If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day, you’re going to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with tender chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection alongside savory vegetables and a luscious tomato-based sauce. This dish brings together the nostalgic charm of a classic pot roast with the ease of one-pot slow cooking, making it a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential for building the deep, layered flavors in this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe. Each one plays a vital role — from the hearty beef chuck roast that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, to the aromatic mix of vegetables, and the smoky, herby notes that tie everything together beautifully.
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it breaks down into juicy, tender bites.
- 2 medium onions, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce as they soften and caramelize.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory kick that enhances every layer of flavor.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Creates the rich, comforting base of the sauce without overwhelming saltiness.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrated and tangy, it adds body and a vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Provides a subtle umami boost that makes the beef shine.
- 2 medium carrots, chopped: These bring a hint of sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Offers fresh, fragrant undertones and a bit of crunch even when cooked down.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy warmth that elevates the dish.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: A classic herb that complements the beef with subtle earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the other flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Start by trimming off any excess fat from your chuck roast chunks and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. While trimming the fat helps control richness, don’t toss it all — a little fat keeps the beef tender and flavorful during the long cook.
Step 2: (Optional) Sear the Beef
This step isn’t mandatory, but I highly recommend it for an extra layer of flavor. Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown your beef chunks on all sides until they develop a crisp, caramelized crust. This seals in juices and infuses your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe with a wonderfully savory depth.
Step 3: Layer the Vegetables
In your slow cooker, spread out the chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. These veggies form the hearty base of the dish and gently release their sweetness as they slow cook — creating a flavorful bed for the beef to rest on.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, along with salt and pepper. Pour this aromatic mixture over the vegetable layer, soaking everything in a rich, savory liquid that will develop into a luscious gravy by the end of cooking.
Step 5: Add the Beef and Cook
Place your seared (or raw, if you skipped searing) beef chunks on top of the sauce and veggie mixture. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let it work its magic for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. When the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have fully melded, you’re ready for the final step.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Before plating, taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper if needed. The sauce should be rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe over creamy mashed potatoes or tender noodles to soak up all those delicious juices.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a bright, fresh pop of color and elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. For extra comfort, a dollop of butter on top of mashed potatoes can create a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs perfectly with classic mashed potatoes, but you could also serve it alongside buttered noodles, roasted root vegetables, or even a simple green salad to brighten the plate and add some freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and veggies over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy rice. You can also turn it into a hearty beef pot pie filling by layering it under flaky pastry dough. The possibilities for this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled beef and vegetables along with some sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce back up and keep the beef tender and moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you could also experiment with brisket or even stew meat. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I have to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing is optional but highly recommended. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and color to the beef. If you’re short on time, the dish will still turn out delicious without this step.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then cook on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes with natural release. Just be sure to adjust the liquid ratios slightly as Instant Pot cooking differs from slow cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Always double-check product labels to be certain.
What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?
Feel free to swap mashed potatoes with egg noodles, rice, polenta, or even roasted vegetables. Each option pairs wonderfully and helps soak up the delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a cozy hug from the inside, this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe is your new best friend. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular in your rotation — it’s that good!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chunks of beef chuck slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and a rich, savory tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this recipe delivers classic flavors with minimal effort by using a slow cooker to meld spices, broth, and beef into a deliciously satisfying stew.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Seasonings and Broth
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and season the chunks generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the beef (optional): Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides to develop a deeper flavor and seal in juices. This step is optional but recommended for better taste.
- Layer vegetables: Place the chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the beef.
- Mix broth and seasonings: In a bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered vegetables.
- Add beef to slow cooker: Place the seared or raw beef chunks on top of the broth and vegetable mixture. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook low and slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours, or set to high and cook for 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and flavors are well combined.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the cooked dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or noodles for a classic Beef Manhattan experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, sear the beef before slow cooking, but you can skip this step if short on time.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes to the slow cooker if desired.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control salt levels in the dish.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
