This 5-ingredient slow cooker beef is the kind of easy dinner that saves a busy day and still brings everybody happily to the table. Using a raw ground beef chub right in the slow cooker keeps prep to a minimum, and as it cooks low and slow with a few pantry staples, it turns into a rich, savory beef mixture that works beautifully for sandwiches, over rice, on mashed potatoes, or tucked into buns for a hearty family meal.
Serve this comforting beef with soft sandwich buns, mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up all that flavorful sauce. A simple green salad, roasted green beans, or sweet corn on the side helps round things out, and if you’re feeding hungry kids or a crowd, a bowl of chips, pickles, or coleslaw makes it feel like a full, fun supper.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds raw ground beef chub
Directions
1. Place the raw ground beef chub in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top, then add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fully cooked.
3. Remove the lid and break up the beef with a spoon or potato masher. Stir everything together well so the meat absorbs the sauce.
4. Let the beef cook for 15 to 20 minutes more with the lid off if you’d like the sauce a little thicker. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or on sandwich buns.
Variations & Tips
For sandwich sliders: Spoon the beef onto toasted slider buns and add sliced provolone or mozzarella on top. This is a great way to make it feel a little different for game day or a casual family movie night.
For picky eaters: If your family prefers a plainer flavor, use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom and serve the beef over noodles. The texture stays nice and hearty, but the taste is a little milder.
To stretch the meal: Add a drained can of mushrooms or serve the beef over extra rice or egg noodles when you need to feed a few more people. A basket of rolls on the table helps, too.
For thicker gravy: If the mixture seems thinner than you like, leave the lid off near the end of cooking and stir a few times. Breaking the beef up well also helps the sauce come together nicely.
Make-ahead tip: This beef reheats very well, so it’s a lovely choice for busy weeks. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
