Place one sliced onion in the bottom of crock pot.
Salt and pepper cubed steak, to taste. Place four cubed steaks on top of onion layer.
Add another layer of onions on top of steak, then all four more steaks.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup and water. Pour over steaks.
Cover and cook on LOW 4 to 6 hours.