Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I walked through the door, the inviting scent of rich beef and savory herbs wrapped around me like a warm hug. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan—a dish that takes comfort food to a delightful level. When you return home after a long day, imagine sinking your fork into tender beef and colorful veggies, all slathered in a luscious gravy and served over crispy toasted bread. What I love most is how easily it comes together, allowing you to embrace the warmth of a homemade meal with minimal fuss. Plus, it’s wonderfully adaptable; if beef isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it for chicken thighs for a lighter twist. Are you ready to dive into a culinary experience that transforms your evenings? Why is this recipe so comforting? Simplicity for busy cooks: With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a beloved meal that practically cooks itself. Rich, savory flavor: The combination of beef, herbs, and gravy makes every bite unforgettable, perfect for those cozy nights in. Adaptable to your taste: Whether you stick with beef or switch to chicken thighs, this recipe caters to your cravings effortlessly. Hearty satisfaction: Served over toasted bread, it’s a delicious blend of textures that will please even the pickiest eaters. Great for leftovers: Make a big batch and enjoy it for days. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for meal planning. If you love hearty classics, you’ll also want to check out my Hearty Homemade Beef Stew and Ground Beef Stroganoff. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Ingredients • Discover what makes this dish so delicious! For the Beef • Beef Chuck Roast – Provides tenderness and rich flavor; substitute with brisket or round roast if desired. • Olive Oil – Used for browning the beef, adding flavor; no substitution needed, but other lighter oils can be used. For the Vegetables • Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; can be substituted with shallots for a milder flavor. • Garlic – Contributes aromatic flavor; use crushed garlic as a convenient option to save time. • Potatoes – Acts as a hearty addition, absorbing flavors; sweet potatoes are a delightful alternative. • Baby Carrots – Provide color and natural sweetness; feel free to use other root vegetables if desired. For the Broth and Seasonings • Beef Broth – Forms the base of the gravy with rich flavor; substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter twist. • Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and depth; ensure to use gluten-free if required. • Dried Thyme – Offers earthy notes; fresh thyme can be used, just increase the amount slightly. • Dried Rosemary – Adds a woodsy flavor; fresh rosemary can replace it, but use less. • Salt and Pepper – Season to taste; adjust according to dietary needs for the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. For Serving • Bread – Serves as a base for serving; opt for gluten-free bread if necessary. • Fresh Parsley – Used for garnish, adding color and freshness; substitute with chives for a different flavor. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Step 1: Brown the Beef Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season your beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, brown the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker, capturing that delicious flavor. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are softened and translucent. The fragrance will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the hearty comfort of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Once the aromatics are ready, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. This will enhance the richness of your gravy. Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary along with additional salt and pepper for seasoning, and mix everything thoroughly to combine those lovely flavors. Step 4: Load Slow Cooker Carefully pour the aromatic mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Then, add in the chopped potatoes and baby carrots, making sure to stir gently so that everything is well distributed. The slow cooker will become a delightful blend of colors and aromas, setting the tone for a comforting meal. Step 5: Cook Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours or high for about 4 hours. The gentle heat will transform the beef into tender morsels and infuse the vegetables with rich flavors. When it’s done, you should see the beef easily pull apart and the veggies should be fork-tender, ready to absorb those mouthwatering juices. Step 6: Prepare Bread While the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan finishes cooking, preheat your oven or toaster to prepare the bread. Slice the bread of your choice and toast it until it turns golden brown and crispy. This toasted element will provide a perfect base for the hearty beef and gravy, adding a nice crunch to your dish. Step 7: Serve Spoon generous portions of the tender beef and vegetables over the toasted bread slices. Make sure to drizzle plenty of that luscious gravy on top for maximum flavor. As a final touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is now ready to be savored! Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Variations Customize this delightful dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs with these fun twists! Chicken Thighs: Swap beef for chicken thighs for a lighter, yet still delectable, alternative. The rich gravy will meld beautifully with the tender poultry. Sweet Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to introduce a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to your meal. Their creamy texture complements the dish perfectly. Mixed Veggies: Insert a medley of vegetables like peas or green beans for a burst of color and nutrition. This playful addition enhances both flavor and visual appeal. Mushrooms: Add a cup of sliced mushrooms for an earthy, umami boost. They soak up the flavors of the gravy beautifully, heightening the comfort factor. Gluten-Free Bread: Opt for gluten-free bread if you have dietary sensitivities, ensuring everyone at the table can indulge in the deliciousness of this meal. Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. This fiery twist adds an exciting layer of flavor. Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for a unique twist. Each herb brings a different personality to the dish, so don’t hesitate to play with your favorites. Creamy Touch: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream right before serving for an incredibly creamy sauce. It’ll elevate your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan to a luxurious level! If you’re looking for more delicious variations, check out my Hearty Homemade Beef Stew or indulge in my creamy Ground Beef Stroganoff. Each recipe offers enticing flavors to keep your meals exciting and fulfilling! Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Thicker Gravy: To achieve a luscious gravy, mix cornstarch with water and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Browning Beef: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the beef. