If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is the perfect recipe. It’s rich, savory, tender, and loaded with old-fashioned homestyle flavor. This dish turns simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal, making it one of the best Crockpot recipes for beef when you want something filling and fuss-free. With shredded beef, thick slices of soft bread, creamy mashed potatoes, and a silky brown gravy, this recipe delivers everything you love about classic comfort food—but easier.
Roadmap
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Ingredients You Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Tips for the Best Beef Manhattan
Serving Ideas
FAQs
Final Thoughts
1. Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
There’s a reason this dish is a Midwestern diner classic. Beef Manhattan is simple, warm, and incredibly satisfying. When made in a Crock Pot, it becomes even easier. The slow cooker transforms the beef into tender, fall-apart bites that melt into a rich, savory gravy.
This recipe fits perfectly into:
✔ Crockpot dishes
✔ Crockpot recipes slow cooker
✔ Dinner recipes Crockpot
✔ Crock Pot cooking
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping, or looking for something cozy during cold weather, this dish delivers every time.
2. Ingredients You Need
To make this flavorful meal, you only need basic ingredients:
For the Beef
Chuck roast or stew beef
Onion
Garlic
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Dried thyme
Salt & pepper
For the Gravy
Cornstarch
Water
For Serving
Thick bread (Texas toast, brioche, or white sandwich bread)
Mashed potatoes (classic for Beef Manhattan!)
Fresh parsley
These simple pantry staples create a deep, rich, slow-cooked flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Ingredients
- For the Beef
- 2 lbs chuck roast or stew beef
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- For Serving
- Thick sliced white bread Texas toast, or brioche
- Mashed potatoes optional but classic
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare slow cooker: Lightly grease the bottom or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Season beef: Sprinkle the roast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add ingredients to Crockpot: Place sliced onions on the bottom, then lay the seasoned beef on top. Add garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Slow cook:
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
- Cook until the beef is extremely tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the beef: Remove beef to a plate and shred using two forks. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker.
- Make the gravy: In a small cup, whisk cornstarch with water. Stir into the slow cooker and let cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
- Assemble the Beef Manhattan:
- Place a slice of bread on a plate.
- Add a scoop of mashed potatoes in the center (optional but traditional).
- Spoon shredded beef and gravy on top.
- Finish with an additional drizzle of gravy.
- Serve hot: Garnish with parsley and enjoy this cozy, homestyle dish.
Notes
3. How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
This recipe is beautifully simple—your Crock Pot does all the work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the slow cooker.
Spray with cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Add onions and beef.
Lay sliced onions in the bottom of the Crock Pot. Place the seasoned chuck roast on top.
Step 3: Add broth and seasonings.
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Slow cook.
Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the beef is extremely tender.
Step 5: Shred the beef.
Remove the roast, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
Step 6: Make the gravy.
Whisk cornstarch with water and stir it into the broth. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick.
Step 7: Assemble the Beef Manhattan.
Place a slice of bread on a plate, add mashed potatoes, top with shredded beef, and spoon the gravy over everything.
It’s classic, cozy, and incredibly delicious.
4. Tips for the Best Beef Manhattan
To make your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan perfect every time:
✔ Use chuck roast — It becomes fall-apart tender and flavorful.
✔ Don’t skip the onions — They melt into the gravy and add rich flavor.
✔ Let the gravy thicken fully — This gives the dish its signature silky texture.
✔ Keep the bread thick — Texas toast or brioche holds up beautifully.
✔ Add more seasoning if needed — Taste before serving and adjust salt or pepper.
✔ Meal-prep friendly — The beef reheats perfectly for lunches all week.
5. Serving Ideas
Traditionally, Beef Manhattan is served “open faced,” meaning:
A slice of thick bread
Mashed potatoes in the center
A generous scoop of slow-cooked beef
Smothered in rich brown gravy
You can also serve the beef:
Over egg noodles
Over rice
On top of baked potatoes
With roasted vegetables
Inside sliders as a party food idea
Want to stretch the meal further? Double the gravy—trust me, it disappears fast!
6. FAQs
What is Beef Manhattan?
It’s a classic Midwestern comfort dish made with shredded roast beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy served over thick bread.
Can I use ground beef instead of roast?
Yes! It won’t have the same shredded texture, but ground beef Manhattan is also delicious.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely. The beef and gravy freeze well for up to 3 months.
Do I have to add mashed potatoes?
Traditionally yes, but you can serve it with rice, noodles, or roasted potatoes.
Can I add vegetables?
Carrots, mushrooms, or celery can be added for extra flavor.
7. Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With tender beef, flavorful gravy, and the classic bread-and-mashed-potato base, this recipe brings nostalgic home-cooking right to your dinner table.
It’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and perfect for anyone who loves warm, cozy, slow-cooked meals. If you enjoy Crockpot recipes beef, Crockpot dishes, or slow cooker comfort food, this dish will become a new favorite in your weekly rotation.




