Easy Beef Manhattan
Introduction
Hola! If you’ve ever craved a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, then this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is for you. Growing up in Orlando, I spent countless afternoons watching my abuela coax rich flavors from simple cuts of beef. She taught me that with patience and the right seasoning, even a humble chuck roast can become something extraordinary. This recipe captures that same spirit: beef slow-simmered with onions, garlic, and herbs until it melts into tender perfection. Whether you call it a Beef Hot Shot recipe or one of your new slow cooker favorites, it’s a meal made for gathering, laughter, and second helpings.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 8 hours | 8 hours 15 min | 6 servings | Easy | American | Fall & Winter |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can enjoy your day without worrying about dinner.
- Family-sized meal: This recipe easily feeds a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Comfort food at its best: With rich gravy, tender beef, and warm potatoes, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home.
- Budget-friendly: Chuck roast is an affordable cut of beef, yet it becomes fork-tender with slow cooking.
- Versatile serving options: Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread for different textures and flavors.
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a warm, comforting dish where tender beef chuck simmers in a rich onion and garlic gravy. Perfect over mashed potatoes or crusty bread, it’s an easy, cozy dinner that feeds the whole family.
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
1. Slice the beef into chunks and mince the garlic. Pat the beef dry with paper towels for better browning.
2. In a skillet, sauté onions in a splash of oil over medium heat until golden brown. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer the onions and garlic into your slow cooker. Layer in the beef chunks, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender.
5. Remove the beef from the slow cooker and set aside. Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, then stir it into the cooking liquid. Let it simmer until thickened.
6. Return the beef to the thickened gravy, stir gently, and serve hot over mashed potatoes or thick slices of crusty bread.
Notes
Use well-marbled beef for best flavor and tenderness.
For a richer taste, sear the beef before slow cooking.
Add a splash of red wine or beer for extra depth in the gravy.
This recipe is freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
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
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Beef chuck roast | Choose well-marbled beef for the most tender and flavorful results. |
| Onions | Yellow onions add sweetness, but white onions give a sharper bite if you prefer. |
| Beef broth | Low-sodium broth keeps the flavor balanced and prevents excess saltiness. |
| Garlic | Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but 1 tsp garlic powder works in a pinch. |
| Worcestershire sauce | This adds depth and umami, so don’t skip it. |
| Thyme & rosemary | Fresh herbs provide brighter flavor, but dried herbs still work well. |
| Cornstarch slurry | Always mix cornstarch with cold water first to avoid lumps in your gravy. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the beef into chunks and mince the garlic. Pat the beef dry with paper towels for better browning.
- In a skillet, sauté onions in a splash of oil over medium heat until golden brown. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the onions and garlic into your slow cooker. Layer in the beef chunks, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender.
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and set aside. Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, then stir it into the cooking liquid. Let it simmer until thickened.
- Return the beef to the thickened gravy, stir gently, and serve hot over mashed potatoes or thick slices of crusty bread.
Helpful Tips
- Brown the beef before adding to the slow cooker for richer flavor.
- Don’t lift the lid too often, it slows down the cooking process.
- Use a fat separator if your gravy has excess grease.
- Add a splash of red wine for extra depth in the gravy.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Cut the beef evenly: Uniform pieces cook at the same rate, ensuring consistency.
- Layer smartly: Place onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to infuse flavor throughout the dish.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Slow cooking mellows flavors, so always taste before serving.
- Serve immediately: The dish is best enjoyed hot when the gravy is silky and the beef is tender.
Recipe Variations
- Beef Manhattan with Mushrooms: Add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Beer-Braised Beef Manhattan: Swap 1 cup of broth for dark beer for a deeper, malty flavor.
- Vegetable-loaded version: Toss in carrots, celery, and potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
- Spicy kick: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat on the stovetop before serving. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience. For a rustic twist, ladle it over crusty bread slices or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a malty brown ale. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent sides to balance the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, brisket or round roast also work, though chuck roast gives the best flavor.
Do I need to sear the beef first? It’s optional, but searing adds extra depth and a richer flavor to the gravy.
Can I cook it on high instead of low? Yes, 4 hours on high will work, though low-and-slow gives more tender beef.
What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes? Egg noodles, rice, or even polenta make great alternatives.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat slowly for best results.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, just ensure your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free.
Nutrition Info (per serving, 1 cup / 240g)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | 40g | 12g | 18g | 1g | 3g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is pure comfort in a bowl, combining tender beef with rich, savory gravy. Whether you serve it for a family supper or a cozy Sunday dinner, it’s sure to become one of your favorite slow cooker favorites. Try it once, and you’ll be making it again and again.
