This slow cooker beef is tender, flavorful, and coated in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect over egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or piled high on a soft sandwich bun. It’s one of those dependable recipes you’ll come back to again and again — especially on busy days when you want a hearty meal without standing at the stove.
There’s something so comforting about a slow cooker meal that practically cooks itself. The other day, I tossed a few simple pantry ingredients into the cooker — beef stew meat, onion soup mix, and a can of Manwich — and what came out hours later was pure comfort food magic.
If you love easy slow cooker beef recipes, comfort food dinners, or simple slow cooker meals made with pantry staples, this one is for you.
This Slow Cooker Beef Just Works
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Just minutes of prep time
- Rich, savory onion gravy
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Great for leftovers
The combination of onion soup mix and Manwich sloppy joe sauce creates a deeply savory, slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with tender beef stew meat.
Slow Cooker Beef with Rich Savory Gravy
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Pounds Beef Stew Meat cut into bite size pieces
- 4 Ounces Onion Soup Mix 2 packets
- 15 Ounces Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce 1 can
- ½ Cup Red Wine
- 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- ½ Cup Water
Instructions
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef
- Add the beef stew meat to your slow cooker. Add the onion soup mix packets. Pour in the Manwich sauce and red wine. Stir to combine everything.4 Pounds Beef Stew Meat, 4 Ounces Onion Soup Mix, 15 Ounces Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce, ½ Cup Red Wine
- Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens into a rich gravy.3 Tablespoons Cornstarch, ½ Cup Water
- That’s it! Simple, hearty, and delicious.
Notes
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef
- Use beef chuck or stew meat for the most tender results.
- If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker (optional, but delicious).
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Can I Make This Without Wine?
Yes! If you prefer not to use red wine, substitute with:- Beef broth
- Additional water
- Or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth
Nutrition
Serving Ideas
This slow cooker beef is incredibly versatile. Here are our favorite ways to serve it:
Over Egg Noodles. The thick savory gravy coats the noodles perfectly for a cozy, filling dinner.
Over Mashed Potatoes. Spoon it over homemade mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal.
As a Beef Sandwich. Pile the tender beef onto a soft bun for a hearty hot sandwich. Add melted provolone or mozzarella for an extra treat.
Over Rice. If you need a quick, budget-friendly option, white or brown rice works beautifully.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover slow cooker beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
- Or reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
Can You Freeze This?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully.
Allow the beef to cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Warm slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Add a little broth or water if the gravy needs thinning.
This makes it a great freezer meal option for busy seasons, new moms, or anyone needing a comforting homemade meal.
Make It a Complete Meal
Pair this slow cooker beef with steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, homemade dinner rolls, roasted carrots, or just about anything you can dream up. This is a versatile dinner that pairs well with so many sides.
It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying dinner that brings everyone to the table and keeps them there just a little longer.
Easy tender beef with gravy is so easy with the slow cooker.