If you’re on the hunt for comfort food that practically cooks itself and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, look no further than Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. This nostalgic dish layers soft sandwich bread, pillowy mashed potatoes, and fall-apart beef smothered in savory gravy. Imagine coming home after a busy day to discover your slow cooker has been working its magic, and your dinner is ready to serve with almost no effort at all. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is as easy as it is delicious, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual entertaining.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan lies in its simple, familiar ingredients. Each one has an important role, lending depth, flavor, or heartiness to every casserole-like bite. Gather these and you’re on your way to a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Beef Chuck Roast (3 lbs): Choose a marbled cut for maximum tenderness and juicy results after a long slow cook.
Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural beef flavors without overpowering the dish.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth to balance the savory gravy.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Brings an unmistakable aromatic kick, crucial for true comfort food flavor.
Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Swirls in sweet, browned undertones that meld into the beef as it cooks.
Brown Gravy Mix (1 packet): Provides the rich, velvety foundation for the beloved gravy.
Au Jus Mix (1 packet): Lends meaty depth and a restaurant-style finish to your sauce.
Beef Broth (3 cups): Gives the necessary liquid for braising, plus all those savory notes soak right into the meat.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Offers tang and umami to amplify the beefy taste.
Sandwich Bread (12 slices): White or whole wheat, your choice! The bread soaks up all the gravy and grounds the dish.
Mashed Potatoes (2 cups, prepared): Creamy, fluffy potatoes are the heart of every Beef Manhattan—use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Chopped Parsley (optional garnish): A sprinkle of freshness for color contrast and a pop of flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Step 1: Season the Beef

First, you’ll want to pat your beef chuck roast dry with paper towels, which helps the seasoning stick. Give it a good sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning mix gets right into the beef’s fibers, creating the delicious foundation for your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture

In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. The combination should be smooth and lump-free. This flavorful liquid transforms into the silky gravy that brings every element of the dish together later on.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

Place the seasoned roast directly into your slow cooker, then pour the gravy mixture all over the top. Put on the lid and cook on low for 8–9 hours (or on high for 4–5 hours). The beef will get so tender, it literally falls apart when gently shredded with forks.

Step 4: Shred and Return the Beef

When the beef is fork-tender, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and mix it all around in those juices. This step soaks every shred in velvety gravy and locks in moisture, ensuring every bite tastes incredible.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

To serve, layer a slice of soft sandwich bread on each plate. Scoop a generous mound of mashed potatoes onto the bread, then pile high with the juicy shredded beef. Don’t forget to drizzle plenty of extra gravy from the slow cooker on top—this is what makes Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan completely irresistible! Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish if you like.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley instantly brightens up your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. For extra decadence, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a spoonful of crispy fried onions can amp things up even more. The vibrant green and bit of crunch will delight your eyes and taste buds.

Side Dishes

Classic comfort food sides are a natural fit. Try pairing your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan with simple steamed green beans, buttery sweet corn, or a bright, tangy coleslaw. If you’re feeling adventurous, roasted carrots or a crisp garden salad bring color, crunch, and balance to this hearty main course.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by stacking Texas toast for a sturdier base or using thick slices of sourdough. Serve individual portions in shallow bowls so guests can spoon up all that incredible gravy. For a playful, party-style twist, try sandwiching the beef and mashed potatoes between small dinner rolls for adorable, comfort-packed sliders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Be sure to store your leftover beef and gravy separately from the bread and mashed potatoes to keep everything fresher. Place the cooled beef and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge; store mashed potatoes in another container, and keep the bread wrapped to prevent it from drying out. This way, assembling a fresh-tasting Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan later is a breeze.

Freezing

If you find yourself with extra beef and gravy, let them cool and stash them in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Freeze the beef and gravy mix separately—mashed potatoes and bread can lose their texture in the freezer, so it’s better to prepare those fresh when you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the beef and gravy together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it seems thick. Mashed potatoes reheat nicely in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little butter or milk stirred in. Toast your bread before assembling for the best texture, then layer everything up for a piping hot Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is the classic choice for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan thanks to its tenderness and marbling, you can opt for brisket or even bottom round roast if needed. Just keep an eye on the texture—leaner cuts may not shred as easily.

Do I have to use sandwich bread?

Nope! You can get creative here. Texas toast, sourdough, or even a rustic country loaf will work beautifully. Choose whatever bread best suits your mood—or whatever you have on hand.

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan ahead of time?

Definitely. This dish tastes even better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld further. Prepare the beef and gravy in advance, then simply reheat and assemble with fresh mashed potatoes and bread whenever you’re ready to serve.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure both the gravy and au jus mixes are labeled gluten-free. Pair with gluten-free mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a fantastic Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan for everyone to enjoy.

What can I do with leftover beef?

Leftover beef from your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan makes an amazing filling for sandwiches, wraps, or even loaded baked potatoes. Spoon the beef and gravy over egg noodles or rice for another cozy meal without any extra fuss.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan a try—it’s pure comfort food made easy, and sure to win over anyone lucky enough to share your table. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a crowd or simply craving a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered. Happy slow cooking!

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8–9 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, a hearty and savory dish featuring tender shredded beef smothered in rich gravy, served over a slice of bread and creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

3 lbs beef chuck roast
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

Gravy Mix:

1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet au jus mix
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Serving:

12 slices sandwich bread (white or whole wheat)
2 cups prepared mashed potatoes
Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the Beef: Rub beef roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Prepare Cooking Liquid: Whisk together gravy mixes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over beef in slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
Shred and Serve: Shred beef, return to cooking liquid. Serve over bread and mashed potatoes with extra gravy. Garnish with parsley.