There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker meal that asks so little of you and still fills the house with the kind of savory smell that brings everybody into the kitchen. Recipes like this remind me of practical Midwestern suppers, where stretching a few pantry staples into a hearty meal was just good common sense. Starting with canned beef stew may sound humble, but with a handful of simple additions and a slow afternoon in the crock pot, it turns into a rich, cozy dinner fit for a busy weeknight.
This beefy slow cooker supper is especially good with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a slice of warm crusty bread to soak up the gravy. If you want to round it out a little more, serve it with green beans, glazed carrots, or a simple cucumber salad for a fresh contrast to all that deep, savory flavor.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 cans beef stew, chilled and removed in solid cylindrical blocks
Directions
1. Lightly grease the slow cooker if desired, then place the two solid cylindrical blocks of canned beef stew into the bottom of the crock.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the top, then add the frozen mixed vegetables around and over the beef stew.
3. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, cover, and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until everything is hot and the stew has broken down into a thick mixture.
4. Stir well to combine, breaking up any larger chunks, then taste and adjust with a little salt and pepper if needed before serving hot.
Variations & Tips
Make it heartier: If you want to stretch this meal a little further, stir in cubed potatoes during the first hour of cooking or serve the finished beef over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Add more vegetables: A cup of sliced mushrooms, pearl onions, or chopped celery fits right in and gives the finished dish a little more homemade character without making things complicated.
For richer flavor: A spoonful of tomato paste or a splash more Worcestershire sauce can deepen the gravy nicely if you prefer a bolder beef taste.
Storage tip: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth if the mixture thickens too much.
