I’ve been making a version of Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan for years — it’s the kind of meal that fills the house with savory aroma while you get on with your day. This recipe turns a humble chuck roast into a tender, tomato-scented shredded beef piled on soft sandwich rolls — perfect for busy weeknights, game-day feeding, or casual weekend family dinners. If you like hands-off comfort food, this slow-cooked sandwich will become a go-to; for a different savory profile, try my take on slow-cooker Korean beef for another fuss-free weeknight winner: slow-cooker Korean beef.

Why you’ll love this dish

This Beef Manhattan is comfort-food simplicity: low effort, high reward. The slow cooker turns a budget-friendly chuck roast into fork-tender meat while the diced tomatoes and Worcestershire add depth without a lot of fuss. It feeds a crowd easily (the recipe makes about 8 sandwiches), and leftovers reheat beautifully.

"A staple at our house — melts in your mouth and the rolls soak up the rich juices. Kids and adults both ask for seconds." — home-cook review

Reasons people choose this recipe include budget-friendliness (chuck roast is inexpensive), minimal hands-on time, and the sandwich format that’s easy for serving at casual gatherings. It’s ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or a hearty Sunday supper.

The cooking process explained

Before you start: this recipe is straightforward — sear (optional), combine aromatics and liquids, slow-cook for 7–8 hours on low, shred, and serve. Expect the most active time to be chopping and assembly; the slow cooker does the rest. If you need dinner faster, the same base can be done on high for 4–5 hours, but low-and-slow yields the best texture.

What you’ll need

2 pounds beef chuck roast (trim excess fat if you like)
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth (use low-sodium if preferred)
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
8 sandwich rolls (kaiser or hoagie-style work well)

Notes/substitutions:

Swap crushed tomatoes for diced for a smoother sauce.
If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute 1 cup of the broth with red wine.
For gluten-free, serve on GF rolls or over mashed potatoes.
If you enjoy comfort-stew style recipes, you might also like this slow-cooker beef and potato curry for another hearty dinner idea: beef and potato curry.

Directions to follow

Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. (Optional) Sear the roast in a hot skillet 2–3 minutes per side until browned to deepen flavor.
Place the roast in the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with juices), sliced carrots, chopped celery, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Pour in the beef broth so the ingredients are mostly covered. Give a gentle stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, or until the beef is easily shredded with two forks. (If short on time, cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours.)
Remove the roast to a cutting board or large bowl and shred the meat with two forks. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir into the juices to soak up more flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning.
To serve, pile generous portions of the beef mixture onto sandwich rolls. Toasting the rolls and spooning some cooking liquid over the meat makes for a juicier, more satisfying sandwich.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve these sandwiches hot with a spoonful of the slow-cooker juices. Classic side pairings include coleslaw, kettle chips, or a crisp green salad. For a stove-to-table spread, offer pickles and sliced provolone or cheddar for guests to top their sandwiches. If you prefer a bowl instead of a sandwich, serve the shredded beef over mashed potatoes or egg noodles — for ramen-inspired comfort, check out this slow-cooker beef ramen idea: beef ramen.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
To reheat: warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in 1-minute bursts until steaming. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
To freeze: cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

Searing the roast is optional but adds a caramelized flavor. If you skip searing, increase seasoning slightly.
If the juices are too thin after shredding, remove 1 cup of cooking liquid, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch into it, then stir back into the slow cooker and cook on high for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
Use two forks or place warm shredded beef in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low for 30 seconds to shred quickly.
Keep a ladle handy to spoon extra broth onto the rolls so each bite stays moist.

Creative twists

Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste at the beginning for a richer tomato flavor.
Make it cheesier: melt provolone or Swiss on the roll under the broiler for a minute before serving.
For a smoky touch, stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
Swap sandwich rolls for slider buns for party-sized portions.
For a stew-like plate, serve with dumplings — this recipe pair works well with a beef stew and dumplings approach: beef stew and dumplings.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes — chuck roast is ideal for shredding and budget-friendly, but brisket, bottom round, or shoulder can work. Adjust cooking time: leaner cuts may dry if overcooked, so monitor tenderness.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
A: Remove some of the liquid and simmer it in a saucepan to reduce by half, or stir in a small amount of instant mashed potato flakes to thicken while keeping flavor neutral.
Q: Can I make this in a pressure cooker/instant pot?
A: Yes. Brown the roast on Sauté, add ingredients, and cook on High Pressure for about 60–70 minutes with a natural release. Always check tenderness before shredding.
Q: Is it safe to leave the slow cooker on overnight?
A: It’s generally safe if the cooker is in good condition and set to LOW; however, avoid plating food and leaving it out for more than two hours. For best safety and quality, plan to serve within 8–10 hours total cooking time.

Conclusion

If you want to compare notes or adapt other home-cook-tested versions, Pam’s take is a nice reference for a similar slow-cooker approach: Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan – Pam’s Daily Dish. For a crock-pot perspective with tips on assembling sandwiches, see this classic guide: Crock Pot Beef Manhattan – The Country Cook.