My grandma made this every Friday during hard times. The meat comes out so tender and that gravy is unbelievably rich.

This slow cooker 3-ingredient poor man’s steak is one of those humble, stick-to-your-ribs dinners that tastes like it came straight out of a grandma’s kitchen—because it did. My grandma made this every Friday during hard times, stretching a pound or two of ground beef into a comforting meal that fed everyone around the table. The meat cooks up incredibly tender, and the simple onion gravy turns rich and glossy as it bubbles away all day in the slow cooker. With just three ingredients and almost no prep, it’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something warm and homemade.

Serve these tender beef patties right in their onion gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or white rice so all that rich brown sauce has something to soak into. A simple side of buttered peas, green beans, or a tossed salad helps balance the richness. If you want to keep it extra homey, add some dinner rolls or sliced bread to mop up the gravy. This is the kind of meal that feels like a hug at the end of a long week, so keep the sides cozy and familiar.

Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Poor Man’s Steak

Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best)
2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
2 (1-ounce) packets dry onion soup mix

Directions