Pour beef broth over raw beef patties, along with 3 ingredients, into slow cooker for a hearty dinner that's my default when I don't know what to make

This is my default slow cooker dinner for nights when I stare into the fridge and have zero plan: simple smothered hamburger steaks. You literally layer raw beef patties in the slow cooker, pour beef broth over the top with just three more pantry ingredients, and let it do its thing all afternoon. The broth and onions turn into a cozy, savory gravy that soaks into the meat and makes the whole house smell like Sunday dinner, even if it’s just a random Tuesday when you got home late from work.

These smothered hamburger steaks are all about that rich, oniony gravy, so I love serving them over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to catch every drop. Rice works great too if that’s what you have on hand. Add a simple veggie like steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a side salad to round things out without much extra effort. Leftovers reheat nicely in a skillet with a splash of extra broth, so they’re perfect for meal-prep lunches the next day.

Servings: 4

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works best)

Form the patties: In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with the salt and pepper just until combined. Divide into 4–6 equal portions and shape into flat, even patties about 3/4 inch thick. Don’t overwork the meat so the patties stay tender.

Layer in the slow cooker: Scatter the sliced onion evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a bed for the patties and keeps them from sticking, while also flavoring the broth.

Add the raw patties: Place the raw beef patties directly on top of the sliced onions in a single layer. If you need to stack them slightly, it’s fine as long as they’re mostly in one even layer.

Pour in the beef broth: Slowly pour the beef broth over the raw beef patties and onions, making sure all the patties get some broth over them. You should see the liquid pooling around and partially over the meat, just like that classic slow cooker process shot on a speckled granite countertop.

Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the patties are cooked through (no pink in the center) and the onions are very soft. The broth will pick up flavor from the beef and onions and turn into a light, savory gravy.

Serve: Carefully lift the smothered hamburger steaks out with a spatula, spoon some of the onions and broth over the top, and serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Taste the broth and add a pinch more salt or pepper at the end if needed.

For a slightly thicker gravy, whisk 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then stir it into the hot cooking liquid during the last 20–30 minutes on HIGH until it thickens. You can also swap the yellow onion for sweet onion if you like a milder, sweeter flavor. If you want to stretch this into more servings, make smaller patties and add an extra 1/2–1 cup of beef broth so everything stays nicely covered. For a bit more seasoning without extra ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of garlic powder if you have it on hand. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; store the patties in their broth so they stay juicy, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.