Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: A Hearty Classic for Any Day

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, savory dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas as it cooks. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is exactly that kind of meal—a nostalgic, hearty classic that brings together tender beef, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes, all served over soft bread. This Midwestern staple, often associated with diner-style comfort food, is perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Growing up, I remember my family gathering around the table for meals like this, where the simplest ingredients transformed into something truly special. The beauty of using a slow cooker for this recipe is how it tenderizes the beef to perfection while blending the flavors into a luscious gravy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

In this article, I’ll walk you through every step to create this delightful meal, along with tips to make it your own. From the ingredients to the preparation, and even some handy tricks for variations, you’ll have everything you need to master Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in no time.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American (Midwestern)
• Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

What You’ll Need

Creating a delicious Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan starts with understanding the role of each ingredient in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and why they matter:

• Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes incredibly tender over time, breaking down into melt-in-your-mouth pieces perfect for shredding.
• Beef Broth: Forms the base of the savory gravy, adding depth and richness to the dish.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics enhance the overall flavor, infusing the beef and gravy with subtle sweetness and warmth.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy, giving it that classic, velvety texture that clings to the beef and bread.
• Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, fluffy layer that adds heartiness and complements the rich gravy.
• White Bread: The traditional base for Beef Manhattan, soaking up the flavors while providing a soft, comforting contrast.

Gather these essentials to create a hearty Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan at home

INGREDIENTS

• – 3 lb beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
• – 4 cups beef broth, low-sodium
• – 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• – 3 cloves garlic, minced
• – 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• – 1 tsp dried thyme
• – 1 tsp salt
• – 1/2 tsp black pepper
• – 3 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
• – 6 slices white bread
• – 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)

PREPARATION

1. Begin by seasoning the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides. Place it in the slow cooker.
2. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme over the beef. Pour in the beef broth until the meat is mostly submerged.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
4. Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
5. Strain the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan to remove solids, then bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened into a gravy.
6. Return the shredded beef to the gravy, stirring to coat evenly. Keep warm until ready to serve.
7. To assemble, place a slice of white bread on each plate. Top with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, followed by a hearty portion of the beef and gravy mixture.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: 520 per serving
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 22g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

When making Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, the cut of beef you choose can make or break the dish. Opt for a chuck roast or brisket, as these cuts have enough marbling to stay juicy during long cooking times. Leaner cuts like round roast may dry out, so stick with something that benefits from slow, gentle heat to achieve that tender, shreddable texture.

Customizing Your Gravy

The gravy is the heart of this dish, and you can tweak it to your liking. For a deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of beef bouillon to the broth before cooking. If you prefer a thicker consistency, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly, but be sure to mix it with cold water first to avoid lumps.

Alternative Serving Ideas

While traditional Beef Manhattan uses white bread, you can switch things up by serving the beef and gravy over egg noodles or even rice for a twist. Some folks also enjoy it with a side of green peas or carrots to balance the richness of the meal.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

The mashed potatoes in this recipe should be creamy but sturdy enough to hold up under the beef and gravy. Use russet potatoes for the fluffiest results, and don’t skimp on butter or cream. For an extra touch, mix in a bit of garlic powder or chives to elevate the flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Keep the beef and gravy separate from the bread and potatoes in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef mixture on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Assemble fresh with new bread and potatoes for the best texture.

Freezing for Later

If you want to make a big batch of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, the beef and gravy freeze well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and prepare fresh mashed potatoes and bread when ready to serve.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use a different type of meat for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cuts like brisket or even short ribs for a richer flavor. Just ensure the meat is suitable for slow cooking to achieve that tender texture. Avoid lean cuts, as they can become tough over long cooking periods.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan gluten-free, substitute the white bread with a gluten-free bread option or serve over gluten-free noodles or rice. Also, check that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat-based ingredients. Use a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch if needed.

Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, and simmer the beef with the broth and seasonings on low heat for about 3-4 hours, or until tender. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid, adding more broth if necessary, then proceed with thickening the gravy as directed.

Savor the comforting flavors of this classic Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan dish