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Simple 4-Ingredient Pot Roast

Featured in: Everyday Mains

This slow-cooked beef chuck roast combines four simple ingredients for a hearty, tender dish with minimal effort. Baby potatoes form a flavorful bed beneath the roast, absorbing savory notes from a dry onion seasoning and rich beef broth. Cooked on low heat for 8 hours, the meat turns fork-tender, perfect for slicing or shredding. Optional searing adds depth, while additions like carrots can enhance the vegetable mix. Ideal for comforting main dishes with balanced flavors and easy preparation.

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Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:37:00 GMT
Tender slow cooker pot roast, falling apart with rich gravy, ready to serve with potatoes. Save
Tender slow cooker pot roast, falling apart with rich gravy, ready to serve with potatoes. | pixelforks.com

A classic, comforting pot roast that's incredibly tender and flavorful with minimal ingredients and effort.

This pot roast quickly became my go-to comfort meal on busy weekends.

Ingredients

  • Meat: 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) beef chuck roast
  • Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, halved
  • Seasoning: 1 oz (28 g) dry onion soup mix (1 packet)
  • Liquid: 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

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Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
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Step 1:
Place the baby potatoes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2:
Set the beef chuck roast on top of the potatoes.
Step 3:
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast.
Step 4:
Pour the beef broth around the sides of the roast, being careful not to wash off the seasoning.
Step 5:
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
Step 6:
Transfer the roast and potatoes to a serving platter. Slice or shred the beef and serve with the potatoes and juices from the slow cooker.
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Fork-tender pot roast, perfectly slow-cooked for hours, showcasing a beautiful, savory aroma. Save
Fork-tender pot roast, perfectly slow-cooked for hours, showcasing a beautiful, savory aroma. | pixelforks.com

Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be served over rice, perfect for family meals.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (minimum 6-quart), Chefs knife, Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains: Onion (in soup mix). May contain gluten if soup mix is not certified gluten-free always double-check labels if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410 Total Fat: 18 g Carbohydrates: 17 g Protein: 45 g

Delicious, simple 4-ingredient slow cooker pot roast, a comforting American classic for your table. Save
Delicious, simple 4-ingredient slow cooker pot roast, a comforting American classic for your table. | pixelforks.com
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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
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This simple pot roast recipe combines ease and flavor for a perfect hearty meal every time.

Recipe FAQ

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and connective tissue, which break down during slow cooking to create tenderness and rich flavor.

→ Can I add other vegetables besides potatoes?

Yes, carrots or celery can be added to enrich the vegetable base and provide additional textures and flavors.

→ Is it necessary to sear the roast before slow cooking?

Searing the roast in a hot skillet is optional but recommended to deepen the flavor by creating a caramelized crust.

→ How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef is done when it becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart, usually after 8 hours on LOW heat.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover beef and potatoes make excellent sandwiches or can be served over rice for a versatile second meal.

Simple 4-Ingredient Pot Roast

Slow-cooked beef chuck with baby potatoes in a rich onion broth for effortless flavor.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
480 minutes
Overall Time
490 minutes
Recipe by Ethan Bell


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy

What You Need

Meat

01 3–4 lb beef chuck roast

Vegetables

01 1 lb baby potatoes, halved

Seasoning

01 1 oz dry onion soup mix (1 packet)

Liquid

01 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

How-to Steps

Step 01

Arrange potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes evenly on the base of the slow cooker.

Step 02

Position beef: Set the beef chuck roast directly over the potatoes.

Step 03

Apply seasoning: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly across the top of the roast.

Step 04

Add broth: Pour the low-sodium beef broth gently around the sides of the roast, avoiding washing off the seasoning.

Step 05

Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours until beef is tender and potatoes are cooked through.

Step 06

Serve: Transfer roast and potatoes to a serving platter. Slice or shred beef and serve with potatoes and cooking juices.

Gear Needed

  • Slow cooker (minimum 6-quart capacity)
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Go over each item for allergens and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains onion from the dry onion soup mix.
  • May contain gluten if soup mix is not certified gluten-free; verify product labels if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

This data is for your info and isn't meant as health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 17 grams
  • Proteins: 45 grams