There’s nothing quite like the smell of beef slowly cooking all day, filling your kitchen with that cozy, homey aroma. That’s exactly what I wanted the first time I made this slow cooker beef Manhattan. It was a chilly Tuesday, and I needed dinner to basically cook itself. I tossed a few simple ingredients into the Crockpot before heading out, and by dinnertime, my husband was already hovering over the pot with a fork.
Let’s talk about why this recipe’s earned a permanent spot in our rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m Saly, a home cook, wife, and believer that comfort food shouldn’t take all day to make. This Crockpot beef Manhattan is everything we love: tender roast, rich gravy, and no unnecessary steps.
This is a dump-and-go kind of meal. No browning or babysitting. Just layer, pour, and cook. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the gravy? Silky, savory, and perfect for soaking into buttery mashed potatoes or thick-sliced toast. If you’ve tried my Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, this one’s in the same cozy, easy lane, and just as delicious served over mashed potatoes or bread.
It also uses pantry-friendly ingredients, so it’s budget-conscious and convenient. You can prep it in the morning and forget it until dinner. And because it reheats like a dream, it’s perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
My favorite part? It tastes like comfort food from a diner, but you control every ingredient; no preservatives or mystery gravies. You can even serve it open-faced, like a sandwich.
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Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
Tender, savory slow cooker beef Manhattan is the ultimate comfort food; slow-cooked roast served over toast and mashed potatoes, smothered in homemade gravy.
- Total Time: 8 hrs 5 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2–3 lb chuck roast
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet onion soup mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 ½ cups water or beef broth
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Mashed potatoes and Texas toast for serving
Instructions
1. Place chuck roast in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle brown gravy mix and onion soup mix on top.
3. Spoon in the cream of mushroom soup.
4. Add water or broth around the meat (not over).
5. Add Worcestershire sauce if using.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
7. Shred beef in the slow cooker and mix with the gravy.
8. Serve over Texas toast and mashed potatoes.
Notes
Double the gravy ingredients if you like extra sauce.
To thicken, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into gravy during the last 30 minutes.
Leftovers freeze well and reheat easily for another comfort-filled meal.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 8 hrs
- Category: Beef, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Ingredients
This slow cooker beef Manhattan needs just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 2–3 lb chuck roast
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with cream of beef)
- 1 ½ cups water or beef broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
To serve:
- Mashed potatoes
- Texas toast or sandwich bread
Feel free to double the gravy ingredients if you like it extra saucy (we always do). And if you love beefy comfort meals, you’ll also want to try my Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs.
How to Make It
This recipe couldn’t be easier.
- Layer: Place the roast in your slow cooker. Sprinkle the brown gravy mix and onion soup mix over the top.
- Add soup: Spoon in the cream of mushroom soup.
- Pour: Add water or broth around the meat (not over it), and Worcestershire if using.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
- Shred: Once the beef is fork-tender, shred it right in the slow cooker and stir to coat with the gravy.
We serve ours piled high on a slice of Texas toast with a scoop of mashed potatoes on top, all smothered in that rich beef gravy. If that sounds good, you’ll also enjoy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, which brings similar comfort with a chicken twist.
Tips and Variations
- Meat swap: No chuck roast? Use round roast or stew meat. Just keep it well-marbled for tenderness.
- Gravy boost: Add a splash of red wine or beef bouillon for deeper flavor.
- Texture tip: Want thicker gravy? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
- Make it a sandwich: Toast hoagie rolls, add beef and provolone, then broil for a few minutes.
- More veggies: Add sliced onions, mushrooms, or baby carrots for a full one-pot meal.
This recipe’s so flexible, it’s easy to adapt. For more slow-cooked beef goodness, check out Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites; equally tender, with a buttery finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for beef Manhattan?
Chuck roast is ideal. It’s affordable and gets super tender in the slow cooker. Brisket or bottom round also work well.
Can I make this recipe without soup mix?
Yes! Just replace it with homemade seasoning; a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and beef bouillon works great.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave. It freezes beautifully too.
Is this the same as an open-faced roast beef sandwich?
Very similar! Beef Manhattan is essentially a plated version of an open-faced sandwich, served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Final Note
This slow cooker beef Manhattan is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a dinner genius, with very little effort. It’s cozy, craveable, and truly satisfying. Perfect for Sunday dinners or busy weekdays when you just want something warm and homemade.
Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll be a regular at your table too. Want a sweet dessert to follow it? My Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake is the ultimate autumn treat.
And for more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
