Tender, slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth, nestled on toasted bread and smothered in a rich, savory gravy – this is the essence of pure comfort food. This Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe delivers that experience with minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
What makes this dish special is the long, slow cooking process. It transforms a humble cut of beef into something incredibly tender, while the combination of beef broth, diced tomatoes, and herbs creates a deeply flavorful gravy. Served over toasted bread, it’s a complete and comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The aroma alone will have your family gathering around the table, eager for a taste of this classic Midwestern dish.
Why you’ll love this Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Effortless comfort food: Let your slow cooker do the work!
- Deep, rich flavor: The slow cooking process intensifies the savory taste.
- Incredibly tender beef: The chuck roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Minimal prep time: Spend just 15 minutes preparing the ingredients.
- Perfect for chilly evenings: Warm up with this hearty and satisfying meal.
- This slow cooker beef manhattan recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 6 slices of white bread, toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Slow cooker beef manhattan makes every moment feel lush. For a richer flavor, consider using a high-quality beef broth. You can substitute dried Italian seasoning for the thyme and rosemary if needed. Use gluten-free bread to cater to dietary restrictions. Looking for another beef dish? Check out these spicy garlic beef croquettes!
How to make Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
Chef’s Tip: Searing the beef adds a depth of flavor to the final dish. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; sear in batches to ensure proper browning.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Pour the beef broth and diced tomatoes over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the sliced carrots, sliced celery, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
To serve, place a slice of toasted bread on each plate. Spoon the beef and gravy generously over the toast. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the searing step! It adds so much flavor to the beef.
- Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt and pepper as needed.
- Make sure the cornstarch slurry is smooth before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps.
Serving Suggestions
This Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a side salad or steamed green beans. For a heartier meal, consider adding a scoop of mashed potatoes alongside. You can also try a side of roasted vegetables. This dish pairs well with a simple iced tea or lemonade. If you are looking for another slow cooker beef recipe, check out this Slow Cooker Pot Roast from Fork Haven.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this?
Yes, you can freeze the beef and gravy. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, you can also use a brisket or shoulder roast. The key is to choose a cut of beef that is well-marbled with fat, as this will help keep it moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as potatoes, mushrooms, or parsnips. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
This Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is the perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender beef, rich gravy, and toasted bread create a truly satisfying and unforgettable meal. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this slow cooker beef Manhattan recipe. Tender, slow-cooked beef nestled on toasted bread and smothered in a rich, savory gravy is the perfect meal for a chilly evening. This effortless recipe delivers incredible flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture with minimal prep time. Enjoy the comforting, homestyle taste of beef Manhattan without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma alone will have your family gathering around the table, eager for a taste of this classic Midwestern dish.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 6 slices of white bread, toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef broth and diced tomatoes over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the sliced carrots, sliced celery, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- To serve, place a slice of toasted bread on each plate. Spoon the beef and gravy generously over the toast. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use red grape juice instead of some of the beef broth. You can also add a bay leaf to the slow cooker for extra depth, but remember to remove it before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg