If you have been dreaming about a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth comfort meal that literally makes your kitchen smell like a little slice of heaven, then this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe is going to become your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of tender beef chuck slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and rich, savory broth that almost tastes like it was simmered for days, but without any fuss or rush. This one-pot wonder is not only satisfying but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You really just need a handful of wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients to create this flavorful masterpiece. Each component plays a vital role in building up the layers of deep, rich taste and that perfect slow-cooked texture everyone loves.
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy after hours in the crockpot.
- 2 medium onions, chopped: Onions add a natural sweetness and depth, melding beautifully with the beef and broth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses a warm, savory undertone that wakes up every bite.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: The liquid base that keeps everything moist and rich without overpowering the natural flavors.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: A concentrated burst of umami and a slight tang that brightens the stew.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle complexity with a blend of tangy, salty, and smoky notes.
- 2 medium carrots, chopped: Carrots bring a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Celery adds freshness and a slight crunch once cooked down, enhancing texture.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Thyme’s earthy flavor blends seamlessly with the other herbs and veggies.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate all the flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
Start by trimming off any excess fat from your beef chuck roast, then generously season each chunk with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial because it enhances the meat’s natural flavor, ensuring every bite tastes savory and well-rounded.
Step 2: Optional Searing for Extra Flavor
If you have a few minutes to spare, heat some oil in a skillet and quickly brown the beef chunks on all sides. This step isn’t mandatory but trust me, it adds a beautiful caramelized crust that deepens the overall flavor of your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe.
Step 3: Build the Vegetable Base in the Slow Cooker
Layer the chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. These vegetables create the aromatic foundation that will soften and release sweet flavors throughout the cooking time, soaking up all the beefy goodness.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Flavor-Packed Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this vibrant mixture over the layered vegetables, making sure everything is nicely coated so the flavors have room to mingle and blend.
Step 5: Add the Beef and Set the Slow Cooker
Place your seasoned (and optionally seared) beef chunks right on top of the sauce and veggie mixture. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for about 4 hours. The low-and-slow method yields the most tender, fork-ready beef that almost falls apart effortlessly.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving Prep
Once cooking is complete and your kitchen smells irresistible, taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe is now ready to be served hot, ideally over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme sprigs on top adds a vibrant pop of green and fresh herbal aroma that brightens the dish’s hearty richness. A dollop of sour cream on the side also introduces a cool creaminess that pairs perfectly with the robust flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is generously comforting on its own but can be beautifully complemented by sides like garlic mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even roasted seasonal vegetables. You want sides that soak up the savory sauce and provide a comforting balance to the tender beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual and fun presentation, serve this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe in deep bowls with a swirl of the sauce over the meat and veggies. Or invite guests to plate their own, offering mashed potatoes or noodles separately so everyone can customize their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors only get better as they rest overnight, making this a perfect meal prep winner. Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! Portion the beef, vegetables, and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for an easy, comforting dinner on the go.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind these cuts might require slightly different cooking times to achieve the perfect texture.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing is optional but highly recommended. It locks in flavor and adds a rich, caramelized depth to the dish, but if you’re short on time, it will still turn out delicious without this step.
Can I prepare this recipe in the morning and cook it all day?
Yes! One of the great things about this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe is how well it fits into a busy schedule. You can prepare everything in the morning, set your slow cooker, and come home to a ready-made, flavorful meal.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce or tamari can be good substitutes, though the flavor will be a bit different. You can also try a splash of balsamic vinegar to add complexity.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce feels too watery, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) toward the end of cooking and let it thicken for 15-20 minutes on high. This will give you a luscious, velvety sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe is truly the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out. It’s simple to put together but delivers such satisfying layers of flavor and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving a cozy solo dinner, this recipe will quickly earn a special place in your recipe rotation. Go ahead and give it a try — your slow cooker and your taste buds will thank you.
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 Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef chuck roast cooked low and slow with aromatic vegetables and flavorful seasonings. The beef is seasoned, optionally seared for extra depth, then slow-cooked in a rich tomato and beef broth-based sauce infused with smoked paprika and thyme until fork-tender. Serve it over mashed potatoes or noodles for a satisfying meal perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Beef
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Optional
- Oil for searing (if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast chunks and generously season them with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Beef (Optional): Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds additional flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Add Vegetables to Slow Cooker: Layer the chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Combine and Cook: Place the seared (or unseared) beef chunks on top of the sauce and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and infused with flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the tender beef and rich sauce over mashed potatoes or your choice of noodles for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Searing the beef is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
- Low-sodium broth helps control salt content; adjust seasoning at the end to taste.
- Leftover beef Manhattan makes great leftovers and reheats well.
- For a thicker sauce, remove beef after cooking and reduce the sauce on stovetop if desired.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or wide egg noodles for best results.
