If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Dinner is exactly what you need. Tender beef simmered in savory gravy, spooned over creamy mashed potatoes and served with garlic bread, makes this classic comfort dish perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan
This recipe is all about big flavor with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker means the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while you go about your day. The gravy is rich and savory, the potatoes are creamy, and the garlic bread ties everything together. It’s hearty, filling, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2–3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 6–8 slices prepared garlic bread
These pantry-friendly ingredients make this dish approachable and budget-conscious, while still delivering classic comfort flavors.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Add the Beef
Place the beef chuck roast chunks into the slow cooker in an even layer. This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender as it cooks.
Step 2: Season and Flavor
Sprinkle the onion soup mix and brown gravy mix evenly over the beef. These seasoning packets create a deeply savory gravy without extra measuring or prep.
Step 3: Add the Vinegar
Pour the apple cider vinegar over the beef. Don’t worry — it won’t taste sour. Instead, it balances the richness of the gravy and helps tenderize the meat.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender. The slow cooker does all the work here, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful, comforting dish.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Lightly shred or break apart the beef in the gravy. Spoon generous portions over warm mashed potatoes and serve with garlic bread on the side.
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Tips & Variations
- Lower sodium: Use reduced-sodium soup and gravy mixes.
- Extra richness: Stir a spoonful of butter into the gravy before serving.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of milk to your mashed potatoes for extra smoothness.
- No garlic bread? Dinner rolls or toasted bread work just as well.

Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the gravy thickens.
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Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan Dinner
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is a comforting dinner of tender beef simmered in savory gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes with garlic bread on the side. Perfect for busy days and cozy family meals.
Ingredients
2–3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
1 packet onion soup mix
1 packet brown gravy mix
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
4 cups prepared mashed potatoes
6–8 slices prepared garlic bread
Instructions
1. Add beef chunks to the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle onion soup mix and brown gravy mix evenly over the beef.
3. Pour apple cider vinegar over the top.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, until fork-tender.
5. Shred or break up the beef gently in the gravy.
6. Spoon beef and gravy over warm mashed potatoes.
7. Serve with garlic bread on the side.
Notes
Lower sodium: Use reduced-sodium soup and gravy mixes.
Apple cider vinegar swap: Use 1/4 cup beef broth + 1 tsp lemon juice if needed.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare mashed potatoes in advance and reheat with a splash of milk.
Serving tip: Add a side salad or steamed veggies for balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | ~980mg |
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan is comfort food at its best — warm, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning leftovers for the week, this recipe delivers classic flavor with modern convenience.