Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a cozy dish that’s packed with tender beef, savory gravy, and tasty veggies. It warms you right up with every bite!
I love tossing everything in the slow cooker and letting it work its magic. Perfect for those busy days when you want a comforting meal ready by dinner time! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. If you can’t find chuck, brisket or round roast work well too.
Onion: A large onion adds sweetness and depth. You could use shallots or even green onions if you’re short on time or prefer a milder flavor.
Vegetable Oil: For browning, vegetable oil is great for high heat. You can substitute with canola oil or even olive oil, though olive has a lower smoke point.
Beef Broth: This offers rich flavor, but if you want a lighter base, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work too—just adjust seasonings to taste.
Tomato Sauce: Want a twist? Use marinara sauce for added flavor. For a low-sodium option, consider making your own sauce or using crushed tomatoes.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Tender, Shredded Beef?
Tender beef is essential for this dish. The key is allowing the beef to cook low and slow. Stay away from high heat as it can dry out the meat.
- After browning the beef, make sure it’s submerged in the broth mixture.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours for the best results. If you’re short on time, cooking on high takes 4-5 hours.
- When shredding, let the beef rest a bit before using two forks. This helps keep the juices in.
Mix the shredded beef back into the gravy and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
For Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- 4 to 6 slices white bread, toasted
- Mashed potatoes (about 4 cups), prepared
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then 7-8 hours of cooking on low (or 4-5 hours on high) in the slow cooker. It’s a hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Start by generously seasoning your beef chunks with salt and black pepper. This will add great flavor to your dish!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches. Brown each side until nicely seared, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. It’s okay if it’s not cooked through; it will finish cooking in the slow cooker!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes softened, around 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. This adds wonderful flavor to your dish!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Stir in the dried thyme and basil. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then pour it over the beef in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
6. Shred the Beef:
Once the cooking time is completed, carefully remove the beef chunks from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. It’s going to be so tender!
7. Thicken the Gravy:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the liquid in the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 15-20 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken up nicely.
8. Combine and Serve:
Return the shredded beef to the thickened gravy in the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine well with all those delicious flavors.
9. Create Your Dish:
To serve, place a slice of toasted white bread on each plate. Top it with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, and then pile the beef and gravy mixture over the top!
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your warm and comforting Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan—you deserve it!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut.
How Can I Make This Dish Lower in Sodium?
To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium beef broth and tomato sauce. You can also skip the added salt while seasoning the beef. Taste the dish before serving and adjust seasonings if needed.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Transfer the beef and gravy to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Can I Serve Instead of Mashed Potatoes?
If you want a different base, consider serving the beef mixture over rice, egg noodles, or even a bed of sautéed veggies for a healthier option. It’s delicious no matter how you serve it!