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors in your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Cooking Time Adjustments: If substituting beef with chicken thighs, remember to adjust the cooking time to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high for tender results. Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the flavor. Use slightly more of these fresh herbs if you prefer, but avoid overpowering the dish. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to play with the vegetables! Root veggies like parsnips or turnips can add unique flavors and textures to your meal. Bread Choices: For a gluten-free option, opt for gluten-free bread. It pairs perfectly with the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, ensuring everyone can enjoy it! Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipes are perfect for busy weeknights! You can brown the beef and sauté the aromatics up to 24 hours in advance. Just refrigerate the beef and veggie mixture in an airtight container to lock in flavor. You can also chop the potatoes and baby carrots ahead, keeping them in a sealed bag to prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer everything into the slow cooker, set it on low for 8 hours, and let it work its magic. This way, you’ll come home to that heavenly aroma and a comforting meal awaiting you, just as delicious as if freshly made! How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Label the container for quick identification later. Reheating: To reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to restore moisture. Serving Suggestion: Enjoy the leftovers over fresh toasted bread for a quick and comforting meal, just like the first serving! What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Enhance your meal with simple, delightful sides that perfectly compliment this comforting dish. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Luxuriously smooth potatoes soak up every bit of gravy, elevating your comfort food experience. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Caramelized veggies add sweetness and crunch, bringing a pop of color and freshness to your plate. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the juicy beef and makes the meal feel even heartier. Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and gravy. Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw offers a delightful balance, making each bite of beef feel even more satisfying. Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy quinoa adds a nutritious twist while soaking up flavors from the beef, enhancing the meal’s heartiness. Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine brings extra depth and an elegant touch, perfect for a comforting dinner at home. Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, a warm and gooey chocolate cake offers a sweet ending that lingers on the palate, inviting cozy indulgence. Indulging in these pairings will ensure your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan shines as the centerpiece of an unforgettable meal. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe FAQs What type of beef should I use for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using a beef chuck roast as it provides the tenderness and rich flavor that makes this dish so delightful. If beef chuck isn’t available, brisket or round roast can serve as suitable substitutes. How should I store leftovers? Leftovers from your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Ensure they cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain optimal freshness and flavor. Can I freeze Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Yes, you can freeze this dish! Place your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy identification. How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin? If you find that your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into your slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and it will thicken beautifully. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets? Absolutely! To make your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and opt for gluten-free bread when serving. This way, everyone at your table can enjoy a comforting meal without worry. What can I substitute for the potatoes? If you’re looking to switch things up, sweet potatoes work wonderfully as an alternative to regular potatoes! They add a hint of sweetness and pair perfectly with the savory beef and gravy, or you can use other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a unique twist. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Comfort Food Made Easy Discover the ultimate comfort in Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, a tender beef dish rich with savory flavor and perfect for busy evenings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 475 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Substitute with brisket or round roast if desired.1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used for browning the beef.For the Vegetables1 medium Onion Can be substituted with shallots.4 cloves Garlic Use minced or crushed garlic.4 medium Potatoes Sweet potatoes are a nice alternative.2 cups Baby Carrots Feel free to use other root vegetables.For the Broth and Seasonings4 cups Beef Broth Substitute with vegetable broth if desired.2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Ensure gluten-free if required.1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Fresh thyme can be used; increase slightly.1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary Fresh rosemary can be used; use less.to taste Salt Adjust according to dietary needs.to taste Pepper Adjust according to dietary needs.For Serving6 slices Bread Opt for gluten-free bread if necessary.1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Used for garnish. Equipment Slow CookerSkilletcutting boardKnife Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBrown the beef by heating olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Brown each side for 4-5 minutes and transfer to slow cooker.Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until softened.Combine beef broth and Worcestershire sauce in the skillet, scraping up browned bits and adding thyme and rosemary. Season to taste.Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add chopped potatoes and baby carrots, stirring gently to combine.Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are fork-tender.Prepare the bread by toasting slices until golden brown and crispy.Serve the beef and vegetables over toasted bread, drizzling with gravy and garnishing with parsley. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 475kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 530IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 4mg NotesEnsure to follow expert tips for thicker gravy and adjust cooking time if substituting other meats. Store leftovers properly for best preservation. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
