Put Raw Cubed Beef in a Slow Cooker with These 3 Ingredients
(The Easiest Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef You’ll Ever Make)
If there’s one dinner that proves simple really is better, this is it. No browning, no fancy prep, no long ingredient list. You literally put raw cubed beef in a slow cooker with just 3 ingredients, walk away, and come back to the most tender, juicy, flavor-packed beef imaginable.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or those days when you just don’t have the energy to cook — but still want something comforting and homemade.
I’ve made this more times than I can count, and every single time someone asks for the recipe. The best part? You probably already have everything you need.
Why This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Works
Slow cooking raw beef may sound too easy to be good — but that’s exactly why it works.
The low, steady heat breaks down tough fibers
The beef cooks in its own juices
The flavors concentrate instead of evaporating
No searing means less mess and zero stress
This method turns inexpensive cuts of beef into fork-tender perfection.
🥩 The 3 Ingredients You Need
That’s it. No fillers. No extras. Just pure comfort food.
Ingredients:
2 lbs raw beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
1 packet onion soup mix
1 cup beef broth
Optional (but not counted):
Salt & pepper to taste (often not needed because of the soup mix)
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Add the Beef
Place the raw cubed beef directly into the slow cooker. No need to brown it first — trust the process.
Step 2: Season
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the beef.
Step 3: Pour the Broth
Pour beef broth over everything. Do not stir too much — just make sure the beef is mostly covered.
Step 4: Cook Low & Slow
LOW: 7–8 hours (best for ultra-tender beef)
HIGH: 4–5 hours
That’s it. No checking. No stirring. Let the slow cooker do the work.
What You’ll Get at the End
Beef so tender it falls apart with a fork
Rich, savory gravy without adding flour
Deep, slow-cooked flavor from only 3 ingredients
A dish that tastes like you worked all day (even though you didn’t)
Best Cuts of Beef for This Recipe
For the best results, use:
Chuck roast
Stew meat
Shoulder beef
Avoid lean cuts — they won’t get as tender.
How to Serve This Slow Cooker Beef
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:
Mashed potatoes
Rice or buttered noodles
Crusty bread
Over egg noodles
Inside sandwiches or sliders
You can even shred it and use it for wraps or tacos.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a little extra broth.
Tips for the Best Flavor
Don’t lift the lid while cooking — it releases heat
Use LOW if you have time (worth it)
Let it rest 10 minutes before serving to thicken the juices
Taste before adding salt — the soup mix is already seasoned
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
✔ Only 3 ingredients
✔ No prep work
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Family-approved
✔ Perfect for beginners
This is one of those “save it forever” recipes — the kind you come back to again and again.
