When you need dinner that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan delivers tender beef smothered in savory gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Just set it and forget it—your slow cooker handles the rest while you tackle your day.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Hands-off cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away for hours.
Budget-friendly: Chuck roast transforms into melt-in-your-mouth tender beef without breaking the bank.
Classic comfort food: Rich gravy and fluffy potatoes hit that nostalgic dinner spot perfectly.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike devour this satisfying meal with zero complaints.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep in the morning, come home to dinner ready.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed
1 large onion, sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 packet brown gravy mix (about 1 oz)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 cups mashed potatoes, prepared
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Notes & Substitutions:

Beef: Chuck roast works best for this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan because it becomes incredibly tender during the long cook. Rump roast or even stew meat can substitute if needed.
Broth: Store-bought beef broth simplifies prep, but beef bouillon or even a splash of red wine mixed with broth adds depth.
Gravy mix: Brown gravy packets keep things easy. Skip it and make a roux with butter and flour if you prefer from-scratch.
Potatoes: Instant mashed potatoes save time without sacrificing comfort. Homemade mashed potatoes taste amazing but aren’t required.
Thickener: Cornstarch creates silky gravy. Use flour if that’s what you have—just whisk it thoroughly to avoid lumps.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan

Step 1: Season the beef

Season your chuck roast generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on all sides. Don’t be shy—the seasoning creates a flavor foundation.

Step 2: Layer the slow cooker

Place sliced onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the seasoned beef roast directly on top of the onions.

Step 3: Prepare the cooking liquid

Whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl until the gravy mix dissolves completely. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook low and slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours. The beef should become fork-tender and easily pull apart when done. High heat works for 4 to 5 hours if you’re short on time, but low heat produces better texture.

Step 5: Thicken the gravy (optional)

If your gravy seems thin, remove the beef and whisk a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the liquid. Cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened. Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the gravy.

Step 6: Serve over mashed potatoes

Scoop generous portions of mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with shredded Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan and ladle plenty of rich gravy over everything.

Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Manhattan

Avoid watery gravy: If your gravy turns out thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes and let excess moisture evaporate. Cornstarch slurry always works as a backup thickener.
Don’t rush the cook time: Low heat breaks down the tough connective tissue in chuck roast better than high heat. Patience creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
Taste and adjust: Salt levels vary depending on your broth and gravy mix brands. Always taste before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Ideas:

Pair your Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan with green beans, dinner rolls, or a simple side salad. Some people enjoy it open-faced on toasted bread instead of potatoes for a sandwich-style twist.

Storage:

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Gravy thickens when cold—just add a splash of broth when reheating. Freezing works well for the beef and gravy but skip freezing the mashed potatoes as they get grainy.

Variations:

Add sliced mushrooms during cooking for extra earthiness. Swap pork shoulder for a different flavor profile, though beef works best. Horseradish mashed potatoes create a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with rich gravy.

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Chicken works but creates a completely different dish. Swap beef broth for chicken broth and reduce cooking time to prevent dry meat. The classic Beef Manhattan flavor comes specifically from beef.

How do I prevent lumpy gravy?

Always mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid. Whisk constantly while adding the slurry. If lumps form, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, use a heavy oven-safe pot with a tight lid. Cook at 300°F for 3 to 4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the liquid doesn’t evaporate completely.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan delivers classic comfort with minimal hands-on effort. Tender beef swimming in rich gravy over fluffy potatoes creates the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels like Sunday supper. Your slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day, making this recipe a reliable favorite when comfort food calls.