As the beef simmers away, the anticipation builds, and I can’t help but reminisce about family gatherings where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the gravy. Each bite of this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a reminder of those cherished moments, making it not just a meal, but a heartfelt experience. If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and joy, you’ve found it!
What is Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a quintessential dish that captures the heart of American comfort food. This delightful meal hails from the Midwest, where hearty, slow-cooked dishes are a staple. The dish features tender beef chuck roast, simmered to perfection in a rich gravy, and served over toasted bread. It’s a warm embrace on a plate, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something satisfying.
The beauty of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan lies in its simplicity and the magic of slow cooking. As the beef cooks low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender, while the gravy thickens and develops a deep, savory flavor. This dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul, making it a beloved choice for family dinners and gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Hearty and satisfying flavor profile: The combination of beef, gravy, and toasted bread creates a rich and fulfilling meal.
- Effortless preparation with minimal hands-on time: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser that can feed a family with ease.
- Nutrient-rich and comforting meal option: Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a wholesome choice for any dinner table.
Who It’s For
This recipe is ideal for busy families looking for easy, satisfying meals, home cooks who appreciate comfort food, and anyone who enjoys the simplicity of slow cooking. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this dish is approachable and rewarding.
When to Cook It
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. It’s a dish that brings people together, making it a great choice for any occasion where comfort and warmth are desired.
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 slices of bread, toasted
- Optional: carrots, potatoes (for added flavor)
- In your slow cooker, place the beef chuck roast, allowing it to take center stage.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the beef, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until well blended.
- Pour this savory mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours, letting the magic happen as the beef becomes tender and the gravy thickens.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the beef, mixing it back into the rich gravy for a luscious texture.
- Serve the beef mixture generously over the toasted bread, allowing the gravy to soak in for an irresistible finish.
- Consider using stevia, monk fruit, or allulose as sugar substitutes to keep the dish diabetes-friendly.
- Avoid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, as they can significantly increase sugar content.
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for low and slow cooking that makes the beef tender and flavorful.
- Chopping board: Essential for safely preparing your vegetables and cutting the beef.
- Knife: A sharp knife will make chopping the onion and mincing the garlic a breeze.
- Mixing bowl: Use this to combine your broth, soup, and seasonings before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Forks: Two forks are perfect for shredding the beef once it’s cooked, ensuring it mixes well with the gravy.
- Use a good quality beef for better flavor: Selecting a high-quality beef chuck roast can elevate your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Look for marbling, as it adds richness and tenderness to the dish.
- Sear the beef before slow cooking for added depth: While not necessary, searing the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker can enhance the flavor profile. The caramelization creates a deeper, more complex taste that will make your gravy even more delicious.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a twist: Adding fresh or dried herbs can introduce new layers of flavor. A sprinkle of thyme or rosemary can complement the beef beautifully, making your dish uniquely yours.
After enjoying your delicious Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Don’t worry; this dish stores beautifully and can be enjoyed again! Here are some tips to ensure your meal stays fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any remaining beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its taste and texture.
- Freeze portions: If you want to save some for later, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This makes for a quick and easy meal on busy days!
- Reheat with care: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the gravy has thickened, add a splash of beef broth to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor the comforting flavors of your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan long after the initial meal. Enjoy every bite!
When making Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, it’s easy to fall into a few common traps that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for to ensure your meal turns out perfectly every time:
- Overcooking the beef can lead to dryness: While slow cooking is meant to tenderize the meat, leaving it in the cooker for too long can result in dry, stringy beef. Stick to the recommended cooking time of 8 hours on low for the best texture.
- Not seasoning enough can result in bland flavors: Seasoning is key to bringing out the rich flavors of the beef and gravy. Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and spices; taste as you go to ensure a well-seasoned dish.
- Skipping the browning step may reduce depth of flavor: Although it’s not mandatory, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can enhance the overall flavor. The caramelization adds a rich, savory depth that elevates the dish.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan that your family will love!
- Can I use other cuts of beef? Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, but chuck roast is recommended for its tenderness and flavor.
- Do I need to brown the meat before cooking? No, this recipe does not require browning the meat, but doing so can enhance the flavor and depth of the dish.
- How do I adjust cooking time for larger cuts of beef? It depends on your slow cooker; larger cuts may require additional cooking time. Always check for tenderness before serving.
I hope you’re as excited to try this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s a dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart, making it perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a go, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or any variations you come up with in the comments below. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delightful aroma of this comforting meal!
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Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and hearty dish made with tender beef and flavorful gravy, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 slices of bread, toasted
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, place the beef chuck roast.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the beef.
- In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour the mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender.
- Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks and stir it back into the gravy.
- Serve the beef mixture over toasted bread.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can include vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, Beef Manhattan Recipe