Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan – Fit Slow Cooker Queen

Slow cooker beef Manhattan is the ultimate comfort food featuring shredded beef, mashed potatoes, bread, and a homemade gravy. This version uses a simple combination of dried herbs, spices, beef bouillon, and cornstarch instead of high-sodium packaged onion soup and au jus gravy mixes. The gravy cooks directly in the slow cooker with the roast. Serve everything open-faced and smothered with gravy for a hearty dinner the entire family will enjoy. 

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

• Chuck Roast: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe because its connective tissue breaks down during the long cooking time, producing beef that is easy to shred. A 3 pound roast provides approximately 6 generous servings.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Beef broth creates the base for the homemade gravy. I recommend low-sodium broth because the beef bouillon adds additional salt and concentrated beef flavor.
• Dried Onion Flakes: Dried onion flakes provide the flavor and texture associated with dry onion soup mix without requiring a packaged seasoning mix.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the cooking liquid into gravy. It is added at the beginning of the cooking process, so there is no need to prepare a separate slurry at the end.
• Beef Bouillon Powder: Beef bouillon powder gives flavor to the broth. Different brands contain varying amounts of sodium, so taste the finished gravy before adding additional salt.
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: Onion powder and garlic powder add another layer of flavor and season the beef and gravy.
• Dried Parsley: Dried parsley adds a herb flavor and color to the homemade seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Black pepper balances the beef and onion flavors. Add more when serving, if needed.

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Slow Cooker

1. Optional step – Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef roast and cook a few minutes on both sides until browned.
2. Add the low-sodium beef broth, dried onion flakes, cornstarch, beef bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Whisk until there are no lumps.
3. Add the roast to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or low 8 to 10.
5. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy.
6. Serve the beef and gravy over slices of bread with mashed potatoes

Instant Pot

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Once hot, add the oil and the beef. Cook 3-5 minutes on each side or until beef is browned. You may need to cut the beef to make the meat fit.
2. Remove beef from the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef broth and deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot by scraping the bits off with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the low-sodium beef broth, dried onion flakes, cornstarch, beef bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and black pepper to the Instant Pot. Whisk until there are no lumps.
4. Add the beef back to the Instant Pot.
5. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure for 60 minutes. When cooking time is complete, let the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
6. Remove the roast from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food: Tender beef, bread, mashed potatoes, and gravy come together in one satisfying meal.
• No packaged mixes: The homemade dry onion and au jus mixture is prepared with everyday pantry ingredients.
• Gravy cooks with the beef: Cornstarch is added at the beginning, allowing the gravy to thicken as the roast cooks.
• Easy preparation: Add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Great for leftovers: The beef and gravy reheat well, making this an excellent meal-prep option.

FAQs & Tips

What is beef Manhattan?

Beef Manhattan is an open-faced roast beef sandwich traditionally served with mashed potatoes and gravy. Slices of bread are topped with beef, while the mashed potatoes are usually placed on top of or alongside the sandwich. The entire plate is then covered with brown gravy. Despite the name, Beef Manhattan is best known as a Midwestern comfort-food dish. It is similar to a hot roast beef sandwich but made even heartier with the addition of mashed potatoes.

What is the best cut of beef to use?

Chuck roast is the best choice because it becomes tender and easy to shred when cooked slowly. Brisket or a bottom round roast may also be used, but leaner cuts may not be quite as juicy as chuck roast.

Do you need to sear the chuck roast first?

No. Searing can add another layer of flavor, but it is not necessary for this recipe. The chuck roast will still be flavorful and tender when placed directly into the slow cooker.

Why isn’t salt included in the seasoning mixture?

Beef bouillon powder contains salt, and the sodium level varies considerably by brand. Using low-sodium beef broth helps control the total amount of salt. Taste the gravy after cooking and add salt only if needed.

How do you know when the beef is done?

The chuck roast is done when a fork slides easily into the meat and the beef pulls apart without resistance. If the roast is still tough, it usually needs additional cooking time.

What if the gravy is too thick?

Stir in additional beef broth a few tablespoons at a time until the gravy reaches your preferred consistency.

What if the gravy is too thin?

Remove the lid and let the gravy sit for several minutes after shredding and returning the beef to the slow cooker. The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools. For a thicker gravy, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Can you slice the beef instead of shredding it?

Yes but to do so, the roast must be removed before it becomes fall-apart tender. Shredded beef is easier to prepare and soaks up more of the homemade gravy.

What type of bread should you serve this with?

Can you make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Not only can you, I suggest you do. 

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover crockpot beef Manhattan in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

What size slow cooker should you use?

I used a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe but since it’s just broth and meat, you can also use a smaller 3.5-quart slow cooker.

Beef Roast Recipes

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Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

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Slow cooker beef Manhattan is the ultimate comfort food featuring shredded beef, mashed potatoes, bread, and a homemade gravy. This version uses a simple combination of dried herbs, spices, beef bouillon, and cornstarch instead of high-sodium packaged onion soup and au jus gravy mixes. The gravy cooks directly in the slow cooker with the roast. Serve everything open-faced and smothered with gravy for a hearty dinner the entire family will enjoy.

• Author: Shannon Epstein
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours, 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Homemade Dry Onion & Au Jus Gravy Mix

Slow Cooker

1. Optional step – Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef roast and cook a few minutes on both sides until browned.
2. Add the low-sodium beef broth, dried onion flakes, cornstarch, beef bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Whisk until there are no lumps.
3. Add the roast to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or low 8 to 10.
5. Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy.
6. Serve the beef and gravy over slices of bread with mashed potatoes

Instant Pot

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté. Once hot, add the oil and the beef. Cook 3-5 minutes on each side or until beef is browned. You may need to cut the beef to make the meat fit.
2. Remove beef from the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef broth and deglaze the bottom of the Instant Pot by scraping the bits off with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the low-sodium beef broth, dried onion flakes, cornstarch, beef bouillon powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and black pepper to the Instant Pot. Whisk until there are no lumps.
4. Add the beef back to the Instant Pot.
5. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure for 60 minutes. When cooking time is complete, let the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
6. Remove the roast from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy.

How to Assemble and Serve Beef Manhattan

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes shortly before the beef finishes cooking so they are hot and ready for serving.
2. Place 1 or 2 slices of bread on a plate.

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