Description
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender, slow-cooked beef with rich gravy and a layer of mashed potatoes. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, this recipe transforms classic comfort food into an effortless, all-in-one slow cooker experience.
Ingredients
Beef and Gravy
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed beef broth or beef gravy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into even pieces. Place them in a pot of salted water and boil until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, which helps to seal in the juices and adds rich flavor. Remove beef and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef and sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, condensed beef broth (or beef gravy), cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow cook the beef mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add mashed potato topping: About 30 minutes before serving, spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the cooked beef mixture in the slow cooker. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the potatoes are heated through and slightly golden on top.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon portions onto plates, ensuring each has a generous helping of beef and mashed potatoes. This dish pairs well with a simple green vegetable or salad.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir some shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to save preparation time.
- Add a few carrots or peas to the slow cooker for extra vegetables.
- Check seasoning before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger families or gatherings.
