2 lbs Beef Stew Meat: Look for “chuck” or “stew meat” at the store. The fat marbling is actually your friend here—it’s what creates the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 can (10.5 oz) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This provides the creamy base and a boost of umami.
1 packet (1 oz) Dry Onion Soup Mix: This is the “secret” flavor bomb. It contains the salt, onion, and beef stock notes needed for a rich gravy.
1 cup Water or Beef Broth: Broth will make it even richer, but water works perfectly fine given how seasoned the soup mix is.