This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is all about tender beef and rich gravy, served over delicious mashed potatoes. It’s a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how easy this is. Just pop everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you relax! Who doesn’t love a hassle-free dinner? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with beef brisket or round roast. Just remember, these might not be as moist!
Onion Soup Mix: This adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re avoiding processed foods, try using your own mix of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a little salt.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you prefer a healthier option, homemade mushroom soup can be made by blending cooked mushrooms and broth. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead.
Beef Broth: Using low-sodium broth gives you more control over salt, but feel free to stick with what you have at home! Vegetable broth works too if you’re looking for a non-meat option.
White Bread: While traditional, you can switch to whole grain or even gluten-free bread if needed. Toasting the bread adds a nice crunch!
How Can I Make Sure My Beef is Extra Tender?
Getting melt-in-your-mouth beef is all about cooking it right. Here are my tips for success:
- Cut the beef into chunky pieces, ensuring they are about the same size for uniform cooking.
- Season well with salt and pepper before adding the other ingredients. Don’t skip this step!
- Cook on low for a longer time (8-10 hours) to reach maximum tenderness. The flavors will also deepen beautifully.
- Once done, let the beef sit in the gravy after shredding. This helps soak up all the delicious sauce.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 envelope (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed beef broth or au jus gravy
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- 1 loaf white bread, cut into slices (to serve)
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes on prep. Then, let the slow cooker do the work for about 8-10 hours on low, or 4-6 hours on high. After that, you’ll have a scrumptious and comforting meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by placing the beef chunks in your slow cooker. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Add Vegetables:
Next, layer the sliced onion and smashed garlic over the beef. These will add fantastic flavor as they cook together.
3. Mix the Soup Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, condensed beef broth (or au jus gravy), and the water or beef broth. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the soup mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker. Make sure the beef is mostly covered to soak up all the delicious flavors.
5. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You want the beef to be very tender and shred easily.
6. Shred the Beef:
Once it’s cooked, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir it well with the gravy to coat all the pieces.
7. Serve:
For serving, take thick slices of white bread and place them on each plate. Put a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes on top, followed by the tender beef and gravy mixture.
8. Garnish:
Finish off by garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs for a lovely touch of aroma.
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting classic Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan with family or friends! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that these might require slightly different cooking times and may not be as rich in flavor.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and then pop it into the slow cooker in the morning. Just increase the initial cooking time a little to ensure everything heats through properly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the beef and gravy mixture for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Should I Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?
This dish is delicious served over mashed potatoes, but you can also try it with rice or on a bed of creamy polenta for a different spin. It’s also great with steamed vegetables on the side!
