EASY SLOW COOKER MANHATTAN

Imagine sinking your teeth into fork-tender beef, smothered in a rich, savory gravy, all nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be! We’re diving headfirst into creating the ultimate comfort food classic: Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan – Tender, Savory Comfort Meal, and I promise it’s easier than you think. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds!

Gathering Your Savory Ingredients

Before we embark on this culinary journey, let’s make sure we have all our ingredients ready. Quality ingredients are key to unlocking the best flavor!

For the Beef Manhattan:

• 2-3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast: This is the star of the show, and chuck roast becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the beef – don’t skip this step!
• 1 large Onion, chopped: Adds depth and sweetness to the gravy.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic.
• 4 cups Beef Broth: Use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
• 1 cup Red Wine (optional): Adds richness and complexity – I prefer a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: For that umami goodness.
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note.
• 1 tsp Dried Rosemary: Compliments the beef beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a touch of smoky flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch: For thickening the gravy at the end.
• 1/4 cup Cold Water: To make a cornstarch slurry.

For Serving:

• Mashed Potatoes: Homemade or store-bought, your choice!
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Beef Manhattan Bliss

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this recipe is super straightforward, and the slow cooker does most of the work.

Preparing the Beef:

1. Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This is important for getting a good sear!
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step is crucial for developing flavor – don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.

Building the Flavor Base:

1. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This deglazing process adds so much flavor to the gravy!
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.

Slow Cooking to Perfection:

1. Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender it becomes! I personally prefer the low and slow method for maximum tenderness.

Creating the Luscious Gravy:

1. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
3. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
4. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent lumps.

Assembling Your Beef Manhattan:

1. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the gravy.
2. Serve the Beef Manhattan over mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

The Secret to Ultra-Tender Beef

The key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness is all in the cooking time. Resist the urge to rush the process! Low and slow is the way to go. The long cooking time allows the connective tissues in the beef to break down, resulting in a truly succulent and tender dish. Think about it – it’s the same principle behind amazing SLOW COOKER STEW. That low and slow magic!

Wine Pairing Suggestions (Because Why Not?)

Want to elevate your Beef Manhattan experience? A good wine pairing can make all the difference! I recommend a medium-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The tannins in the wine will complement the richness of the beef and gravy. If you prefer a lighter wine, a Pinot Noir would also be a good choice.

Switching Things Up: Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative and put your own spin on it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Throw in some chopped carrots, celery, or potatoes along with the onion for a heartier dish.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Mushroom Magic: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor boost.
• Creamy Gravy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier gravy.
• Browning Tip: For an even deeper, richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste to the onions after they soften and cooking for a minute before adding the beef broth. This intensifies the tomato flavor and adds another layer of complexity. You can do the same thing with SLOW COOKER STEAK CASSEROLE for a flavor punch!

What to Do With Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

If you happen to have any leftover Beef Manhattan (which is unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Leftovers are also delicious served over rice or noodles. I sometimes even shred the beef and use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas! The possibilities are endless.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the simplest recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Gravy Too Thin: If your gravy isn’t thickening up enough, make another cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and add it to the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, or until thickened.
• Gravy Too Thick: If your gravy is too thick, add a little beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Beef Not Tender Enough: If your beef is still tough after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking it for another hour or two, or until it’s fork-tender. Every slow cooker is different, and some may cook faster or slower than others. You might also want to try out BEEF PERFECTION using an instant pot!
• Salty Gravy: If your gravy is too salty, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar to balance out the flavors. Alternatively, add a peeled potato to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking – it will absorb some of the excess salt.

The Importance of Searing (Don’t Skip It!)

I know it can be tempting to skip the searing step, especially when you’re short on time, but trust me, it’s worth the effort! Searing the beef not only adds flavor but also helps to seal in the juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. The Maillard reaction, which occurs when the surface of the beef is exposed to high heat, creates hundreds of flavor compounds that simply can’t be replicated any other way. Think of Garlic Butter Beef Bites – the searing makes all the difference.

Mashed Potato Perfection: Complementing Your Manhattan

While the Beef Manhattan is the star, the mashed potatoes are the supporting actor that truly completes the dish. Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are the perfect canvas for soaking up that delicious gravy. Feel free to use your favorite mashed potato recipe, or try this simple version:

• 2 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup Milk or Cream
• 4 tbsp Butter
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use a ricer or food mill. You can also add garlic, herbs, or cheese to customize your mashed potatoes to your liking. Another option would be serving it with Beef and Noodles.

Wrapping Up: Your New Go-To Comfort Meal

There you have it – your guide to creating the most unbelievably delicious Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, comforting dish. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe transforms a simple chuck roast into a fork-tender, savory delight. Slow-cooked in a rich gravy and served over creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate comfort food classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Paper towels
• Fork

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 4 cups Beef Broth
• 1 cup Red Wine optional
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• ¼ cup Cold Water
• 2 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
• ½ cup Milk or Cream
• 4 tbsp Butter
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Chopped Fresh Parsley optional

Instructions

 

• Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
• Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
• Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
• Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
• Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent lumps.
• Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the gravy.
• While the beef is cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes: Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with the milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
• Serve the Beef Manhattan over mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For extra tender beef, cook on low for the longer cooking time. If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water and add to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes or until thickened. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, or potatoes to the slow cooker for a heartier dish. A medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs well with this dish.