Dump this frozen beef shaved steak in the crock with 3 other ingredients and whip up a meal so mouthwatering your husband will be begging for seconds!

This 4-ingredient slow cooker beef shaved steak is my kind of July Fourth prep: you literally dump everything in frozen, flip the switch, and get back to the fun. The thinly shaved beef cooks up tender and juicy under a layer of colorful bell peppers and onions, soaking up all that savory flavor while you’re out in the yard or getting the kids ready for fireworks. It’s perfect for busy families who still want something a little special on the table, and it feels like a cross between fair food and a cozy Midwestern potluck classic.

Pile the hot beef and veggies onto toasted hoagie rolls with sliced provolone or American cheese for easy sandwiches, or serve over buttered egg noodles or rice if you’re keeping things simple. Add a bowl of potato salad, chips, or corn on the cob to round out the plate, and set out pickles, sliced jalapeños, or extra Italian seasoning for anyone who likes a little kick. This also makes a great make-ahead filling for slider buns if you’re feeding a crowd before the fireworks.

Servings: 6

2 pounds frozen beef shaved steak (kept in a solid, frozen block)

Place the frozen beef shaved steak in an even layer on the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. It should be packed in as a solid, frozen block so it sits firmly at the base of the crock.

Spread the frozen bell pepper strips evenly over the top of the frozen beef, creating a colorful layer that completely covers the meat.

Scatter the sliced onion over the peppers, then sprinkle the entire packet of dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the veggies and exposed beef. Do not add water; the beef and vegetables will release plenty of liquid as they cook.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is cooked through and very tender and the vegetables are soft. Avoid lifting the lid during the first few hours so the heat stays consistent.

Once cooked, use tongs or two forks to gently toss the beef and vegetables together right in the slow cooker, breaking up any remaining larger chunks of shaved steak so everything is coated in the flavorful juices.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve the beef and peppers hot on hoagie rolls, over rice or noodles, or however your family loves it best.

For picky eaters, you can skip the onions or use only yellow bell peppers if the kids side-eye the green ones. If you like things cheesy, add sliced provolone or mozzarella over the hot beef in the slow cooker during the last 10 minutes of cooking, then cover again just until melted. To give it a bit of a zip, drizzle in 1 to 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar along with the seasoning packet. You can also swap the Italian dressing mix for a packet of onion soup mix for a more savory, roast-like flavor. If you’re watching sodium, choose a reduced-sodium seasoning packet and taste before adding extra salt. For a milder, almost sweet flavor, use sweet onion instead of yellow. Food safety tips: Always start with beef that was kept fully frozen until you add it to the slow cooker, and make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F; with this method and timing it will, but if you’re unsure, check a small piece with an instant-read thermometer. Do not leave cooked beef sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s a very hot day); refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers. Reheat leftovers until steaming hot before serving, and use within 3 to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.