Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here is why this beef Pendleton will become a favorite.
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Only 4 ingredients. Simple and affordable.
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No pre-cooking. Everything goes into the dish raw.
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One dish. Minimal cleanup.
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Tender and savory. Rich, satisfying, and delicious.
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Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves beef and gravy.
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Budget-friendly. Stew meat, soup, and broth are inexpensive.
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Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Servings: 6
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2 pounds beef stew meat or cubed chuck roast
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1 envelope dry onion soup mix
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1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup beef broth
Ingredient Notes
Beef: Use beef stew meat or cubed chuck roast.
Onion soup mix: Adds savory flavor.
Cream of mushroom soup: Creates the creamy gravy base.
Beef broth: Adds moisture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish.
Step 2: Add the Beef
Spread the beef evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
In a medium bowl, stir together the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Gravy
Pour the soup mixture over the beef, making sure all the pieces are coated.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until the beef is very tender. Remove the foil for the last 20 minutes if you want more browning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
How to Serve Beef Pendleton
This tender, savory beef is delicious on its own, but the right sides make it a complete meal.
With Mashed Potatoes: The gravy is perfect over creamy potatoes.
With Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles catch the gravy.
With Rice: White rice or jasmine rice absorbs the gravy.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with green beans or carrots.
With a Green Salad: A simple salad cuts through the richness.
Variations & Tips
Make It with Chicken: Substitute chicken thighs for the beef.
Make It with Pork: Use pork stew meat.
Make It with Different Soup: Use cream of chicken or celery soup.
Make It with Garlic: Add minced garlic.
Make It with Onion: Add sliced onion.
Make It with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms.
Make It with Herbs: Add thyme or parsley.
Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soup and onion mix.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Cover tightly with foil. This traps the steam.
Do not overbake. The beef should be tender, not dry.
Let the beef rest before serving. This keeps it tender.
Spoon the gravy over the beef before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Yes. Chicken or pork can be used.
Can I use a different soup?
Yes. Cream of chicken or celery soup can be used.
Can I use a different broth?
Yes. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why is my beef tough?
It did not cook long enough. Bake longer.
Why is my gravy thin?
The beef released too much moisture. Let it rest.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Add mushrooms or onions.
Can I use a different pan?
Yes. Any oven-safe dish works.
The Beauty of Simple Beef Dinners
There is something deeply satisfying about a warm, tender beef dinner that comes together with almost no effort. It is the kind of food that makes people happy. This beef Pendleton is a celebration of all those things.
Keep beef in your freezer. Keep soup, onion mix, and broth in your pantry. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 2 1/2 hours
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings