Layering raw stew meat directly over sliced onions without browning them first feels almost too simple, but the slow cooker handles the braise completely. By starting with an onion base and pouring a whisked blend of condensed cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and broth over the meat, you get tender beef and a rich, bubbling gravy with very little morning prep.
Servings: 6 servings
No-Sear Simplicity
There is no pre-searing required and no extra skillets to wash. The ingredients go straight into the slow cooker in layers, creating six hearty servings with enough savory gravy to generously coat every bowl.
The Secret to Tender Slow-Cooked Beef
Spreading the sliced onions across the bottom creates a soft bed that elevates the beef chunks and infuses the juices as they heat. Whisking the condensed soup, dry mix, and liquid together before pouring ensures an even coating, and leaving the layers undisturbed allows the sauce to slowly settle through the meat as it braises into fork-tender pieces.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef and Gravy Dinner
- 2 to 2 1/2 pounds raw beef stew meat, cut into bite-size chunks
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth or water
How to Make It: Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef and Gravy Dinner
- Lay the sliced onions in an even layer on the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. This gives the beef a soft bed to rest on and helps flavor the gravy.
- Place the raw beef stew meat on top of the onions, spreading it out so it cooks evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth (or water) until fairly smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the beef and onions, making sure everything is lightly coated. Do not stir; the layers will settle as it cooks.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for about 4 hours, until the beef is very tender and the gravy is rich and bubbling.
- Once done, give everything a gentle stir to combine the onions, beef, and gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve the beef and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, spooning extra gravy over the top.
Layering Tips for the Best Gravy
Whisk the condensed soup, dry onion soup mix, and broth thoroughly in a separate bowl before adding it to the pot so the mixture is fairly smooth. Once it is poured over the beef and onions, do not stir; leaving the layers alone helps the meat cook evenly and lets the gravy develop its consistency without scorching.
Serving Ideas
Serve the beef and onions hot over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice, spooning plenty of the extra gravy right over the top.
Common Questions
Can water be used instead of beef broth?
Yes. You can use 1 cup of either beef broth or plain water to whisk with the condensed cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix.
How long should the beef cook in the slow cooker?
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for about 4 hours, until the stew meat is very tender and the gravy is bubbling.
Do you stir the ingredients before turning on the slow cooker?
No. Place the onions on the bottom, layer the raw beef on top, and pour the soup mixture over the meat without stirring. The layers will settle naturally as dinner cooks.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef and Gravy Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Lay the sliced onions in an even layer on the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. This gives the beef a soft bed to rest on and helps flavor the gravy.
- Place the raw beef stew meat on top of the onions, spreading it out so it cooks evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth (or water) until fairly smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the beef and onions, making sure everything is lightly coated. Do not stir; the layers will settle as it cooks.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for about 4 hours, until the beef is very tender and the gravy is rich and bubbling.
- Once done, give everything a gentle stir to combine the onions, beef, and gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve the beef and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, spooning extra gravy over the top.
