Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Comfort Food
Classic Comfort Food Beef Dishes.
Tender, slow-cooked beef and rich gravy served over mashed potatoes. The ultimate comfort food classic.
I remember my grandma making a version of this on chilly Sunday afternoons. The whole house would smell rich and beefy. My version uses the slow cooker, which honestly feels like a little secret weapon. You toss everything in, go about your day, and come back to a dinner that tastes like it took all your effort. It’s a little bit of that old-fashioned magic, just made simpler for our busy lives.
Why This Recipe Feels Like Home
- It’s a true 'set it and forget it' meal, perfect for busy days.
- The beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful from slow cooking.
- The rich, savory gravy is just heavenly.
- It fills your entire house with the most comforting aroma.
- It’s a classic, nostalgic meal that everyone loves.
Wow, this was a lifesaver on a busy weeknight! The beef was fall-apart tender, and the gravy was so flavorful. My family devoured it and asked when I was making it again. This is definitely going into our regular rotation.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking. The marbling melts down over hours, making the beef so tender and moist. Honestly, don't substitute this if you can help it.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Using low-sodium broth lets you control the saltiness of the final dish. The sauce reduces and concentrates, so starting with less salt is always a good idea.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret ingredient for that deep, savory, umami flavor. It adds a complexity that you just can't get from salt and pepper alone.
Complete Cooking Process
- Start by patting your chuck roast completely dry. This is key for getting a beautiful brown crust.
- Season it generously on all sides. Don't be shy.
- Sear the roast in a hot skillet. That browning is where so much flavor comes from. It's a step you really shouldn't skip.
- After searing, place the beef in your slow cooker.
- Sauté your onions and garlic in the same pan to pick up all those delicious bits.
- Add everything to the slow cooker, cover it, and walk away. Seriously, let it do its magic for the next 6 to 8 hours.
- Once the beef is tender, gently remove it and shred it.
- Thicken the remaining liquid right in the slow cooker with a simple cornstarch slurry. It turns into the most luscious gravy.
- Assemble your plates with bread, potatoes, beef, and a ton of that wonderful gravy. It's a beautiful sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you could use a brisket or a bottom round roast, but chuck roast is really the best for its flavor and how tender it becomes after slow cooking.
→Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors are even better the next day. Just store the beef and gravy separately or together in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
→What if my gravy isn't thick enough?
No problem. Just make another small slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a few tablespoons of cold water and whisk it in. Let it cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until it reaches the consistency you like.
→Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Serve it over mashed potatoes instead of bread, and use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. The gravy is thickened with cornstarch, which is naturally gluten-free.
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Comfort Food
Enjoy slow cooker beef manhattan, a tender and comforting classic. This easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort for a satisfying dinner.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
6-8 hours on low
Total Time
6 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 013 lb beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 022 tablespoons olive oil
- 031 teaspoon salt
- 041/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 051 large yellow onion, sliced
- 062 cloves garlic, minced
- 074 cups beef broth, low sodium
- 082 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 091 teaspoon dried thyme
- 102 bay leaves
For the Gravy
- 011/4 cup cornstarch
- 021/2 cup cold water
For Serving
- 018 slices thick-cut white or Texas toast bread
- 024 cups prepared mashed potatoes, warm
- 03Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in about 1/2 cup of the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour the onion mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Once cooked, carefully remove the beef to a cutting board and shred it with two forks. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
To make the gravy, skim any excess fat from the liquid in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and whisk until combined. Turn the slow cooker to high and let the gravy thicken for about 15-20 minutes.
To serve, place a slice of bread on each plate, top with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, then layer with the shredded beef. Ladle the rich gravy over everything and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes & Tips
- 1You can add sliced mushrooms or carrots to the slow cooker along with the onions for extra veggies and flavor.
- 2If you don't have time to make mashed potatoes, this is also wonderful served over egg noodles.
Tools You'll Need
- •6-quart slow cooker
- •Large skillet
- •Tongs
- •Whisk
- •Measuring cups and spoons
- •Small bowl
Must-Know Tips
- 💡Always sear the beef before slow cooking. It creates a depth of flavor that you can't get otherwise.
- 💡Use cold water for your cornstarch slurry. If you use warm water, the cornstarch will clump up.
- 💡Let the beef cook for the full time. Don't rush it. That long, slow cook is what makes it so tender.
Professional Secrets
- 🔥Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine to the skillet when you deglaze it. It adds a subtle brightness and complexity to the gravy.
- 🔥Tuck a sprig of fresh rosemary alongside the bay leaves in the slow cooker for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
- 🔥For an even richer gravy, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the very end after it has thickened.
Serving Suggestion
This dish is traditionally served open-faced. Start with a slice of thick bread, add a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, pile on the shredded beef, and then smother everything in that delicious gravy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers are fantastic! Store the beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the texture of the beef.
Allergy Information
This recipe contains wheat (from bread) and may contain soy (in Worcestershire sauce). Always check your ingredient labels to be safe. Serve over potatoes for a wheat-free option.
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. It's meant as a guide, not as a formal dietary recommendation.
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