Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting classic that combines tender shredded beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy served over bread. It’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep that delivers big on flavor 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. Lay the beef roast on top of the onions.
2. Step 2: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and salt evenly over the beef.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and easy to shred.
4. Step 4: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Strain out the onions and return the broth to the pot.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the broth. Cook on high for a few minutes until the gravy thickens.
6. Step 6: To serve, place a slice of bread on each plate, top with mashed potatoes, add shredded beef, and ladle the gravy generously over the top.

Tips & Variations

• Use either chuck or round roast for the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
• Substitute mashed potatoes with creamy polenta or cooked rice for a different twist.
• For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley when serving.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly and cook until desired consistency.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the gravy. Bread is best served fresh but can be toasted again before serving if stored separately.

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 are ideal because they become tender when slow-cooked, but brisket or short ribs can also work well with longer cooking times.

Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop?

Absolutely. Brown the beef and onions in a large pot, then simmer covered with broth and seasonings on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender. Proceed with shredding and gravy as directed.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Recipe

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4.7 from 116 reviews

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting, hearty American classic featuring tender, slow-cooked beef served atop bread and mashed potatoes, all smothered in rich homemade gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner with minimal hands-on cooking.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Seasoning

• 2 pounds beef roast (chuck or round works well)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Broth and Sauces

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Gravy Thickener

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

To Serve

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker to form a flavorful base layer.
2. Add the beef: Lay the beef roast on top of the onions in the slow cooker, ensuring even placement for consistent cooking.
3. Mix liquids and seasonings: Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the beef. Then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt evenly on top.
4. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
5. Shred the beef: Remove the beef roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, breaking it into bite-sized, tender pieces.
6. Prepare the gravy: Strain the cooked onions from the slow cooker liquid and return the broth to the pot. Stir in a slurry made from 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Heat gently, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens.
7. Assemble and serve: Place a slice of bread on a plate, top with a generous helping of mashed potatoes, add shredded beef, and ladle the thickened gravy over the entire dish for a classic Beef Manhattan experience.

Notes

• Use a chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
• For thicker gravy, add cornstarch slurry gradually and cook until desired consistency.
• Mashed potatoes can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience.
• White bread or Texas toast works best to soak up the gravy without falling apart.
• This dish can be prepared a day ahead; simply store components separately and reheat before assembling.

Keywords: Beef Manhattan, slow cooker beef recipe, comfort food, slow cooked beef, beef with gravy, hearty dinner