Name: slow cooker beef manhattan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast; 2 medium sweet onions, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried); 2 bay leaves; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 23 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort meal, look no further than slow cooker beef manhattan. This dish transforms a humble beef chuck roast into fork-tender strands bathed in a savory gravy, all ladled over a cloud of creamy mashed potatoes or noodles. Every bite is pure nostalgia, perfect for warming up chilly evenings or anchoring a hearty family dinner. Whether you’re brand new to this classic or it reminds you of home-cooked meals from years past, the flavors in slow cooker beef manhattan are sure to make you swoon.

slow cooker beef manhattan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes slow cooker beef manhattan so irresistible is its simplicity—a handful of everyday ingredients, each earning their spot for more than just flavor. From the rich, marbled chuck roast to a modest blend of vegetables and aromatics, everything works together to build layer upon layer of savory, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Beef Chuck Roast (3–4 lbs): Look for a well-marbled cut; the fat ensures your beef will be tender and flavorful by the end of cooking.
Sweet Onions (2 medium, chopped): Sweet onions add a mellow, caramelized note that forms the backbone of the gravy.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic deepens the savoriness and infuses everything with warmth.
Beef Broth (2 cups, low-sodium): This is the base for your gravy, so opt for a good quality broth with plenty of body.
Worcestershire Sauce (2 tbsp): Just a dash brings big umami energy and a lovely tang.
Fresh Thyme (1 tsp, or ½ tsp dried): This herb adds a subtle earthiness that plays perfectly with beef.
Bay Leaves (2): Tossing these in creates a rounded, aromatic depth to the stew as it simmers.
Carrots (2 medium, diced): Carrots lend a touch of sweetness and beautiful color to the dish.
Celery (2 stalks, diced): Essential for classic flavor balance, celery softens and melts right in.
For Serving: Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Egg Noodles (4 cups): You’ll want a pillowy base to soak up all that luscious gravy.

How to Make slow cooker beef manhattan

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First things first: chop your onions, mince your garlic, and dice your carrots and celery. This little bit of upfront prep promises you a smoother, more relaxing slow cooker experience—and helps the flavors marry perfectly while they cook.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Don’t skip this step! Season your chuck roast generously, then sear it in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side. The deep golden crust you create isn’t just for looks; it adds incredible flavor and locks in those precious juices.

Step 3: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Transfer your beautifully seared beef to the slow cooker. Surround it with chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire, and beef broth. Give everything a gentle mix, nestling the vegetables around the roast so those flavors can mingle as they cook.

Step 4: Let It Work Its Magic

Set your slow cooker to low for 8 hours (or high for 4, if you’re pinched for time). The beauty of slow cooker beef manhattan is how hands-off it is—your kitchen fills with cozy aromas while you get on with your day, and your reward is tender, pull-apart beef in the richest, most savory gravy imaginable.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once done, fish out the bay leaves, then use two forks to shred the beef right in the slow cooker. Pile it high over a scoop of mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, ladle the gravy all over, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. That first bite is pure heaven.

How to Serve slow cooker beef manhattan

Garnishes

A classic touch is a scattering of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and herbal brightness. If you crave extra richness, a small knob of butter melting over the top makes it even silkier. For a little zing, try a dash of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky salt just before serving.

Side Dishes

Slow cooker beef manhattan is hearty, but lighter sides help round out your meal. Steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad pair beautifully with the rich beef and gravy. If you’re a bread lover, warm dinner rolls or a slice of crusty sourdough are ideal for mopping up every drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve the beef manhattan open-faced on thick slices of toasted bread for a rustic, diner-style feel. You can also use individual bowls layered with mashed potatoes, a scoop of beef, and a little ladle of gravy for a comforting, modern presentation. Mini portions served in ramekins make a fun dinner party starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining beef and gravy cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the flavors deepen and improve overnight, so your leftovers are even more delicious!

Freezing

Slow cooker beef manhattan freezes beautifully. Portion cooled beef and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating and maximum juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for slow cooker beef manhattan?

You can swap in brisket or bottom round if that’s what you have on hand, but chuck roast gives the most tender, juicy result thanks to its marbling. Leaner cuts may turn out a bit drier, but will still taste wonderful when slow-cooked in plenty of sauce.

Do I have to sear the beef first?

While you technically can skip searing, it’s worth the extra couple of minutes! Searing creates a fantastic depth of flavor and adds color to the final dish—giving your slow cooker beef manhattan that irresistible savory edge.

What can I substitute for mashed potatoes?

If you’re not in the mood for mashed potatoes, try serving over buttery egg noodles, fluffy rice, or even creamy polenta. The key is having something to soak up all that luscious gravy.

How do I thicken the gravy if I want it richer?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, ladle out some of the cooking liquid into a saucepan and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). Simmer until thickened, then stir it back into the beef before serving.

Can I make slow cooker beef manhattan the night before?

Yes, you can fully prepare and cook the dish ahead of time. Simply reheat gently and serve when you’re ready. Many experienced home cooks swear that beef manhattan tastes even better the next day!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that soul-soothing, homey feeling that a big plate of comfort food brings, give slow cooker beef manhattan a try. This dish delivers on flavor, fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, and could easily become a new family favorite. Gather everyone around the table and dig in—you absolutely deserve it!