Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dining table. This recipe showcases tender beef chuck roast simmered with sweet onions, garlic, and carrots in a savory gravy. It’s ideal for busy weeknights and family gatherings, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy precious moments with your loved ones while the flavors meld together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, this recipe allows you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
- Flavorful and Rich: The combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatic vegetables creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal: You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
- Family-Friendly: This hearty meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Skillet (optional)
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool allows for low and slow cooking, ensuring the beef becomes tender and infused with flavor.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and mincing garlic quick and easy, saving you time in preparation.

Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 medium sweet onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (optional), diced
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the beef chuck roast into 2-inch cubes.
- Chop the sweet onions and mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Sear the Beef (Optional)
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides for enhanced flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- Place seared beef in the slow cooker along with chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes (if using), dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and enough beef broth to cover everything.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours or high for around 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- If desired, thicken gravy using a cornstarch slurry for a richer texture.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan served over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting meal that warms both body and soul!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Serving Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a comforting meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish at your dinner table.
Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for the savory beef and gravy, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
With Egg Noodles
- Serve the beef over tender egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. The noodles will complement the gravy nicely.
Accompanied by Fresh Bread
- Offer slices of warm, crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping into the flavorful gravy.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your serving with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. This adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor profile.
Paired with Steamed Vegetables
- Include a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious balance to your meal. The bright colors make for an appealing plate.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
To ensure your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Meat: Select a well-marbled beef chuck roast for maximum tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- Sear for Flavor: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can enhance the overall taste of your dish.
- Adjust Liquid Levels: Ensure there’s enough broth to cover the ingredients but not too much that it becomes soupy.
- Season Well: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; you can always add salt or herbs as needed.
- Thicken Gravy Wisely: Use cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired gravy consistency; mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the pot.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving lets flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent choices:
-
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes with hints of garlic offer a delicious contrast to the robust flavors of the beef. -
Buttered Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn adds a burst of sweetness and pairs well with savory dishes like beef manhattan. -
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a nutty flavor that complements the richness of the beef. -
Coleslaw
A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the hearty dish nicely. -
Baked Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with savory beef. -
Sautéed Green Beans
Crisp-tender green beans tossed in olive oil make for a simple yet elegant side that enhances any plate. -
Cauliflower Rice
This low-carb alternative absorbs flavors well and is an excellent way to lighten up your meal. -
Creamed Spinach
Rich and creamy spinach offers a luxurious touch that pairs wonderfully with beef manhattan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Not browning the beef – Skipping the searing step can lead to less flavor. Always brown the beef in a skillet for richer taste.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker – Filling the cooker beyond capacity can prevent proper cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for steam and heat circulation.
- Using low-quality broth – A poor quality broth can result in bland flavors. Opt for a good-quality low-sodium beef broth for depth and richness.
- Ignoring vegetable size – Cutting vegetables too large or too small affects cooking time. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cooking too long on high – Cooking on high can make meat tough. For best results, cook on low for a tender texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in an airtight container.
- It is best consumed within 3-4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label containers with the date; best used within 2-3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover in foil; heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
- Stovetop – Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting dish made from tender beef chuck roast simmered with sweet onions, garlic, and carrots in a rich gravy.
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, you can use cuts like brisket or round roast if you prefer. Just ensure they have enough marbling for tenderness when cooked.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or adjust herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.
How do I thicken the gravy?
To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce during the last hour of cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a hearty meal that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Customize with your favorite veggies and herbs to make it uniquely yours!

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is the ultimate comfort food that transforms everyday ingredients into a savory masterpiece. This dish features tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked with sweet onions, garlic, and vibrant carrots, all enveloped in a rich and flavorful gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this hearty meal allows you to savor quality time with loved ones while it cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. With its easy preparation and delightful taste, Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 medium sweet onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes (optional), diced
Instructions
- Cut the beef chuck roast into 2-inch cubes. Chop the sweet onions and mince the garlic.
- Optional: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides.
- Place the seared beef in the slow cooker along with the chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced potatoes (if using), dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and enough beef broth to cover everything.
- Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours or high for around 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving. If desired, thicken gravy using a cornstarch slurry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or green beans. Ensure you use quality low-sodium beef broth for a robust taste. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.