Slice the onion

• Peel and slice the onion.

Layer the onion in the slow cooker

• Spread the sliced onion over the bottom of the slow cooker, separating the rings so it covers the whole base.

Add the meat and potatoes

• Add the beef stew meat.
• Add the baby potatoes (or Yukon gold potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks).

Season everything

• Sprinkle in the onion soup mix and the au jus gravy mix.
• Add the minced garlic, salt and pepper, then mix everything together.

Top with butter

• Scatter the sliced butter over the top. No broth or extra liquid is needed, the meat releases its own juices.

Slow cook

• Cover and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the steak is tender.

Serve

• Serve hot, for example with a can of green beans.