If you are looking for a comforting and hearty meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas, the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is an absolute game-changer. This dish features tender chunks of beef chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection with caramelized onions, fragrant herbs, and a rich, savory gravy. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a classic, soul-satisfying dinner.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of rich flavor, from the succulent beef to the aromatic herbs and smooth, thickened gravy that ties everything together. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks: Perfectly marbled for tenderness and rich beef flavor after slow cooking.

2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced: Sautéed until golden to bring sweetness and depth.
2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Adds a flavorful base while keeping sodium levels in check.

4 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a fragrant punch without overpowering the dish.
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami complexity and a hint of tanginess.

1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried): Adds earthy, slightly minty notes that complement beef beautifully.
1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried): Infuses the dish with warmth and pine-like aroma.
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water: A simple slurry to thicken the gravy to silky perfection.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into 2-inch chunks; this size ensures the meat stays juicy during cooking. Mince the garlic finely to release its fragrance. These prep steps set a solid foundation for your dish’s bold flavors.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a skillet, sauté the thinly sliced onions in a little oil over medium heat until they turn golden brown and tender. This caramelization unlocks the natural sweetness of the onions, which balances the savory components later. Add the minced garlic last and cook just until fragrant, so it doesn’t burn and become bitter.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer your beautifully sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker. Next, add the chunks of beef, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the thyme and rosemary. This layering not only helps flavors meld but also ensures the beef is surrounded by aromatic liquid to become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set the heat to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Slow cooking allows the connective tissues in the beef to break down gradually, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The fragrances of herbs and beef slowly meld into a rich, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

When the beef is fork-tender, carefully remove the chunks from the slow cooker. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the remaining liquid in the slow cooker and cook on high or transfer to a stovetop pan, stirring until the gravy thickens to a luscious consistency. This step transforms the broth into a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the beef.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the tender beef chunks to the thickened gravy, gently stirring to coat. Your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is now ready to be served hot – a comforting stew with rich, deep flavors that make every bite special.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Garnishes

To elevate your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top. The fresh green color brightens the plate and adds a subtle herbal note that complements the rosemary and thyme perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious gravy beautifully. Alternatively, crusty bread is a fantastic choice for sopping up every last bit of the sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a vibrant and fresh contrast to the hearty beef.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, serve the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan over a bed of buttery egg noodles or creamy polenta. You can also transform it into a savory pie filling by placing the beef and gravy inside puff pastry, baking it until golden for an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making leftovers highly satisfying.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 3 months. Be sure to slightly under-thicken the gravy before freezing, then adjust thickness when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat to prevent the beef from drying out. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce thickens too much, and stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, other cuts like brisket or round roast can work too. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may require careful cooking to avoid dryness.

Is it necessary to sauté the onions and garlic first?

Sautéing onions and garlic beforehand adds depth and sweetness that can’t be matched by adding them raw. This step is highly recommended to maximize flavor.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme and rosemary?

Yes, dried herbs work just fine. Use half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh; their concentrated flavor means a little goes a long way.

How thick should the gravy be?

The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Adjust thickness by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry or simmering longer if needed.

What are the best side dishes to serve with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?

Classic mashed potatoes are always a winner for soaking up the gravy. Crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or buttery egg noodles are also excellent companions that round out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan that feels like home in every bite. Its rich flavors, tender meat, and effortless preparation make it a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Grab your slow cooker and give this warming dish a try – I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite comfort food classics.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Lila

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chunks of beef chuck roast slow-cooked with caramelized onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs in a rich beef broth gravy. Perfectly thickened with cornstarch, this savory stew is traditionally served over creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread, making it a cozy meal for any day.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Aromatics

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)

Thickening Agent

2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Slice the beef chuck roast into 2-inch chunks. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Assemble in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Layer the beef chunks on top, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle the fresh thyme and rosemary evenly over the ingredients.

Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with a lid. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Thicken Gravy: Once the beef is cooked, remove the chunks from the slow cooker and set aside briefly. Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker liquid. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the gravy has thickened to a saucy consistency.
Combine and Serve: Return the beef chunks to the thickened gravy, coat well, and serve hot. This dish is excellent over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and allow adjusting seasoning later.
Caramelizing the onions adds a rich, sweet depth to the gravy.
Fresh herbs provide vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well as substitutes.

For a gluten-free option, confirm cornstarch and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free thickener and tamari respectively.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Category: Main Course, Stew
Method: Slow Cooker

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal

Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 15 g

Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g

Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g

Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, beef chuck roast stew, slow cooker beef recipe, comforting beef stew, beef gravy recipe