my kids beg for when the weather turns chilly, and honestly, I don’t blame them. Tender chunks of beef swimming in velvety gravy, spooned over buttery mashed potatoes – it’s pure comfort in every bite.
I developed this recipe during one of those crazy weeks when my toddler had back-to-back playdates and my preschooler decided sleep was optional. The beauty of this slow cooker beef Manhattan is that it practically cooks itself while you handle life. Just a little prep in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ve got a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table feel loved and nourished – exactly what family dinners should be about.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked the herbs and perfected the gravy consistency until it became our go-to comfort food. Now when my kids smell those onions caramelizing, they come running – and that’s the real magic of cooking, isn’t it?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Listen, I know we’re all busy—dinner shouldn’t be another chore. That’s why this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan has earned its spot as my weeknight hero. Here’s why it’ll become yours too:
- Comfort in a bowl: Imagine tender beef chunks swimming in a rich, silky gravy—it’s like a hug for your taste buds, especially over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Effortless magic: Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime? Your kitchen smells like you’ve been cooking all day (even if you’ve barely lifted a finger).
- Crowd-pleaser: My picky kids? Devour it. My husband? Goes back for thirds. Even my mother-in-law asked for the recipe—that’s saying something.
- Leftover gold: The flavors meld overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch taste even better (if it lasts that long).
Seriously, if cozy had a recipe, this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan would be it.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to beef Manhattan bliss – and trust me, every single one plays a starring role in creating that rich, comforting flavor we’re after. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast – cut into 2-inch chunks (this cut melts into tenderness during slow cooking)
- 2 medium yellow onions – thinly sliced (they’ll caramelize beautifully)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth – the flavorful base of our gravy
- 4 cloves garlic – minced (because everything’s better with garlic)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – our secret umami booster
- 1 tsp fresh thyme – or ½ tsp dried (that woodsy note is everything)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary – or ½ tsp dried (for a hint of piney warmth)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water – our gravy-thickening dream team
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that transform into something magical together. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Alright, let’s get this cozy masterpiece going! The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is how hands-off it is – just a little prep in the morning, and your future self will thank you when dinner practically makes itself. Here’s exactly how I do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
First things first – grab that trusty slow cooker and plug it in (I’ve forgotten this step more times than I’d like to admit!). Now:
- Sear those onions: Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced onions and cook until they turn golden and sweet – about 8 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic during the last minute just until fragrant. This step builds SO much flavor!
- Layer it up: Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the beef chunks on top – no need to stir yet. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle those lovely herbs over everything.
- Let time work its magic: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 if you’re in a rush). The beef should be fork-tender when done – if it’s not quite there, give it another 30 minutes.
- Thicken that gravy: Remove the beef chunks with a slotted spoon. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the slow cooker liquid. Let it bubble for 5-10 minutes until thickened to your liking.
- Bring it all together: Return the beef to the gravy, give it a gentle stir, and get ready for the best comfort food of your life!
Tips for Success
- Extra flavor boost? Sear the beef chunks in batches before adding to the slow cooker – those browned bits make the gravy incredible.
- Gravy too thin? Mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in gradually.
- Leftovers? They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for 3 days – the flavors actually improve!
Now go grab those mashed potatoes – this beef Manhattan is ready to shine!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Listen, I get it – sometimes you’re missing an ingredient or just want to mix things up. Here’s how to tweak this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan without losing that cozy magic:
- Beef cuts: Chuck roast is my go-to for tenderness, but short ribs or brisket work beautifully too – just keep those 2-inch chunks!
- Fresh vs dried herbs: No fresh thyme or rosemary? Use half the amount dried – the flavor concentrates as they sit.
- Broth options: Out of beef broth? Chicken broth works fine, or even mushroom broth for extra earthiness.
- Cornstarch swap: Allergic? Arrowroot powder or flour works too – just double the amount.
See? Cooking should be flexible, not stressful – make it yours!
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Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan for Busy Families
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe, perfect for a family dinner. Tender beef chunks cooked in a rich gravy with onions and herbs, served over mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Slice the beef into chunks and mince the garlic.
- Sauté onions in a skillet with oil until golden brown; add garlic until fragrant.
- Transfer onions and garlic to the slow cooker, layering in the beef, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove beef from the slow cooker. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the remaining liquid until thickened.
- Return beef to the gravy and serve hot over mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, sear the beef chunks before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less cornstarch mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Oh, the possibilities! My family goes wild for this beef Manhattan spooned over creamy mashed potatoes – the gravy soaks right in, and it’s pure comfort. But don’t stop there! Try it with:
- Buttery egg noodles (my kids’ favorite)
- Crusty bread for soaking up every last drop
- Polenta or rice for a fun twist
Honestly? I’ve even eaten it straight from the bowl when no one’s looking – no judgment here!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in an airtight container in the fridge – it’ll keep beautifully for 3 days (though ours never lasts that long). To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. The flavors actually deepen overnight – if you can wait that long!
Nutritional Information
Let’s keep it real – I’m all about flavor, not counting calories! Nutritional info can vary depending on your ingredients and brands, so consider this a rough guide. For a typical serving of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, you’re looking at around 450 calories, 40g of protein, and a hearty dose of comfort. Always check labels if you need precise numbers!
FAQs About Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs!):
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is my favorite for tenderness, short ribs or brisket work great too. Just keep those chunks around 2 inches – anything smaller might overcook. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin though; they’ll dry out during the long cook time.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
Easy fix! Mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the hot liquid. Let it bubble for 5-10 minutes. Still not thick enough? Repeat with just 1 teaspoon at a time until it’s perfect.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
You bet! Sauté the onions right in the pot, then pressure cook on high for 35 minutes with a natural release. The gravy won’t be quite as silky, but it’s still delicious in a pinch.
Why do you remove the beef before thickening?
Two reasons: First, it prevents over-stirring (which can make the beef shred). Second, you get to control the gravy’s thickness perfectly without worrying about overcooking that tender meat!
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