Simple 4-Ingredient Pot Roast

Featured in: Family Meals

This dish features a slow-cooked beef chuck roast paired with halved baby potatoes, seasoned with dry onion soup mix and simmered in beef broth. The slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes fork-tender and infused with rich flavors, while the potatoes absorb the savory juices. Minimal prep and simple ingredients make it an effortless option for a hearty main dish. For extra depth, sear the roast before slow cooking, or add vegetables like carrots or celery. Leftovers can be repurposed for sandwiches or served over rice.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:26:00 GMT
Tender slow cooker pot roast, meltingly soft, with delicious potatoes and rich broth. Pin It
Tender slow cooker pot roast, meltingly soft, with delicious potatoes and rich broth. | pecanpan.com

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

This pot roast has become a family favorite thanks to its ease and delicious results every time.

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

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.
Fork-tender 4-Ingredient slow cooker pot roast, served with savory potatoes and the flavorful juices. Pin It
Fork-tender 4-Ingredient slow cooker pot roast, served with savory potatoes and the flavorful juices. | pecanpan.com

This recipe always brings the family together for a comforting meal.

Notes

Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be served over rice.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

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

A comforting close-up: slow cooker pot roast with potatoes, ready for a hearty, flavorful meal. Pin It
A comforting close-up: slow cooker pot roast with potatoes, ready for a hearty, flavorful meal. | pecanpan.com

This simple pot roast is sure to become your go-to comfort meal any day of the week.

Questions & Answers

What cut of meat works best for this dish?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, which becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, carrots or celery can be added alongside the potatoes to enhance flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to sear the meat before slow cooking?

Searing adds extra flavor and color but is optional if you're short on time.

How can I tell when the roast is done?

The meat should be fork-tender and easily shredded after 8 hours on low heat.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover meat can be used in sandwiches or served over rice for another satisfying meal.

Simple 4-Ingredient Pot Roast

Tender beef chuck slow-cooked with baby potatoes and flavorful onion broth.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
480 minutes
Overall Time
490 minutes
Created by Anthony Hughes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Details No Dairy

What You Need

Meat

01 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast

Vegetables

01 1 pound baby potatoes, halved

Seasoning

01 1 ounce dry onion soup mix (1 packet)

Liquid

01 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

How-To

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add beef: Position the beef chuck roast on top of the potatoes.

Step 03

Season roast: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef roast.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Tools You Need

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

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient, check for allergens, and talk to a professional if needed.
  • Contains onion from the soup mix.
  • May contain gluten if soup mix is not certified gluten-free; verify packaging if gluten-sensitive.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference and isn’t medical guidance.
  • Kcal: 410
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 45 g