Jump to Recipe Print RecipeOn chilly evenings when comfort food is calling, there’s nothing quite like a Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan to warm the soul. This classic American dish features tender, juicy beef immersed in a savory broth, served on a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes and toasted bread, all drizzled with a luscious brown gravy. Not only does this recipe celebrate simple, hearty ingredients, it also brings together family and friends for an unforgettable meal. The best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Are you ready to dive into this nostalgic delight that will make your taste buds sing? Why is Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan a Must-Try? Comforting Atmosphere: The rich, savory aroma wafting from your kitchen will create warmth and coziness, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Effortless Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other tasks or quality moments with loved ones. Deliciously Versatile: This dish can be easily adapted. Swap in shredded chicken for a lighter option or toss in your favorite vegetables for added nutrition. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of melt-in-your-mouth beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy is sure to impress at any family dinner or gathering. Nostalgic Experience: Savoring this meal not only satisfies hunger but also evokes fond memories of hearty American diners, making every bite special. Grab your slow cooker and explore this slice of American cuisine; it’s as simple as that! Don’t forget to check out our recipes for Cheesy Beef Chimichangas or Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef for more delicious ideas! Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Ingredients For the Beef • Beef Roast (2 pounds) – Choose chuck or round for the best tenderness and flavor. For the Aromatics • Onion (1 medium, sliced) – Adds sweetness and depth; shallots can be a milder substitute. • Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – For an aromatic touch; fresh garlic can elevate the flavor even more. • Onion Powder (1 teaspoon) – Intensifies onion taste; fresh onions can also be used if preferred. • Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon) – Infuses earthy notes; consider using dried rosemary for a different flavor. For the Sauce • Beef Broth (2 cups) – Forms the savory foundation of the dish; opt for low-sodium to control salt. • Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons) – Adds umami richness; soy sauce works as a gluten-free option. • Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Enhances the savory profile; replace with tamari for gluten-free needs. • Black Pepper (1 teaspoon) and Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Essential seasonings; adjust to taste. For Thickening • Cornstarch (2 tablespoons) + Cold Water (2 tablespoons for slurry) – Thickens the gravy; arrowroot can be used as an alternative. For Serving • Bread (6 slices, white or Texas toast) – Acts as a delicious base; whole-grain bread offers a healthier choice. • Mashed Potatoes (4 cups, homemade or prepared) – Adds creaminess; try cauliflower mash for a low-carb variation. Your slow cooker will do most of the work for this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, ensuring a hearty, comforting meal everyone will love! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker Begin by placing the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base that will infuse the beef as it cooks. Make sure the onion is spread out evenly to ensure every piece benefits from the savory juices. Step 2: Layer Ingredients Next, take your beef roast and lay it gently on top of the onions. The meat should sit snugly and cover the onions completely. This helps the onions soften and caramelize, enhancing the overall taste of your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan. Step 3: Add Liquids Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the meat, allowing the liquids to coat it. This mixture will form a rich, savory broth that will keep the beef moist as it cooks. Ensure the liquids cover the beef halfway for optimal flavor retention during cooking. Step 4: Season Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt evenly over the top of the beef. Each seasoning will contribute to creating a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful dish. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your preference for a more robust or milder taste. Step 5: Cook Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. The beef should become tender enough to shred with ease, so you’ll know it’s done when it can be pulled apart effortlessly. Step 6: Shred Beef Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker using tongs. Transfer it to a cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, letting the fork-tender beef retain its juices while shredding. Step 7: Make Gravy To prepare the gravy, strain the onions from the broth and return the liquid to the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the hot broth. Cook for about 10 minutes on HIGH until the mixture thickens into glossy gravy. Step 8: Serve For serving, layer sliced bread on each plate, then spoon fluffy mashed potatoes over the bread. Add generous portions of the shredded beef on top, followed by ladling the thick gravy over the entire dish. This creates a comforting, hearty serving of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan perfect for tucking into on a chilly evening. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan meals are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the beef and onion layers in advance and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Simply layer the onions and beef roast before adding the liquids and seasonings. When you’re ready to serve, place everything in the slow cooker, add the broth and sauces, and set it to cook. This method ensures your dish remains just as delicious, and you’ll enjoy the rich aromas filling your kitchen while it cooks! Just shred the beef and prepare the gravy as instructed, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready with minimal fuss. Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan • Sear First: Enhance the flavor by searing the beef roast before adding it to the slow cooker, which adds a delightful caramelized crust. • Check Tenderness: Avoid overcooking by checking the beef after 4 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW; you want it fork-tender but not mushy. • Mix Slurry Well: Ensure the cornstarch slurry is mixed completely before adding to the broth to prevent lumps and achieve a silky gravy. • Layer Wisely: Place onions at the bottom so they can soften and flavor the broth as the beef cooks, creating a more aromatic dish. • Serve with Love: Create a beautiful plating with mashed potatoes and generous gravy over the beef for a comforting presentation that family and friends will adore. