Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. Tender beef chunks simmered in a flavorful onion and herb gravy make it an easy crowd-pleaser. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the beef into 2-inch chunks and mince the garlic.
- Step 2: In a skillet, sauté the sliced onions with a little oil until they turn golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Step 3: Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Layer in the beef chunks, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle thyme and rosemary over the top.
- Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Step 5: Remove the beef from the slow cooker. Stir the cornstarch mixed with cold water into the remaining liquid and cook a few minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Step 6: Return the beef to the thickened gravy and serve hot, ideally over mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, brown the beef chunks before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available, but reduce the quantity by half.
- Adding a splash of red wine to the broth can deepen the flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef instead of chuck roast?
Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because of its marbling and toughness that breaks down into tenderness. You can use brisket or short ribs as alternatives, but cooking times may vary.
How do I prevent the gravy from becoming too thin?
Mixing cornstarch with cold water and adding it at the end helps thicken the gravy without lumps. If the gravy is still thin, you can add another small cornstarch slurry and cook a few more minutes until desired thickness.
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Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe features tender chunks of beef chuck roast simmered with caramelized onions, garlic, and herbs in a rich beef broth gravy. Perfectly cooked low and slow, the beef soaks up the flavorful broth and is finished with a simple cornstarch thickened gravy. Serve it piping hot over creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a comforting, hearty meal.
Ingredients
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 thyme)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried rosemary)
Thickening Agent
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare Beef and Garlic: Cut the beef chuck roast into 2-inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor during cooking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they become golden brown and caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Then layer in the beef chunks. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, followed by sprinkling fresh (or dried) thyme and rosemary evenly over the top.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. This slow cooking process breaks down the tough beef fibers, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
- Thicken the Gravy: Once the beef is fully cooked, carefully remove the meat from the slow cooker and set aside, keeping it warm. Stir the cornstarch and cold water mixture into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and cook for a few minutes while stirring until the gravy thickens to a smooth consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Return the tender beef chunks to the thickened gravy in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the meat well. Serve the beef hot over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, brown the beef chunks in the skillet before sautéing the onions.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for the best aroma and taste.
- The gravy can be adjusted in thickness by changing the amount of cornstarch slurry used.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered bread for a classic presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker low) or 4 hours (slow cooker high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, beef chuck roast, slow cooker recipe, beef stew, comfort food, beef gravy, easy slow cooker meal

