Beef Manhattan Slow Cooker: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Beef Manhattan Slow Cooker: Prepare to be transported back to a simpler time with a dish that embodies comfort food at its finest! Imagine tender, slow-cooked beef, meltingly soft and draped in a rich, savory gravy, all nestled atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

Beef Manhattan, a classic American comfort food, has its roots in the bustling restaurants of New York City. While its exact origins are debated, the dish gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for fueling busy city dwellers. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

What makes Beef Manhattan Slow Cooker so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The fork-tender beef, infused with the deep, savory notes of the gravy, contrasts beautifully with the smooth, comforting mashed potatoes. And let’s be honest, who can resist the convenience of a slow cooker meal? Simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it – come home to a delicious, home-cooked dinner that’s ready to enjoy. It’s the ultimate in effortless comfort food!

Ingredients:

• For the Beef:
• 3 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
• 1 Bay Leaf
• For the Gravy:
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Beef Broth (reserved from the slow cooker)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• For Serving:
• Mashed Potatoes, prepared according to your favorite recipe
• Bread, toasted or grilled (optional)
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Beef:

1. First, we need to get that chuck roast ready for its slow cooker adventure! Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear, which adds tons of flavor.
2. Season the roast generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to build a flavorful base.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering hot, but not smoking.
4. Sear the beef roast on all sides until nicely browned. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. The browning process, also known as the Maillard reaction, is key to developing a rich, savory flavor in the final dish. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if your roast is too large, sear it in batches.
5. Once the roast is beautifully browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Building the Flavor Base in the Slow Cooker:

1. In the same skillet (don’t wash it! All those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Transfer the softened onions and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker.
4. Place the seared beef roast on top of the onion and garlic mixture in the slow cooker.
5. Pour the beef broth and diced tomatoes (undrained) over the roast.
6. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking the Beef:

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be incredibly tender and easily shreddable with a fork when it’s done.
2. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
3. Shred the beef using two forks.
4. Set the shredded beef aside and cover it to keep it warm.

Making the Gravy:

1. Carefully pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a fat separator. If you don’t have a fat separator, you can use a spoon to skim off the excess fat from the surface of the liquid.
2. Reserve 1 cup of the defatted cooking liquid (beef broth) for the gravy.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the gravy.
5. Gradually whisk in the reserved 1 cup of beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
6. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until it has thickened to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Prepare your favorite mashed potatoes according to your recipe. I personally love using Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy and buttery texture.
2. Place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate.
3. Top the mashed potatoes with a portion of the shredded beef.
4. Ladle the gravy generously over the beef and mashed potatoes.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! You can also serve this with toasted or grilled bread for dipping into the gravy.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetable Boost: Add chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker along with the onions and garlic for a heartier meal.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for a little heat.
• Wine Addition: Add 1/2 cup of dry red wine to the slow cooker for a richer, more complex flavor. Add it after searing the beef and before adding the beef broth.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or bay leaf, to customize the flavor profile.
• Thickening the Gravy: If your gravy isn’t thick enough, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the gravy and cook for another minute or two until thickened.
• Make Ahead: The beef can be cooked in the slow cooker a day ahead of time. Shred the beef and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat the beef in the gravy before serving.
• Freezing: Leftover Beef Manhattan can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store the beef and gravy separately in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a complete and balanced meal.
• Offer a crusty bread for soaking up the delicious gravy.
• A simple green salad complements the richness of the Beef Manhattan.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Beef Manhattan recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The slow cooker method ensures that the beef is incredibly tender and flavorful. The gravy is rich and savory, and the mashed potatoes provide a creamy and comforting base. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a truly unforgettable meal. Plus, it’s relatively hands-off, making it a great option for busy weeknights. You can prep everything in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.

Troubleshooting:

• Beef is Tough: If your beef is still tough after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking it in the slow cooker until it is easily shreddable with a fork. Cooking times can vary depending on the slow cooker and the size of the roast.
• Gravy is Too Thin: If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and cooking for another minute or two until thickened.
• Gravy is Too Thick: If your gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more beef broth or water.
• Flavor is Bland: If the flavor of the Beef Manhattan is bland, add more salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs to taste.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Per serving, without mashed potatoes or bread. This is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g

Enjoy this hearty and comforting Beef Manhattan! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Beef Manhattan Slow Cooker recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. I know, I know, there are a million slow cooker recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The rich, savory gravy, the tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and the comforting mashed potatoes all come together in a symphony of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

What makes this dish a must-try? It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness. You get that home-cooked, comfort food feeling without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other things while a hearty and satisfying meal practically cooks itself. Plus, the ingredients are readily available and budget-friendly, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve outlined my favorite way to serve it – piled high on creamy mashed potatoes – the possibilities are endless. For a lighter option, try serving the beef and gravy over cauliflower mash or polenta. You could even shred the beef and use it as a filling for hearty sandwiches or sliders. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a splash of red wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker for an even deeper, more complex flavor.

Speaking of variations, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. While I’ve kept it classic with carrots and celery, you could easily add mushrooms, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist. And if you’re a fan of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will add a welcome kick.

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic: Served over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of steamed green beans.
* Lighter: Served over cauliflower mash or polenta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
* Sandwiches: Shredded beef piled high on toasted rolls with a dollop of horseradish sauce.
* Party Style: Mini sliders with a side of coleslaw.

Variations:

* Wine Infusion: Add 1/2 cup of red wine to the slow cooker for a richer flavor.
* Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
* Vegetable Medley: Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
* Herbaceous: Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to the slow cooker for an aromatic boost.

I truly believe that this Beef Manhattan Slow Cooker recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, creates lasting memories, and leaves everyone feeling warm and satisfied.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible recipe. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, comments, and suggestions in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this Beef Manhattan Slow Cooker recipe as much as I do!

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