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Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Recipe

4.7 from 118 reviews

Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a classic American comfort food featuring tender slow-cooked beef served over toasted bread, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich, savory brown gravy. This hearty dish is a nostalgic open-faced sandwich that combines deep flavors with easy preparation, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

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

Liquids and Sauces

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

Thickening Agent

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)

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 at 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 it sits evenly for consistent cooking.
  3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce over the beef. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt evenly on top.
  4. Cook the Beef: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  5. Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, breaking it into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Make the Gravy: Strain out the onions from the slow cooker broth, then return the broth to the pot. Stir in a cornstarch slurry made from 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Cook until the mixture thickens into a rich gravy.
  7. Assemble the Dish: Place a slice of toasted bread on each plate, top with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, add shredded beef on top, then ladle the brown gravy over everything.

Notes

  • For best results, use a chuck roast or round roast as they become tender and flavorful when slow cooked.
  • You can add vegetables like carrots or green beans as a side dish to make the meal more balanced.
  • Whole grain bread is a good alternative to white or Texas toast for added fiber and nutrients.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, add an extra half tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
  • Mashed potatoes can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience.
  • Make sure to cook the gravy slurry over medium heat while stirring to avoid lumps.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan, open-faced sandwich, comfort food, slow cooked beef, brown gravy, mashed potatoes