Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan dish with tender beef and savory gravy

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a cozy and comforting dish, perfect for busy days. It combines tender chunks of beef with rich gravy, served over fluffy mashed potatoes. This recipe is easy to prepare and allows you to let the slow cooker do most of the work. Whether you are feeding a family or looking for leftovers, it satisfies everyone's hunger. Plus, the garlic bread on the side adds a nice touch. Making this dish means you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Making Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is simple. Here's how you can prepare it.

Ingredients:

2 to 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
1 packet onion soup mix
1 packet brown gravy mix
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
6 to 8 slices prepared garlic bread

Directions:

Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into large 2 to 3-inch chunks. This size helps the meat cook evenly and become tender.
Place the beef chunks in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the onion soup mix and brown gravy mix evenly over the meat. This adds a lot of flavor.
Pour the apple cider vinegar over the seasoned beef. The vinegar helps to tenderize the meat and gives it a good taste.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The beef should become fork-tender when it's done.
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the mashed potatoes according to the package directions and warm up the garlic bread.
Serve the beef and gravy over the mashed potatoes, just like putting icing on a cake. Place the garlic bread on the side. For extra tastiness, you can brown the beef chunks in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. If you want to thicken the gravy, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan hot. Spoon the tender beef and gravy over a generous helping of mashed potatoes. Place the garlic bread on the side for dipping or eating alongside. This meal is filling, so a small salad or some steamed vegetables can make a good addition if you want something lighter.

How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Place the beef, gravy, and mashed potatoes in separate containers if possible. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stove. You can also freeze the beef and gravy for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

For extra flavor, you can brown the beef chunks in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
Mix in some veggies like carrots or peas for a complete meal.
If you want to make the gravy richer, add a splash of beef broth or red wine.
Use fresh garlic bread instead of prepared for a homemade touch.
If you want a thicker gravy, remember to use the cornstarch slurry mentioned in the directions.

Variation

You can try using other cuts of beef like brisket or round roast if you prefer. Additionally, you could switch the mashed potatoes with egg noodles or rice for a different texture. If you want to make it lighter, use cauliflower mash instead of traditional mashed potatoes.

FAQs

1. Can I cook this recipe overnight?
Yes, cooking it overnight on LOW can work. Just be sure to leave it on the warm setting once it's done, so it stays safe to eat.

2. What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
You can use white vinegar or red wine vinegar as alternatives. They will provide a different flavor but will still work well.

3. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef before cooking. This will give it a nice kick.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting and easy recipe that anyone can make. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a hearty meal that will please your family or guests. Enjoy the process and feel proud of serving a homemade dish!