
Add the Ingredients
Place the raw ground beef in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth over the top. Gently stir the mixture to distribute the seasonings and partially break up the beef.
Cook Slowly
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. During this time, the beef will cook thoroughly, and the sauce will develop a rich, savory flavor.
Break Apart and Stir
Once cooking is complete, use a spoon or spatula to break the ground beef into small crumbles. Stir well to ensure the meat is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the finished dish over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. It also pairs beautifully with buttered bread or a simple green vegetable on the side.
While this four-ingredient recipe is perfect on its own, it’s also highly adaptable. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or to use up ingredients you have in your kitchen.
Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Make It Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top before serving.
Add a Creamier Texture: Stir in a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese after cooking for a richer, tangier flavor.
Boost the Flavor: A dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce adds depth and umami.
The secret to this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients and the power of slow cooking. The beef becomes tender while the soups and broth combine into a velvety sauce that coats every bite. The onion soup mix acts as a concentrated seasoning blend, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor.
Unlike stovetop cooking, which can require constant attention, the slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it. You can prepare this dish in the morning, go about your day, and return to a hot, satisfying meal ready to serve.
This four-ingredient slow cooker ground beef recipe is the ultimate in convenience and comfort. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and uses staple ingredients that most households already have. Best of all, it delivers that nostalgic, home-cooked taste that reminds you of simpler times.
Whether you serve it on a cold evening, bring it to a potluck, or make it for a weeknight dinner, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a pound of ground beef, a few pantry staples, and a slow cooker to create something truly satisfying.