Looking for a hearty, flavorful supper that practically cooks itself? Who isn’t, right? This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan hits all the right notes: tender beef, a rich, savory gravy, and just a touch of sweetness. It’s a comforting classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. It’s also a great way to get a delicious, affordable beef roast in your crock pot.
Top Reasons To Make It
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a winner for so many reasons: It’s incredibly easy (set it and forget it!), it makes a lot (perfect for leftovers or feeding a crowd), it’s budget-friendly (beef roasts are often on sale!), and the flavor is out of this world. What more could you want?
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: The classic cut for a pot roast.
- Onion: Adds savory depth.
- Carrots: For a touch of sweetness.
- Celery: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- Beef broth: Creates the base for the gravy.
- Tomato paste: Richens the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and depth.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the savory flavors.
- Dried thyme: Aromatic herb.
- Bay leaves: These add a subtle, woodsy flavor.
- Cornstarch (or flour): For thickening the gravy.
- Water (or broth): Mix this with cornstarch.
See recipe card below for precise measurements.
Instructions
- Season your beef roast generously with salt and pepper.
- Place your chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned roast on top of the vegetables.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour this mixture over the roast.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. You want it so, so tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Remove about a cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and whisk it into the cornstarch mixture. Then, pour this back into the slow cooker and stir. Cook for 30 on High mode more minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves. Shred the beef with two forks and serve it with the delicious gravy.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Try adding a can of diced tomatoes with the broth for a brighter flavor. You can also substitute sweet potatoes for carrots, or add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne. For a richer flavor, try using bone-in beef short ribs instead of a chuck roast, the cooking times will be similar.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan makes a great beef hot shot recipe! Its comfort food and goes perfectly over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Roasted or steamed vegetables also complement the flavors beautifully. And don’t forget a side of crusty bread to soak up all that gravy!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to thin the gravy. Always ensure your food is heated to a safe internal temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Sure! Follow the instructions up to the slow cooking step. Then, cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release of 20 minutes. Thicken the gravy as directed.
What are some other slow cooker supper ideas for a busy weeknight? Oh, there are so many! This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is just one of my best crockpot roast beef recipes, but I’ve also got plenty of other slow cooker favorites using chicken, pork (which you can skip and change up), or even vegetarian dishes. Search online for “What to cook for supper” or “dinners that feed a lot of people” – you’ll find tons of inspiration. But don’t forget this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan next time you’re looking for a simple, flavorful beef roast in your crock pot. It’s a true comfort food classic.