This 5-ingredient slow cooker beef recipe is the kind of practical weeknight meal that turns a few pantry and refrigerator staples into something hearty, saucy, and comforting. Using a solid can-shaped block of canned beef chili without beans as the flavor base gives the dish a built-in beefy richness, while the slow cooker does the work of gently blending everything together into a satisfying family dinner.
Serve this over hot rice, buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or toasted hamburger buns for a loose sandwich-style meal. A simple green salad, steamed green beans, corn, or roasted broccoli all pair well with the rich beef mixture, and a spoonful of shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream on top makes it feel even more complete.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) canned beef chili without beans, removed in one solid block
1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat
1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 cup sour cream
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired. Place the solid can-shaped block of canned beef chili without beans in the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the beef stew meat on top.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the beef, then scatter the frozen mixed vegetables over everything. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the chili has melted into a thick sauce.
3. Stir the mixture well, breaking up any remaining larger pieces of chili and combining the beef, vegetables, and sauce until evenly mixed.
4. Turn the slow cooker to warm. Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and lightly creamy. Taste and adjust with a little salt or black pepper if needed, then serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Serve It Differently: Spoon this beef mixture over rice, egg noodles, baked potatoes, or split biscuits if you want to stretch it into different meals through the week. The sauce is thick enough to work with several starches.
Add More Vegetables: If you want a heartier one-pot dinner, add sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or extra frozen vegetables during the first hour of cooking. Keep the total amount moderate so the sauce stays rich rather than watery.
Make It Richer: For an even creamier finish, use 4 ounces of softened cream cheese instead of sour cream, or stir in a small handful of shredded cheddar just before serving for a slightly cheesy beef supper.
Choose the Right Beef: Beef stew meat holds up well in the slow cooker, but chuck roast cut into chunks also works nicely and often becomes especially tender. If your beef pieces are large, cut them into bite-size chunks for easier serving.
Prevent Curdling: Let the cooked mixture settle for a minute or two on warm before stirring in the sour cream. Adding dairy at the end, rather than at the beginning, helps keep the sauce smooth.