Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a classic comfort dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef served over creamy mashed potatoes and toasted bread, all smothered in rich gravy. This hearty meal brings diner-style nostalgia right to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef roast (chuck or round works well)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
• 6 slices of bread (white or Texas toast style)
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or prepared)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Lay the beef roast on top of the onions.
3. Step 3: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the beef.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt evenly over the beef.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
6. Step 6: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
7. Step 7: Strain out the onions and return the broth to the pot. Stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken into gravy over medium heat.
8. Step 8: To serve, place a slice of bread on each plate, top with mashed potatoes, add shredded beef, and ladle gravy generously over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sliced carrots or celery to the slow cooker along with the onions.
• Use whole-grain bread instead of white for a heartier, more nutritious base.
• To make the gravy richer, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
• Leftover shredded beef can be used in sandwiches or tacos for a quick meal.

Storage

Store leftover beef, gravy, and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy if needed. Bread is best toasted fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, chuck or round roast works best for slow cooking due to their marbling and tenderness after long cooking. You can also use brisket, though cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can braise the beef in a covered Dutch oven or heavy pot in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3–4 hours until tender, following similar seasoning and layering instructions.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

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Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a classic American comfort dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef served over toasted bread topped with creamy mashed potatoes and rich, savory gravy. This hearty and nostalgic meal combines simple ingredients with the convenience of slow cooking, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Seasoning

• 2 pounds beef roast (chuck or round)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Gravy Thickener

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

To Serve

• 6 slices bread (white or Texas toast style)
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or prepared)

Instructions

1. Prepare slow cooker base: Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful foundation for cooking the beef.
2. Add beef roast: Lay the beef roast on top of the onions carefully to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
3. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the beef. Then evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt to season the meat well.
4. Cook the beef: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easy to shred with forks.
5. Shred the beef: Remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks for a soft, pull-apart texture.
6. Prepare the gravy: Strain out the cooked onions from the broth and return the liquid to the slow cooker pot. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the broth into a rich gravy over low heat, stirring until thickened.
7. Assemble the Beef Manhattan: To serve, place one slice of bread on each plate. Top the bread with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, then add a mound of shredded beef. Finally, ladle the hot gravy generously over the entire stack for a hearty open-faced sandwich style meal.

Notes

• Use a chuck roast for best flavor and tenderness when slow cooking.
• Homemade mashed potatoes with some potato skins left add extra fiber and texture.
• Whole grain or hearty bread can be used to increase nutritional value and add texture.
• Slow cooking times may vary depending on the slow cooker brand and size.
• Optional vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans can be served on the side for a balanced meal.
• The cornstarch slurry is essential to thicken the gravy; add gradually to avoid lumps.
• Leftovers reheat well and can be served as sandwiches or plated meals.

Keywords: Beef Manhattan, slow cooker beef, comfort food, open-faced sandwich, slow cooker recipe, beef roast, classic American dish