Imagine the aroma of savory beef wafting through your home after a long day. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality you can create with this incredibly simple and satisfying Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and drenched in a rich, flavorful gravy – it’s the ultimate comfort food experience, made easy with your slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe
This slow cooker beef manhattan recipe is a modern take on a beloved classic, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious and hearty meal cooking away while you go about your day.
- Incredibly Tender Beef: The slow cooking process transforms a simple chuck roast into a culinary masterpiece, resulting in beef that’s unbelievably tender and flavorful.
- Rich and Savory Gravy: The gravy, infused with the beef’s juices and aromatic herbs, is the perfect complement to the beef and mashed potatoes.
- Perfect for Weeknights: This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding extra vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your liking. And if you want another easy recipe, check out this garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need and some helpful substitution options:
- Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the show! Look for a well-marbled chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef. Any neutral cooking oil will work.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the base of the flavorful gravy.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the gravy.
- Diced Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience.
- Tomato Paste: Enhances the tomato flavor and helps thicken the gravy.
- Dried Thyme & Rosemary: These herbs complement the beef beautifully. If you only have fresh, use double the amount specified.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.
- Mashed Potatoes: Use your favorite mashed potato recipe, or opt for store-bought for an even quicker meal.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and delicious meal:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until beef is very tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Pour into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Increase heat to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- To serve, spoon mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with beef and gravy.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your slow cooker beef manhattan recipe turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds a depth of flavor and helps to create a richer gravy.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the beef is very tender.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Use a Slurry for Thickening: Cornstarch slurry is a simple and effective way to thicken the gravy without creating lumps.
- For more recipe ideas, take a look at this honey glazed corn casserole recipe for your side dish!
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan with these serving suggestions:
- Classic Sides: Serve with steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- Bread for Sopping: Offer some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up all that delicious gravy.
- Garnish: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to store and reheat your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan:
- Can I use a different cut of beef? While chuck roast is ideal, you can also use beef brisket or stew meat.
- Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Absolutely! Chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes are great additions.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the beef and gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat and serve with freshly made mashed potatoes.
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, and leaves everyone feeling satisfied. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the magic of this effortless and delicious recipe. Enjoy!
Effortless Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan for Cozy Nights
Imagine coming home to a hearty, comforting meal after a long day. This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe delivers just that – tender, savory beef nestled on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. This recipe is a modern twist on a classic comfort food, simplifying the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. By using a slow cooker, the beef becomes incredibly tender, melting in your mouth with every bite. The gravy, infused with the beef’s savory juices, is the perfect complement to the creamy mashed potatoes. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food experience!
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 6 cups mashed potatoes, prepared
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until beef is very tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Pour into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Increase heat to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- To serve, spoon mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with beef and gravy.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. You can also add chopped carrots and celery for extra vegetables. If you don’t have fresh herbs, use 1/2 teaspoon of each dried herb instead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg