Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate comfort food that's both hearty and fuss-free, look no further than Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. This classic dish boasts tender, slow-braised beef, rich brown gravy, and pillowy mashed potatoes all layered together for the perfect bite—every time! Whether you're feeding a crowd on game day, celebrating a family dinner, or craving some old-fashioned flavor, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Hands-off and easy: Just set it, forget it, and come home to mouthwatering aromas.
- Fork-tender results: Slow cooking ensures the beef is incredibly juicy and tender.
- Ultimate comfort: Velvety mashed potatoes and savory gravy make for a cozy meal.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully—perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
- Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike for its classic, homestyle flavors.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 6 slices Texas toast or thick white bread
- 5 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Step 1: Sear and Season the Beef
Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels and season all sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply browned. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Flavor Builders
Scatter the sliced onions around the beef. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
When the beef is done, remove it to a platter and shred using two forks. For the gravy, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water, then add to the pot. Simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened—about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble Your Beef Manhattan
Place one (or two) slices of Texas toast on a plate. Spoon a generous mound of mashed potatoes over the bread, top with shredded beef, and ladle hot gravy over everything. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- For the richest flavor, don’t skip the searing step—it’s worth every minute! Learn more about searing here.
- You can prep mashed potatoes in advance or use your favorite ready-made brand.
- Use a fat separator if you’d like a leaner gravy. Get more slow cooker beef tips here.
Variations for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Turkey Manhattan: Substitute turkey breast for beef and use poultry gravy.
- Open-faced roast beef sandwich style: Skip the mashed potatoes, serve beef and gravy over bread with onions.
- Mushroom gravy Manhattan: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for earthy flavor.
Required Equipment for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- 6-8 quart slow cooker (check top picks)
- Large skillet
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons & cups
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Storage Instructions
- Store leftover beef and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the microwave or gently on the stovetop until piping hot.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans make great, vibrant sides.
- A chilled glass of light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, pairs perfectly.
Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
- Use potato flakes for ultra-smooth, quick mashed potatoes in a pinch (see mashed potato ideas).
- Add a splash of heavy cream to your gravy for extra silkiness.
- Don’t lift the lid in the first 5 hours—it preserves heat for even cooking.
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan FAQ
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes! Rump roast or brisket work well if you prefer other cuts—just adjust cook time if needed.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely—substitute gluten-free bread and use cornstarch (not flour) for thickening.
- How can I reduce the sodium? Use unsalted broth and go light on the added salt; you can always season to taste just before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Get ready for melt-in-your-mouth Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, the coziest dinner you'll make all season!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 slices thick white bread
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
Instructions
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1Season the beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
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3Transfer the beef to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the beef, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
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4Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is very tender and shreds easily.
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5Remove and shred the beef. Return it to the slow cooker to soak in the gravy.
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6To assemble, place a slice of bread on each plate, top with mashed potatoes, add a generous portion of shredded beef and ladle with gravy.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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