This 5-ingredient slow cooker beef dinner is the kind of easy meal that saves a busy day and still feels hearty enough to gather everyone around the table. Using frozen beef pasties as the base gives you a filling, comforting main dish with almost no prep, while a few pantry staples turn it into a warm, savory supper with rich flavor and a tender, spoonable finish.
Serve these slow cooker beef pasties with a simple green salad, buttered peas, roasted carrots, or steamed green beans to round out the meal. If you want to stretch dinner for hungrier appetites, add mashed potatoes or crusty bread on the side to soak up the extra gravy, and a little applesauce or pickle relish can add a nice old-fashioned touch.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Pasties
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 frozen beef pasties
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired. Arrange the frozen beef pasties in a single layer across the bottom and scatter the sliced onion over the top.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth until mostly smooth.
3. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the pasties, making sure the onions are tucked down into the sauce as much as possible.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pasties are heated through and the sauce is hot and thickened.
5. Carefully lift out the pasties, spoon plenty of gravy and onions over the top, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add vegetables: For an all-in-one supper, add baby carrots or sliced mushrooms around the pasties before pouring on the sauce. They cook right in the gravy and make the meal feel a little more complete.
For picky eaters: If your family does not love onions, leave them out and use just the gravy mix, soup, and broth. You will still get a cozy, savory sauce without changing the ease of the recipe.
Make the gravy richer: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream at the end for a creamier finish. Just mix it into the hot sauce after cooking and before serving.
Keep the pasties intact: Since the pasties soften as they cook, use a wide spatula to lift them out of the slow cooker. That helps them hold together better for serving.
Check your slow cooker early: Since slow cookers can vary, start checking near the lower end of the cooking time. You want the centers heated through and the gravy hot, but not overcooked to the point the crust falls apart too much.
