Oh, slow cookers! Aren’t they just the BEST? Seriously, dump everything in, walk away, and come back to a ready-made dinner? Yes, please! And that’s exactly why you’re gonna LOVE this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan recipe. It’s total comfort food, but without all the fuss. Trust me, this is about as easy as it gets, and the flavor? Forget about it! So rich and savory, your family will think you slaved away all day.
Now, Beef Manhattan…it’s kinda a regional thing, especially around the Midwest. Think open-faced hot beef sandwich smothered in gravy. Total stick-to-your-ribs kinda food. My grandma used to make it, but honestly? It was always a *project*. This slow cooker version? Total game changer. I remember as a kid, the smell of beef simmering all day was the best thing ever, especially on a chilly day. This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan brings back all those warm, fuzzy feelings, but now I can actually make it myself without, you know, spending all day in the kitchen. Win-win!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Okay, so why *this* Beef Manhattan? Let me tell ya!
- Easiest prep EVER! Seriously, it’s mostly dump-and-go.
- Flavor explosion! That slow cooking REALLY brings out the richness.
- Busy weeknight savior! Come home to a ready-made dinner. Yes!
- Veggie-friendly! Toss in whatever veggies you’ve got lurking in the fridge.
- Pure comfort! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, I swear. So hearty!
Ingredients for Your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes (don’t skimp on the beef!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing – trust me, it’s worth it)
- 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever you’ve got)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jarred is fine in a pinch)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
- Mashed potatoes, for serving (duh! What’s Beef Manhattan without mashed potatoes?)
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get this show on the road? Don’t be intimidated! This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is seriously simple. Just follow these steps and you’ll be golden!
Preparing the Beef for Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
First things first, let’s sear that beef! It might seem like an extra step, but trust me, it adds SO much flavor. Heat up that olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want to sear the beef in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Just get a nice brown crust on all sides. It doesn’t have to be cooked through, just browned. This is where all that yummy flavor comes from, so don’t skip it!
Building the Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Sauce
Now, in that same skillet (don’t wash it! All those yummy beef bits are gonna flavor the sauce!), toss in your chopped onion and cook until it’s softened – about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Careful, garlic burns easily! Next, pour in your crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring it all to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it’s like liquid gold for flavor! Finally, stir in your dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Slow Cooking Your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Alright, now for the easy part! Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. Pour that amazing sauce you just made right over the beef. Cover it up and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The key is to cook it until the beef is fall-apart tender. Seriously, it should just shred with a fork! Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so just keep an eye on it. If it’s cooking too fast on high, switch it to low. Don’t worry if it goes a little longer than the recipe says. That just means even MORE tender beef!
Serving Your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Okay, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Time to eat! Spoon a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes onto a plate. Then, top it with that delicious, tender Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan and all that yummy sauce. For a fancy touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. And there you have it! A comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Want to take your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve!
- Go for good beef! Seriously, the better the beef chuck, the better the flavor. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little.
- Don’t overcook it! I know, I know, slow cookers are forgiving, but overcooked beef gets dry and stringy. Aim for fall-apart tender, not disintegrated.
- Season to taste! Everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking. Give it a taste test halfway through cooking and see what it needs.
- Thicken it up! If your sauce is too thin, don’t sweat it! Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Awesome! Now, wanna get a little crazy and mix things up? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
- Spice it up! Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Veggie overload! Carrots, celery, potatoes – toss ’em in! They get super tender and soak up all that yummy sauce.
- Herb garden! Swap out the dried herbs for fresh thyme or rosemary. So good!
- Wine not? A splash of red wine adds a depth of flavor that’s just incredible. Trust me on this one!
FAQ About Making Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about making this crazy delicious Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan.
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?
Good question! Beef chuck’s my go-to because it gets super tender in the slow cooker. But, if you’re in a pinch, you *could* use a beef brisket or even a boneless beef roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary a bit, so keep an eye on it! You just want that beef to be fork-tender. Oh! And you might need to trim some extra fat off those other cuts.
Can I make this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is your best friend! Just sear the beef using the sauté function, then add the other ingredients. Cook on high pressure for about 30-40 minutes, then let it natural pressure release for about 15 minutes before releasing the rest manually. Boom! Dinner’s ready in a fraction of the time!
How do I thicken the sauce for my Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan?
Easy peasy! If your sauce is a little too thin for your liking (sometimes it happens!), just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or all-purpose flour with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir that into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken right up! You can also let it simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes after it’s done cooking, which will help it reduce and thicken naturally.
Storing and Reheating Your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just microwave it or warm it up in a saucepan on the stove. If you want to freeze it, that works too! It’ll last for a couple of months in the freezer. Just thaw it out completely before reheating.
Nutritional Information for Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Okay, quick disclaimer time! Just so you know, the nutrition information for this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is just an estimate. It can totally vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I’m not a nutritionist or anything, so please don’t take this as gospel! But hey, it’s a good ballpark figure, right?
Enjoy Your Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan!
Alright, that’s it! I hope you LOVE this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan as much as my family does. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe below! And hey, share your pics on social media – I’d love to see ’em!
