These slow cooker back-to-school bites are the kind of simple, budget-friendly dinner that fits right into a busy week when everyone is coming and going at different times. Inspired by practical Depression Era-style cooking that made the most of inexpensive pantry staples, this version keeps things extra easy with just four ingredients and a dump-and-go method that turns beef sirloin tips into a savory, comforting meal with hardly any prep.
Serve these tender beef bites over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the rich broth. They also pair well with buttered green beans, glazed carrots, or a simple side salad, which makes this an easy dinner to stretch for a family meal or even a couple of leftover lunches during a packed school week.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Depression Era Back-to-School Bites
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds frozen raw beef sirloin tips
1 can (10.5 ounces) beef consomme
1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions
1. Add the frozen beef sirloin tips to the slow cooker and spread them into an even layer.
2. Pour the beef consomme over the beef, then sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly across the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and fully cooked.
4. In the last 20 minutes of cooking, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl, stir it into the slow cooker, then cover again and let the sauce thicken.
5. Spoon the beef bites and gravy over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add mushrooms: Stir in 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms during the last 2 hours of cooking if you want a heartier dish with more of that old-fashioned comfort food feel.
Make it extra savory: A spoonful of Worcestershire sauce adds a deeper flavor without making the ingredient list feel complicated, which is especially nice if you are serving this over plain rice or noodles.
Meal prep tip: If mornings are hectic, measure the onion soup mix and cornstarch the night before so you can get everything into the slow cooker in just a minute or two.
Texture tip: If you like a thicker gravy, use 3 tablespoons of cornstarch instead of 2. If you prefer it looser for serving over rice, stick with 2 tablespoons.
Safety note: For best food safety and even cooking, thaw the beef sirloin tips in the refrigerator before slow cooking if your slow cooker model does not recommend starting with frozen meat.