Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Comfort Food Made Easy

I still recall the first time I took a bite of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. It was a chilly evening, and the aroma wafting from the kitchen drew everyone in. My mom had put together a feast that was both comforting and filling, perfect for a family gathering at home. The savory beef, the tender vegetables, and the creamy mashed potatoes created a delicious symphony of flavors. That warm dish has now become one of our household staples, simplifying busy weeknights and providing us with nourishment and joy. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Comfort Food Made Easy remains a cherished recipe that everyone loves.

What is Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a hearty, comforting dish that combines flavors of tender beef, vegetables, and rich broth all made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This recipe showcases a beautiful chuck roast that breaks down during the slow cooking process, absorbing the depths of flavor from ingredients that are tossed in along with it. Typically, it’s served over a base of creamy mashed potatoes, creating a visually appealing and fulfilling meal that warms not just your stomach but also your heart. The beauty of using a slow cooker is the convenience it brings; simply prep, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. This dish shines as a perfect family meal, ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan:

The charm of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan goes beyond its rich taste. It offers numerous benefits that make it appealing for any home cook. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

• Quick and simple to prepare
• Family-friendly meal that pleases every palate
• Great for beginners learning to navigate the kitchen
• Minimal clean-up required thanks to the one-pot cooking
• Customizable for various tastes with easy ingredient swaps
• Perfect for meal prep or leftovers that taste even better the next day

Every aspect of this dish caters to busy lifestyles while delivering comfort and warmth, making it a go-to option for families, busy professionals, or anyone who loves a good home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast

• 1 large Onion

• 3 cloves Garlic

• 3 medium Carrots

• 2 stalks Celery

• 2 medium Bell Peppers

• 4 cups Beef Broth

• 2 pounds Mashed Potatoes

• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.

2. In a slow cooker, place the beef chuck roast at the bottom. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Layer the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell peppers over the beef.

4. Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth. The liquid should cover most of the vegetables and roast.

5. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

6. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil water in a large pot, add peeled and cubed potatoes, and cook until tender.

7. Drain the potatoes and mash them with your preferred amount of butter and cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. When the beef is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Shred with two forks. If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, adding it to the broth in the slow cooker to thicken before serving.

9. Serve the shredded beef over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Spoon the delicious broth and veggies over the top for added flavor.

Pro Tips and Variations:

• For added spice, toss in some jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce while cooking.
• Experiment with different vegetables like potatoes or peas based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
• Swap beef for chicken thighs if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an additional flavor layer.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or frozen; just ensure to cool them completely before placing them in airtight containers.

These tips allow you to tailor the dish to suit your family’s preferences and dietary requirements, ensuring that it meets everyone’s tastes perfectly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

To create a beautiful meal out of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, serve it as the centerpiece of your dining table. Pair the dish alongside a fresh garden salad for a crunchy contrast, or enjoy it with some steamed green beans for added color and nutrition. A warm piece of crusty bread on the side can also be delightful, inviting everyone to soak up that delicious broth. For a complete experience, consider presenting this dish in individual bowls, allowing guests to customize each serving with extra vegetables or herbs.

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Leftovers from your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. When keeping them longer, consider freezing the dish, which can extend its life up to three months. To reheat, place the desired amount in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. Heat on low on the stove or on medium in the microwave until warmed through. Aim to enjoy the flavors of this dish within the recommended storage times for the best texture and taste.

Nutrition Information

While the precise nutritional profile will vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes, generally, a serving of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan consists of:

• Calories: Approximately 450-600
• Protein: 40-50 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-50 grams
• Fiber: 3-5 grams

This dish serves as a well-rounded meal, rich in protein from the beef and providing essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Enjoying it with mashed potatoes gives it a hearty, satisfying quality.

FAQs Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute other cuts like brisket or round steak. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the cut you choose.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply place them in the slow cooker and let it do the work.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for the oven by placing everything in a Dutch oven. Cook at 325°F for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender.

How can I thicken the sauce?
Mixing cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the slow cooker is an effective way to thicken the sauce towards the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Comfort Food Made Easy is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to bring your family together over a hearty meal. The convenience of preparation and the delightful flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating this beloved dish. Try this recipe and share your experience with others; there’s nothing quite like the comfort of home-cooked meals to warm the heart.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

A hearty and comforting dish that features tender beef slow-cooked with vegetables and served over creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 525

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Ideal cut for slow cooking, tender and flavorful.
• 1 large Onion Chopped for flavor.
• 3 cloves Garlic Minced for enhanced taste.
• 3 medium Carrots Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• 2 stalks Celery Chopped for added crunch and flavor.
• 2 medium Bell Peppers Chopped; any color can be used.
• 4 cups Beef Broth Must cover the beef and vegetables.
• 2 pounds Mashed Potatoes To serve under the beef; prepared before serving.
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch To thicken the broth before serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.

Cooking

1. Place the beef chuck roast at the bottom of a slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Layer the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell peppers over the beef.
3. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring it covers most of the vegetables and roast.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, boil water in a large pot, add peeled and cubed potatoes, and cook until tender.
6. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. When the beef is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
8. If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and add it to the broth to thicken.
9. Serve the shredded beef over mashed potatoes and spoon the broth and veggies over the top.

Notes

For variation, consider using different vegetables or meats. Leftovers can be stored for up to three days in the fridge or frozen for three months.