If you’re looking for an easy, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, this slow cooker beef recipe is worth trying. Simply add raw cubed beef to your slow cooker with three simple ingredients, let everything cook slowly, and enjoy tender, flavorful beef in a rich, savory sauce.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or meal preparation when you want a hearty homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The 3 Ingredients You Need
- 2 pounds (900 g) beef stew meat: Cut into evenly sized cubes.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/approximately 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, savory sauce.
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce/28 g) dry onion soup mix: Adds rich onion flavor and seasoning.
- 1 cup beef broth: Helps create enough cooking liquid and a deeper beef flavor.
Note: The headline mentions three ingredients in addition to the beef. The beef is the main ingredient, while the soup, onion soup mix, and broth make up the three additions.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef
Step 1: Add the Beef
Place the raw cubed beef in the slow cooker in an even layer. Choose beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into cubes for the best results.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth until combined.
Step 3: Pour Over the Beef
Pour the mixture over the raw beef, stirring gently to coat the cubes in the sauce.
Step 4: Cook Slowly
Cover and cook until the beef is fork-tender, approximately 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH. Cooking times vary with the slow cooker, the size of the beef cubes, and the cut of meat. Check that the beef reaches a safe temperature; for beef stew meat, cooking until tender generally takes it well beyond the minimum safe temperature.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Stir the sauce and beef before serving. If the sauce is thinner than you prefer, transfer some to a saucepan and simmer until thickened, or use a suitable flour or cornstarch slurry and cook until thick.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choose chuck or stew meat: These cuts become tender during long, moist cooking.
- Don’t add too much salt: Onion soup mix and condensed soup can already be salty.
- Keep the lid closed: Repeatedly opening the slow cooker releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Cut the beef evenly: Similar-sized cubes cook more consistently.
- Add vegetables if desired: Carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes can turn this into a complete one-pot meal. Cut vegetables into suitable pieces and place firm vegetables near the bottom.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Beef
This savory beef and gravy is delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or alongside crusty bread. Steamed green beans, peas, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.
Food Safety Tips
You can put raw beef directly into a slow cooker; browning it first is optional and mainly adds flavor. Thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator before cooking rather than placing it frozen in the slow cooker. Follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions, keep the lid on during cooking, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
With cubed beef, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth, you can make a comforting slow cooker dinner with very little preparation. Let the beef cook until tender, spoon the rich sauce over your favorite side dish, and enjoy a hearty homemade meal with minimal effort.