Craving a cozy, down-home dinner that practically cooks itself? Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is the answer. This classic American comfort dish features fork-tender roast beef slow-cooked to perfection, piled on thick slices of bread with creamy mashed potatoes, all smothered in rich, savory brown gravy.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for Sunday dinners, cold weather meals, or anytime you need something warm and filling. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work for you!
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 2–2.5 lb beef roast (chuck roast or bottom round)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, optional)
For Serving:
- 6 slices thick sandwich bread (Texas toast or white bread)
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance or instant)
- Optional: fresh parsley, extra gravy for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Sear the Roast (Optional)
- For added flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This adds a deep, savory crust, but can be skipped for simplicity.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Place the roast into the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook
- Pour the sauce over the beef. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
Step 4: Shred the Beef
- Remove the roast and shred it using two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and stir into the gravy to soak up all that delicious flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- While the beef finishes cooking, prepare mashed potatoes using your favorite recipe or instant mix.
Step 6: Assemble
- To serve, place one slice of bread on a plate. Top with a scoop of mashed potatoes and a generous portion of shredded beef. Drizzle with gravy. Repeat with remaining servings.
Variation:
- Cheesy Version: Add shredded cheddar to your mashed potatoes
- Garlic Mash: Mix roasted garlic into your mashed potatoes for more depth
- Creamy Beef Gravy: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream to the gravy for richness
- Bread Swap: Use brioche, sourdough, or even dinner rolls as a base
- Open-Faced Sandwich Style: Add a second slice of bread under the beef and potatoes for a diner-style layered dish
COOKING Note:
Chuck roast is the preferred cut for its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked. Trim excess fat if desired, but leave enough to keep the meat moist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with steamed green beans, peas, or corn
- Add a side salad or roasted carrots for balance
- Great with buttery dinner rolls or biscuits
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for color
- Pair with a cold iced tea or rich red wine
Tips:
- Don’t skip the seasoning packets—they create a flavorful gravy base
- Make ahead—beef and gravy can be refrigerated for 2–3 days
- Use leftover beef in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice
- Freeze shredded beef in gravy for up to 3 months
- Use a fat separator if gravy is too oily after cooking
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
- Assembly Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8–9 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Fat: ~20g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~850mg
- Fiber: ~2g
Values vary based on ingredients used and bread/potato choices.
❓FAQs
What cut of beef should I use?
- Chuck roast is best, but you can also use bottom round or rump roast. Avoid lean cuts—they’ll be dry.
Can I use store-bought gravy instead of packets?
- Yes, but packet mixes create a thick, flavorful gravy as it cooks. Adjust seasoning if using pre-made gravy.
Can I make this without mashed potatoes?
- You can serve it over egg noodles, rice, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.
How do I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.
Can I double this recipe?
- Yes! Use a 6–7 qt slow cooker if doubling. Add extra cooking time if needed.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a classic comfort food recipe that brings all the hearty, homemade flavors of a diner-style dish right to your kitchen. With tender shredded beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy, this meal is filling, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
It’s easy enough for weeknights and comforting enough for special Sundays. Once you try it, it might just become a regular in your dinner rotation.