Beef Manhattan

Name: Beef Manhattan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 680 g beef roast (top round or chuck, cooked and sliced thin); 4 slices white bread (thick-cut, like Texas toast); 680 g potato (about 4 medium, peeled and cubed); 2 tbsp butter (unsalted, for mashed potatoes); 0.25 cup milk (warmed, for mashed potatoes); 3 tbsp beef drippings (from roasted beef, or use butter); 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy); 2 cup water (for gravy, plus more for potatoes); 0.5 tsp salt (divided, for potatoes and gravy); 1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground); 1 pinch garlic powder (for mashed potatoes)

RATING

4.3/5(38)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Tender slices of roast beef piled high on white bread, blanketed in rich brown gravy, and served with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. A classic Midwest diner comfort food that transforms leftover roast into something spectacular.

PREP

15m

COOK

25m

SERVES

1 PIECE

776 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 7 STEPS

prep
Prepare the roast beef.
If using leftover roast, slice it thinly against the grain. If starting fresh, season a 1.5 lb beef roast with salt and pepper, roast at 350°F until medium-rare (internal temp 130-135°F), let rest, then slice thin. Keep warm.
TIPSlice against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat beef. Slicing with the grain makes it chewy.
boil · ~15 min
Boil the potatoes.
1.Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by an inch.
2.Add a pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil.
3.Cook until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes.
mix · ~5 min
Mash the potatoes.
1.Drain the cooked potatoes and return to the warm pot.
2.Add butter and let it melt over the hot potatoes for 30 seconds.
3.Pour in warmed milk, add garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper.
4.Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste. Cover to keep warm.
TIPWarm the milk before adding — cold milk makes mashed potatoes gummy.
saute · ~2 min
Start the gravy.
1.Heat beef drippings in a saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
2.Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 1-2 minutes.
TIPCook the flour until golden — a pale roux tastes raw and floury.
simmer · ~7 min
Finish the gravy.
1.Slowly whisk in water, a little at a time, until smooth with no lumps.
2.Season with salt and black pepper.
3.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
TIPAdd water gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Lumps mean you added it too fast.
assemble · ~3 min
Assemble the Beef Manhattan.
1.Place one slice of white bread on each plate.
2.Pile a generous portion of sliced roast beef on top of the bread.
3.Spoon a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes alongside the beef.
4.Ladle hot gravy generously over the beef, bread, and potatoes.
TIPGravy should go over everything — including the bread. The bread soaking up gravy is the whole point.
serve
Serve immediately while piping hot.
Finish with an extra crack of black pepper on top if you like. This is knife-and-fork comfort food at its best.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Slice the beef roast against the grain for maximum tenderness.
2
Warm the milk before adding to potatoes to avoid a gummy texture.
3
Cook the flour until golden brown to develop a nutty, non-raw flavor in the gravy.
4
Add water to the roux gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
5
Pile the gravy generously over the bread so it soaks in — that's the signature of this dish.
6
Let the roast rest at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep juices in the meat.
7
Make the mashed potatoes slightly thicker if you plan to reheat leftovers.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Turkey Manhattan

Substitute leftover roasted turkey for the beef. Great for post-Thanksgiving — use turkey drippings in the gravy and add a pinch of poultry seasoning.

Low Carb

Low-Carb

Replace the bread with roasted portobello mushroom caps and serve cauliflower mash instead of potato. Low in carbs but still hearty.

Peppered Gravy

Add 1 teaspoon of coarsely cracked black pepper to the gravy while it simmers. For those who love a spicy, peppery kick.

Vegan

Use seitan or marinated portobello strips instead of beef, vegan butter and plant milk for the mash, and vegetable broth thickened with a flour roux for gravy.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

High in Protein

The beef roast provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.

✓

Good Source of Potassium

Potatoes contribute potassium, a mineral that supports healthy blood pressure and nerve function.

✓

Iron from Beef

Red meat is a rich source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed and helps prevent anemia.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but homemade gravy from beef drippings has much deeper flavor. If using store-bought, choose a quality beef gravy and add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

PAIRS WELL WITH