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There’s truly nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan delivers just that—tender, fall-apart shredded beef bathed in a rich, savory sauce. It’s all served atop creamy mashed potatoes and toasted garlic bread, a delightful combination. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out perfectly.
I find myself turning to this recipe time and time again. It is especially useful when I need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always gets rave reviews. The aroma filling the house as it cooks is simply irresistible.
Why I Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a weeknight savior!
It’s incredibly easy to prepare, too. Minimal hands-on time is needed. The slow cooker works all the hard magic.
You get unbelievably tender beef. Plus, it’s a complete comfort meal. It’s satisfying and impressive. Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining!
The magic of this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan truly lies in its simplicity. It’s amazing how a few stellar ingredients create something so special. This dish is a symphony of savory flavors and tender textures. It all comes together with minimal effort on your part.
- Beef Chuck Roast: This cut shines as the star. It offers rich flavor. This beef becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Onion Soup Mix: This provides a convenient way to add a deep base. It’s savory and aromatic for the beef.
- Brown Gravy Mix: This mix thickens the liquid beautifully. It creates a luscious sauce. It just enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Red Wine Vinegar: A touch of acidity brightens everything. It balances the rich flavors wonderfully. This also helps tenderize the meat.
Substitutions and Tips
For an extra layer of delicious flavor, consider adding a bay leaf. A fresh sprig of thyme works wonders too. Just pop them into the slow cooker. If red wine vinegar isn’t in your pantry, apple cider vinegar is a great swap. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also work. Want a richer sauce? Whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix it with a bit of water. Do this in the last 30 minutes of cooking on high. This will thicken it up perfectly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Let’s get this easy beef recipe going! It’s really straightforward.
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place your beef chuck roast pieces into your slow cooker. Try to arrange them in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly.
Add the Flavor Base
Sprinkle the onion soup mix all over the beef. Then, add the brown gravy mix. Pour the red wine vinegar over the top of everything. This simple mix creates a fantastic savory base for your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan.
Slow Cook to Perfection
Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to low for a good 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, cook it on high for about 4 hours. Your beef should be incredibly tender. It should shred easily with a fork when done.
Shred the Beef
Carefully take the cooked beef out. Place it onto a cutting board. Grab two forks. Use them to easily shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. This makes it perfect for layering.
Assemble Your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Time to build your delicious meal! Put your prepared garlic toast on plates first. Add a nice scoop of mashed potatoes on top of the toast. Finally, generously pile the shredded beef and its amazing au jus over the potatoes. Your ultimate comfort food is ready!
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Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker recipe for Beef Manhattan, featuring tender shredded beef served over mashed potatoes and garlic toast.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 6 to 8 slices prepared garlic toast
Instructions
- Place the chuck roast pieces into a 4-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix and brown gravy mix over the roast. Pour the red wine vinegar over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Shred the beef with two forks.
- To assemble: On a plate, place the toast. Add a layer of the mashed potatoes on the toast and top with the beef and au jus.
How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Having delicious leftovers of your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a treat. Store any extra portions in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, try to store the shredded beef and its savory sauce separately. Keep the mashed potatoes and garlic toast apart too. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently. You can use the stovetop or microwave until it’s heated through. This way, you get to savor this comforting meal more than once!
Tips for Success
- Use a good quality beef chuck roast. This ensures the most tender results.
- Resist lifting the lid while the slow cooker works. Doing so releases heat. It also prolongs the cooking time.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. The soup and gravy mixes can add saltiness.
- If the sauce feels too thin, thicken it. A simple cornstarch slurry works wonders.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A Slow Cooker (4-quart size or larger works best).
- Two Forks are essential for easily shredding the beef.
- A sturdy Cutting Board is handy for preparation.
- A sharp Knife is optional, useful for trimming fat.
- Serving Spoons make plating simple and neat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside steamed green beans for a fresh contrast. A simple side salad also works nicely.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This makes your beef dish look and taste even better.
- Pair this hearty meal with a robust red wine. A crisp ale also complements the flavors wonderfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally prep the beef mixture in the slow cooker a day before. Just let it cool completely. Then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on the warm setting. This makes assembly later super quick!
What kind of beef is best for this recipe?
Beef chuck roast is truly ideal for this dish. Its wonderful marbling makes it incredibly tender. Plus, it’s packed with flavor when cooked slowly. Other tougher cuts like brisket or bottom round can also work. Just be ready to adjust the cooking time a bit.
How can I make the sauce thicker if needed?
If your sauce seems a bit thin after cooking, don’t worry! Make a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 30 minutes. It should be perfectly thickened by then.
