Beef Manhattan
A quintessential Midwestern comfort food, this Beef Manhattan features tender, thinly sliced roast beef and creamy mashed potatoes served over soft white bread, all generously smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy. It's a hearty, satisfying, and nostalgic meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water by about an inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- 2
While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the gravy
- a.In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (roux). Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty.
- 3
Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps
- a.Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- 4
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the hot pot
- a.Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Cover to keep warm.
- 5
Reduce the gravy heat to low
- a.Gently add the sliced roast beef to the skillet, submerging the slices in the gravy. Allow the beef to heat through for 2-3 minutes. Avoid boiling, which can make the beef tough.
- 6
To assemble, place two slices of bread on each plate, slightly overlapping
- a.Top the bread with a generous pile of the warm roast beef. Add a large scoop of mashed potatoes next to the beef. Finally, ladle a liberal amount of hot gravy over everything. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a masher.
- 2Ensure your milk is warm before adding it to the potatoes to keep them fluffy and hot.
- 3If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer longer. If it's too thick, whisk in a splash more beef broth.
- 4Use a high-quality, low-sodium beef broth for the best flavor without excessive saltiness.
- 5Lightly toasting the bread can help it stand up to the gravy without becoming soggy too quickly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Create a 'Turkey Manhattan' by substituting sliced roasted turkey for the beef and using turkey gravy instead of beef gravy.
Bread ChoiceBread Choice
While classic white bread is traditional, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or Texas toast for a different texture and flavor.
Flavor BoostFlavor Boost
Sauté a small, finely diced onion and a clove of minced garlic in the butter before adding the flour for a deeper, more aromatic gravy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The roast beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef is a rich source of B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, which are crucial for energy production, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Energy-Rich Meal
The combination of carbohydrates from the potatoes and bread provides a substantial source of energy, making this a very filling and satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Beef Manhattan can range from 600 to 800 calories, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used, particularly the amount of butter and the fat content of the beef and gravy.