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Simple 4-Ingredient Pot Roast

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish highlights a tender beef chuck slow-cooked alongside halved baby potatoes, infused with a savory dry onion mix and beef broth. Preparation is easy and takes just minutes before cooking low and slow for 8 hours. The beef becomes fork-tender, soaking up the rich broth flavors while the potatoes soften perfectly beneath. Optional searing beforehand enhances depth, and adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery can complement the dish. Perfect for hearty main meals with minimal effort and maximum taste.

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Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:25:00 GMT
Tender slow cooker pot roast with potatoes, served steaming on a platter. Pin It
Tender slow cooker pot roast with potatoes, served steaming on a platter. | metroladle.com

A classic, comforting pot roast thats incredibly tender and flavorful with minimal ingredients and effort.

This is a simple family favorite that I love to prepare for a hassle-free comforting meal any day of the week.

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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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.
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Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
Check price on Amazon
Fork-tender Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pot Roast, smelling richly savory. Pin It
Fork-tender Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pot Roast, smelling richly savory. | metroladle.com

This pot roast always brings us together around the table for a warm and satisfying dinner.

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

Hearty Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pot Roast; a comforting American classic. Pin It
Hearty Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pot Roast; a comforting American classic. | metroladle.com
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This simple pot roast is perfect for busy days yet delivers a comforting, delicious meal your whole family will enjoy.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down and becomes tender during slow cooking.

→ Can I add vegetables other than potatoes?

Yes, carrots and celery are great additions that can be added alongside the potatoes for more flavor and variety.

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

Searing is optional but recommended to deepen the flavor and create a caramelized crust before slow cooking.

→ How do I know when the beef is done?

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

→ Can I use a different broth or liquid?

Low-sodium beef broth is preferred to maintain flavor balance, but you can substitute with vegetable broth or stock if desired.

Simple 4-Ingredient Pot Roast

Slow-cooked beef chuck and baby potatoes with onion seasoning, ready with minimal prep and full flavor.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Duration
480 minutes
Total Duration
490 minutes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 6 Portions

Diet Details No Dairy, No Gluten

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 Make It

Step 01

Arrange Potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes evenly along the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 02

Add Roast: Position the beef chuck roast atop the potatoes.

Step 03

Season Roast: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the surface of the roast.

Step 04

Add Broth: Pour the beef broth carefully around the edges of the roast, avoiding washing off the seasoning.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Serve: Transfer roast and potatoes to a serving dish, slice or shred the beef, and serve with the potatoes and slow cooker juices.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Advice

Review each item for allergens. If you're unsure, speak with a medical expert.
  • Contains onion (in soup mix).
  • May contain gluten if soup mix is not certified gluten-free; verify labels if sensitive.

Nutritional Info (per portion)

Treat these details as a guide—they're not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 45 g