This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is your ticket to a cozy dinner! Tender beef simmered with rich gravy serves over soft bread or mashed potatoes, making it super satisfying.
I love how easy it is to throw everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic. Plus, my family always asks for seconds. Who can say no to that? 😄
No need to stress about dinner! Just set it and forget it. When it’s time to eat, the house smells amazing, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a hearty meal with little effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: Chuck roast is a great choice for slow cooking due to its marbling, which keeps it tender. If you can’t find it, stew meat or brisket works as a good alternative. Just remember, the cut you choose should be suitable for slow cooking.
Beef Broth: Home-made beef broth adds a rich flavor, but store-bought is just fine too. For a lighter option, swap part of the beef broth with vegetable broth. It still tastes great!
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth to the dish. If you’re out, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used instead, though they will slightly change the flavor profile.
Flour: The flour helps to thicken the gravy. If you’re gluten-free, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to adjust the amount as needed for the desired consistency.
How Do I Get the Beef to Be Tender and Flavourful?
Tender, flavorful beef is key to a great Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Here are my tips:
- Season well: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning your beef. It enhances the overall flavor.
- Flour coating: Dredging it in flour not only helps thicken the sauce but also locks in moisture during cooking.
- Slow cooking: For the most tender meat, low and slow is the way to go. The longer cooking time lets the beef absorb all the flavors.
- Break it up: When it’s finished cooking, gently stir the meat to break it apart slightly. This gives a homey texture to the dish.
By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious meal everyone will love!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Dish:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For Serving:
- 6 slices sandwich bread (white or whole wheat), crusts removed
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 7-8 hours to slow cook on low (or 4-5 hours on high). Perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning your beef chunks with salt and pepper. Next, dredge them lightly in flour; this will help create a thick and tasty gravy later on. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
2. Go to the Slow Cooker:
Place the floured beef chunks directly into your slow cooker. Don’t worry about browning the meat beforehand; it will get plenty of flavor as it cooks.
3. Mix the Broth:
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed.
4. Pour It In:
Now, pour the flavorful broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. This will infuse all the delicious seasonings into the meat as it cooks.
5. Time to Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. You know it’s done when the beef is super tender and practically falls apart with a fork!
6. Prepare the Plates:
While the beef is finishing up, get your serving plates ready. Lay down a slice or two of sandwich bread on each plate—this will be the base for your beef and gravy.
7. Finish Up:
Once the beef is cooked to perfection, take a few moments to skim any excess fat off the top of the gravy. Then, gently stir the mixture to break up the beef slightly for a nice texture.
8. Serve It:
Spoon generous portions of the tender beef along with that rich, savory gravy over the bread. If you’d like a pop of color, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
9. Enjoy:
Serve warm with a side of mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish. This meal is a true comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. You can thaw beef in the fridge overnight or in cold water for quicker results. Cooking from frozen is not recommended as it can lead to uneven cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the beef cool completely before sealing it to avoid condensation. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and set it to cook. This is a great way to have a delicious meal ready with minimal morning prep!
What Can I Serve With Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, but you can also serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables. For a hearty option, try it alongside a crisp side salad to balance the meal.
