If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, look no further than Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. This cozy classic brings tender chunks of beef, savory vegetables, and a rich, velvety sauce together in a dish that practically makes itself. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a chilly evening or need a fuss-free weekend dinner, Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan never fails to impress with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and hearty homestyle taste.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, every single ingredient has its own important job, contributing to a symphony of flavors and textures. These pantry-friendly staples come together easily, letting the slow cooker work its magic to create a dish that tastes like you put in hours of work.

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks: Perfect for slow simmering, chuck roast turns beautifully tender and soaks up every ounce of flavor.
2 medium onions, chopped: These add sweetness and depth, practically melting into the sauce as they cook down.
4 cloves garlic, minced: For an aroma that’ll have everyone peeking into the kitchen, plus a gentle bite to the beef.
2 cups low-sodium beef broth: The savory foundation that keeps the beef juicy and rich without being too salty.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Lends the final sauce that little bit of tang and a pop of gorgeous color.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami and just a touch of old-school steakhouse flair to the dish.
2 medium carrots, chopped: For subtle sweetness and lovely pops of color throughout.
2 stalks celery, chopped: Offers freshness and a gentle, earthy flavor.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings warmth and subtle smokiness, making the sauce unforgettable.
1 tsp dried thyme: Offers herbaceous notes that round out the slow-cooked beef beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the lovely flavors and seasoning the beef just right.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Start by trimming away any excess fat from your beef chuck roast and cutting it into hearty chunks. Season generously with salt and pepper. If you’ve got a spare minute or two, this simple step ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful right from the start!

Step 2: Optional Sear for More Flavor

For even more flavor, heat a splash of oil in a skillet and quickly sear each chunk of beef until they’re browned on all sides. This helps lock in their juices and adds a caramelized layer to the final Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Don’t skip this part if you want that deep, rich taste!

Step 3: Layer the Vegetables

In your slow cooker, scatter the chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery as the bottom layer. This acts almost like a flavor bed, infusing the meat from beneath as it slowly cooks and softens.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and a pinch more salt and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Pour this savory blend over the vegetable layer, ensuring everything starts mingling right away.

Step 5: Add the Beef and Slow Cook

Nestle your seasoned (and seared, if you went the extra mile!) beef chunks on top of the veggies and sauce in the slow cooker. Cover tightly and cook on low for 8 hours or, if you’re pressed for time, on high for 4 hours. When the beef easily shreds with a fork, it’s ready and waiting for your next move!

Step 6: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

Give your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan a final taste just before serving. Adjust the seasonings if you like, then spoon the tender beef and luscious sauce over a mountain of fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Garnishes

Finish your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness, or dot each plate with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy edge. Even a crisp crack of black pepper or a drizzle of extra Worcestershire gets rave reviews. These little touches make your dish pop on the plate!

Side Dishes

This dish is especially delicious when served over buttery mashed potatoes, but you can also ladle it onto wide egg noodles or even thick slices of crusty bread. Pair it with a fresh green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus to balance out that deep, meaty richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to keep things fun and unexpected, try making Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan open-faced sandwiches or serve it in individual ramekins as a rustic, cozy entrée at your next dinner party. For an extra-special twist, pile the beef and sauce into baked puff pastry shells or serve them over crispy, oven-baked fries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is pure gold for busy weeknights. Allow the dish to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, staying just as tender and flavorful with each passing day.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes beautifully! Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date, and your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan will be delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to keep everything heated evenly. Either way, the flavors deepen as they rest, making leftovers utterly irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

While beef chuck roast is the classic for this recipe, other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or round roast also work well. Just make sure the beef is well-marbled, so it stays tender and flavorful after hours in the slow cooker.

Is it necessary to sear the beef first?

Searing the beef is optional, but highly recommended for a deeper, richer taste and a more appealing color. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, and the dish will still be delicious!

Can I add potatoes or other vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms for extra heartiness. Just keep in mind that very soft vegetables may overcook if left in the slow cooker all day, so cut them into larger chunks.

What if my sauce is too thin after cooking?

If the sauce is thinner than you prefer, transfer it to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes on the stove to reduce, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken to your liking.

Can I double the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe?

You sure can! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, and extend the cooking time as needed until the beef is meltingly tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about coming home to a pot of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan—its comforting embrace of flavors, tender beef, and soul-soothing sauce are just what you need on any day. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a truly remarkable, hands-off dinner you’ll want to make again and again!

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 4-8 hours
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe that is easy to prepare and yields tender, juicy beef in a rich sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Instructions

Trim and Season Beef: Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast and season with salt and pepper.
Sear Beef (Optional): Heat oil in a skillet and sear beef chunks until browned on all sides.
Prepare Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, layer chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Mix Sauce: Whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper; pour over vegetables.
Add Beef: Place seared beef on top of the sauce mixture. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until fork-tender.
Final Touch: Adjust seasoning if needed before serving over mashed potatoes or noodles.

Notes

You can add mushrooms for extra flavor.
This dish freezes well for future meals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, Beef Chuck Roast Recipe, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker Recipe