If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically melts in your mouth, then this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a classic dish redefined by slow cooking, turning tender chunks of beef chuck roast into a luscious stew packed with savory flavors from rich beef broth, smoky paprika, and the subtle sweetness of tomato paste and aromatic herbs. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and depth, delivering a soulful meal that warms both your hands and heart on any day you make it. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or someone who loves set-it-and-forget-it recipes, this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a surprisingly straightforward list of ingredients, each chosen carefully to enhance every bite with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. From the meaty richness of beef chuck to the aromatic blend of herbs and the earthy crunch of vegetables, these components come together beautifully in your slow cooker.

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks: Provides tender, flavorful meat that breaks down beautifully while slow cooking.
2 medium onions, chopped: Adds a sweet, caramelized depth that forms the base of the stew’s flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Offers punchy, aromatic notes that brighten the dish.
2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Creates the rich, savory sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang and deep umami for a complex stew flavor.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings a nuanced, slightly smoky sharpness that enhances the meat.
2 medium carrots, chopped: Infuses sweetness and texture, balancing the savory elements.
2 stalks celery, chopped: Adds freshness and a slight crunch that complements the softness of the beef.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky warmth that makes the flavor profile more interesting.
1 tsp dried thyme: Imparts herbal earthiness, harmonizing all the ingredients.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors to life.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef chuck roast and seasoning the chunks generously with salt and pepper. This seasoning is your first step to ensuring rich flavor in every bite. If you have time and want to add extra depth, sear the beef chunks quickly in a hot skillet with a little oil until browned on all sides. This takes the flavors to a whole new level by locking in juices and creating a caramelized crust.

Step 2: Layer the Vegetables

Place the chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery into the bottom of your slow cooker. These veggies act as a delicious bed for your beef, releasing natural sweetness and aroma as they cook slowly to tender perfection.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Pour this rich, flavorful mixture evenly over your vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring every bite gets a taste of the silky sauce.

Step 4: Add the Beef and Cook

Carefully place the seasoned (and seared, if you chose to) beef chunks on top of the sauce and vegetable mixture. Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4 hours, until the beef is irresistibly tender and easy to shred with a fork. The slow cooking process is key to developing those deep, cozy flavors.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving Prep

Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust your seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe is now ready to be spooned over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for the ultimate comfort plate.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that lifts the dish. A light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving gives an extra touch of spice and makes the presentation pop on your plate.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or egg noodles, both perfect for soaking up every bit of the luscious gravy. For some added greens, a simple side of sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts adds crunch and balances the richness of the beef.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe in a rustic bread bowl for a fun twist that doubles as an edible side. Or, for a casual gathering, spoon the beef over a bed of fluffy polenta or creamy grits to change it up. Either way, the hearty stew will be the star of the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Let the stew cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. It keeps well for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic meal prep option when you want something ready to heat and eat.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef instead of chuck roast?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness after long cooking times, other tougher cuts like brisket or round can also work, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Do I have to brown the beef before slow cooking?

It’s optional but highly recommended. Browning adds a savory depth and enhances the overall flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time or prefer an easier prep.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes with a natural release. Adjust liquid amounts slightly if needed.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar can mimic its savory tang, or just omit it and slightly increase the tomato paste for richness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth labels as some brands contain gluten additives.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and soul-warming flavor that anyone can make with just everyday ingredients. It’s an ideal dish to let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy life, coming home to a meal that feels like a warm hug. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become a beloved classic in your kitchen rotation, just like it is in mine!

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

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4.3 from 58 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef chuck roast slowly cooked with aromatic vegetables and a rich tomato-based broth. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it combines the deep flavors of beef, garlic, and herbs, creating a deliciously saucy main course that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
2 medium onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and season the chunks generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor during cooking.
Sear the beef (optional): Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. This step adds depth to the beef’s flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Layer the vegetables in the slow cooker: Place the chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful bed for the beef.
Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered vegetables.
Add the beef and cook: Place the seared (or unseared) beef chunks on top of the sauce and vegetable base. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the beef and sauce hot over creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor but is optional if you are short on time.
Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
This recipe can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen when allowed to rest overnight in the refrigerator.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American