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Variations Feel free to get creative with your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, adding your unique twist to this classic comfort dish! Chicken Delight: Swap beef for shredded chicken for a lighter alternative that still delivers on flavor. It’s a delightful way to mix things up! Veggie-Loaded: Toss in hearty vegetables like carrots, peas, or even mushrooms to up the nutrition and add delightful textures. Each bite will be a nutritious treasure! Sweet Twist: Replace traditional mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes for a subtly sweet layer underneath the beef, offering a delicious contrast to the savory gravy. Herb Swap: If you’re craving something different, substitute dried thyme with fresh rosemary or sage for a fresh take that brightens up the dish. Spicy Kick: For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños to the broth for a zesty twist that those who like it spicy will adore. Gravy Lovers: Infuse the broth with a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to enhance the gravy’s complexity, taking its flavor to new heights! Whole Grain Goodness: Use whole-grain or sourdough bread instead of white for added fiber and earthy flavors that complement the dish beautifully. Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly version, substitute mashed potatoes with a creamy cauliflower mash for a velvety alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. Don’t forget to venture into more delightful recipes like Slow Cooker Beef or explore flavors with Slow Cooker Tom for your next culinary adventure! What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Indulge in a comforting dining experience that beautifully complements your savory, hearty masterpiece. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfectly paired with the beef, the creaminess enhances each bite, adding a velvety texture to the meal. Seasonal Roasted Vegetables: Bright, tender veggies bring a pop of color and natural sweetness, balancing the rich flavors of the dish. Crusty French Bread: A crusty, warm slice is perfect for sopping up gravy, adding delightful texture to the overall experience. Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between flavorful bites. Homemade Coleslaw: The crunch and tang of coleslaw adds a zesty flair, enhancing the comfort food feel with a cool, creamy side. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Light, fluffy rice infused with herbs makes for a fragrant base, soaking up the rich gravy and rounding out the meal. Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp provides a sweet ending, balancing the savory nature of the main dish with its spiced fruit. Iced Tea or Lemonade: A chilled drink brings a refreshing touch, quenching thirst and complementing the richness of the beef. Embrace the delightful harmony these pairings create, inviting loved ones to gather and savor every moment together. How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Portion out for easy reheating, but avoid freezing with the bread as it may become soggy upon thawing. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe FAQs How do I select the best beef for Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Absolutely! For this recipe, choose a 2-pound beef roast, preferably chuck or round. Look for marbling in the meat, which indicates tenderness and flavor. A fresh cut should be bright red with minimal dark spots, as those may indicate it’s past peak freshness. How should I store leftover Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation, which can affect texture. If you’re looking to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Can I freeze Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan? Yes, freezing is a great option! Portion the beef and gravy into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months. Be sure not to freeze with the bread, as it tends to become soggy when thawed. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. What should I do if my gravy is too thin? If your gravy turns out too thin, don’t worry! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the gravy while it simmers on the stove for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. This technique works wonders and is super simple! Is Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan suitable for special diets or allergies? It’s very adaptable! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Those with beef allergies could substitute with shredded chicken or a plant-based protein. Just be sure to check all ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. How long does Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan last in the fridge? Generally, it lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container. If you notice any discoloration or an off smell when reheating, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Safety first! Savory Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan: A Cozy Comfort Dish No ratings yet Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting dish featuring tender beef in savory broth, served over mashed potatoes and toasted bread. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 8 hours hrsTotal Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef2 pounds Beef Roast Choose chuck or round for the best tenderness and flavor.For the Aromatics1 medium Onion Sliced; adds sweetness and depth.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder For an aromatic touch.1 teaspoon Onion Powder Intensifies onion taste.1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Infuses earthy notes.For the Sauce2 cups Beef Broth Opt for low-sodium to control salt.2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Adds umami richness.1 tablespoon Soy Sauce Enhances the savory profile.1 teaspoon Black Pepper Essential seasoning.1/2 teaspoon Salt Essential seasoning.For Thickening2 tablespoons Cornstarch Thickens the gravy.2 tablespoons Cold Water For slurry.For Serving6 slices Bread White or Texas toast.4 cups Mashed Potatoes Homemade or prepared. Equipment slow cooker Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by placing the sliced onion at the bottom of your slow cooker.Next, take your beef roast and lay it gently on top of the onions.Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the meat.Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt evenly over the top of the beef.Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker using tongs.To prepare the gravy, strain the onions from the broth and return the liquid to the slow cooker.For serving, layer sliced bread on each plate, then spoon fluffy mashed potatoes over the bread. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesSear the beef roast before adding it to enhance flavor. Check tenderness after certain cooking times to avoid overcooking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
