Beef Manhattan Recipe
Introduction
Beef Manhattan is a comforting classic featuring tender, slow-cooked chuck roast served over garlic toast and mashed potatoes. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends when you want a satisfying meal with rich flavors.

Ingredients
- 3 pound chuck roast (can use 3-4 lbs.)
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 oz. packet brown gravy mix
- 1 oz. packet onion soup mix
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- Mashed potatoes (homemade or store bought)
- Garlic toast (such as frozen Texas Toast)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season all sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes on each side until well browned.
- Step 3: Transfer the seared roast to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the brown gravy mix and onion soup mix over the roast, then pour in the red wine vinegar.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours, until the beef is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Step 6: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, stir it into the gravy, and let it sit on warm for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Step 7: To serve, place a portion of mashed potatoes on a slice of garlic toast. Spoon the shredded beef and gravy over the top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy mix before cooking.
- You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly milder tang.
- Make garlic toast from scratch by spreading butter and garlic powder on bread before toasting.
- Leftover beef is great in sandwiches or over rice for a quick meal.
Storage
Store leftover beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Garlic toast is best served fresh or toasted again briefly before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook the roast in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can braise the roast in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F (160°C) for about 3-4 hours, until tender. Add the gravy mix, onion soup mix, and vinegar to the pan for flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have onion soup mix?
You can substitute with 1 teaspoon onion powder mixed with a pinch of garlic powder and herbs like thyme or parsley for a similar flavor boost.
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Beef Manhattan Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 5 hours 45 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Beef Manhattan is a comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender shredded chuck roast served atop garlic toast and creamy mashed potatoes, smothered in savory gravy made from brown gravy and onion soup mixes, finished with a splash of red wine vinegar for depth of flavor. This hearty meal is perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 3 pound chuck roast (can use 3–4 lbs.)
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
Cooking and Gravy
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 oz. packet brown gravy mix
- 1 oz. packet onion soup mix
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
Serving
- Mashed potatoes (homemade or store bought)
- Garlic toast (such as frozen Texas Toast)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Beef: Pat the chuck roast dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season all sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Sear the Chuck Roast: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chuck roast for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms, locking in the meat’s juices.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned roast at the bottom of the slow cooker to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add Gravy Mixes and Vinegar: Sprinkle the 1 oz packet of brown gravy mix and 1 oz packet of onion soup mix evenly over the roast. Pour in ¼ cup of red wine vinegar to add acidity and depth to the gravy.
- Slow Cook the Roast: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 5-6 hours until the beef becomes very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Beef: Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef back into the slow cooker, stir to combine with the gravy, and keep it on the warm setting for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve the Beef Manhattan: To serve, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes over a slice of garlic toast. Spoon the shredded beef and rich gravy over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and enjoy this comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the chuck roast with any other slow-cooking beef cut like brisket or round roast.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the beef after shredding and simmer the liquid to reduce it before adding the beef back.
- Use prepared mashed potatoes and garlic toast to save time.
- Red wine vinegar adds a nice tang but can be replaced with apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or fresh garlic to the gravy mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 5.5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beef Manhattan, slow cooker beef, shredded beef, brown gravy, onion soup mix, comfort food, garlic toast, mashed potatoes

