So You’re Craving Something Tasty But Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same.
Let’s talk about the culinary miracle that is the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. This dish is like a warm hug for your taste buds—perfect for when you want something hearty but don’t want to sacrifice your entire day (or night) to the cooking gods. Get ready to see how simple and rewarding it is to whip this up while still having time to binge-watch your favorite shows. Let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, this recipe is like the lazy cook’s best friend. Seriously, it’s idiot-proof. Did I mention even I didn’t mess it up? And that’s saying a lot. You basically throw a bunch of ingredients into a pot, let time do its thing, and boom, a gourmet meal is waiting for you. Plus, who can resist the allure of beef so tender that it practically melts in your mouth? Not to mention, the aroma wafting through your home will have everyone convinced you’re some sort of culinary genius. Honestly, you might even start expecting applause when you serve it. Let’s face it, this dish is all about getting major points with minimal effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
So here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen. Don’t worry; it’s not a ton of weird stuff. Just solid ingredients that won’t make you cry at the supermarket.
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt (because we need some flavor, right?)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (more flavor, even better)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for that sizzle factor)
- 1 onion, chopped (tears optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (vampires beware)
- 2 cups beef broth (liquid gold)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (fancy, but not too fancy)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (the secret sauce of life)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for that herby vibe)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (your new best friend)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken things up)
- 2 tablespoons water (to give that cornstarch a workout)
- 4 slices of bread (for serving, gotta have a carb)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (because we need greens for Instagram)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:
Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and season it with salt and black pepper. You want flavor, not a meat swimming pool.
Sear the Meat: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step enhances the flavor, trust me. It’s like giving your beef a spa day.
Add Aromatics: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in your beloved slow cooker. They love each other and want to be together.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker over the onions and garlic. Add beef broth, sliced mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Just dump it in there like you own the place.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You want that beef so tender it’ll basically crumble apart.
Thicken the Gravy: Once cooked, remove the beef and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the remaining liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the gravy thickens. This is the moment you realize your beef is about to get a serious upgrade.
Slice the Beef: Shred or slice the beef as desired. Don’t get all fancy, just make it delicious.
Toast the Bread: While the gravy thickens, toast the slices of bread until golden brown. Everyone loves a good crunch.
Combine: Return the sliced beef to the slow cooker, stirring to coat it with the gravy. It’s like a warm bath, only for beef.
Serve: Spoon the beef mixture over the toasted bread and garnish with chopped parsley. You basically just created culinary magic, my friend.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s get real for a second. Here are some classic rookie mistakes to steer clear of:
Skipping the Sear: Yeah, I know it sounds like extra work, but don’t skip this step. Searing that beef makes a world of difference. Your taste buds will thank you.
Not Tasting: This isn’t a baking recipe. Taste as you go. If you think it needs more salt, toss it in there like you’re seasoning a masterful dish.
Ignoring Cooking Time: Don’t be the person who thinks “close enough” applies here. Stick to the cooking times! Low and slow is the name of the game, or you’ll end up with beef that’s tougher than your grandma’s old slippers.
Assuming Your Slow Cooker is Always Correct: Not all slow cookers are created equal. You know your machine best. Adjust the time based on your vibes (and the actual settings).
Alternatives & Substitutions
Now, let’s talk alternatives because maybe you don’t have everything on the list. No biggie!
Beef Chuck Roast: You can use brisket, or if you’re feeling a little chickeny, go for a chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time. Chicken cooks faster—everyone knows that.
Broth: Swapping beef broth for chicken broth is totally acceptable. Anyone judging you for this needs to chill.
Herbs: If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, Italian seasoning will work just fine. It’s all about improv, baby.
Cornstarch: You can use flour instead, but you may need a bit more of it. Just play around; you got this!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
You probably have some burning questions, so let’s tackle them head-on in our friendly Q&A style.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Just use good ol’ butter for the real flavor.
Is it okay to throw in other veggies? Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or even frozen peas can make a cameo in your beefy spectacular.
What if I just want to cook this in the oven? Sure, just browning the meat in a Dutch oven and then simmering in the oven at around 325°F for about the same cooking time should get you there.
Can I make this vegetarian? You bet! Just swap the beef for a plant-based meat alternative and the broth for veggie broth. Easy peasy.
How do I store leftovers? Put that beef in an airtight container and it’ll last about 3 days in the fridge. If it lasts that long. If not, I fully support you.
Can I freeze this dish? Oh yeah, for sure. Just make sure to let it cool first. You don’t want to burn yourself or your freezer.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Don’t panic! A heavy pot on the stovetop or in the oven works just fine. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it. The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is that you get a wholesome, delicious meal without spending hours sweating in the kitchen. So give yourself a pat on the back for eating well without the fuss. Grab a fork and dig in because you deserve this deliciousness. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty and delicious Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan that’s as easy as tossing ingredients into a pot and letting it cook while you relax.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 slices of bread
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the chuck roast and season with salt and black pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
- Place chopped onion and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker over the onions and garlic. Add beef broth, sliced mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the beef and mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir into the remaining liquid in the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Shred or slice the beef as desired.
- Toast the slices of bread until golden brown.
- Return the beef to the slow cooker, stirring to coat with gravy. Serve over toasted bread and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Don’t skip the sear for added flavor and feel free to add other veggies if desired.