Simple 4-Ingredient Pot Roast

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This slow-cooked pot roast combines a beef chuck roast with baby potatoes, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth for a flavorful, tender dish. Simply layer the potatoes, place the roast on top, season evenly, and pour broth carefully to maintain the seasoning. Cook on low for eight hours until the meat is fork-tender and potatoes are cooked through. For added depth, sear the roast before slow cooking and consider adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery. This hearty main dish yields six servings and takes minimal hands-on time.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:01:00 GMT
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast with potatoes, savory juices, ready to serve, a comforting meal. Pin It
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast with potatoes, savory juices, ready to serve, a comforting meal. | urbanspatula.com

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

This simple slow cooker pot roast has become 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

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 Slow Cooker Pot Roast falling apart, surrounded by potatoes, a delicious American classic. Pin It
Fork-tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast falling apart, surrounded by potatoes, a delicious American classic. | urbanspatula.com

This recipe always reminds me of the warm family dinners we enjoyed growing up.

Notes

Add carrots or celery for more vegetables. Use a slow cooker minimum of 6-quart for best results.

Required Tools

Slow cooker, Chef's 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.

Hearty slow cooked Pot Roast, glistening from broth, served with soft potatoes; a perfect dinner. Pin It
Hearty slow cooked Pot Roast, glistening from broth, served with soft potatoes; a perfect dinner. | urbanspatula.com

This slow cooker pot roast is simplicity and comfort served on a plate.

Questions & Answers

What cut of meat works best for this dish?

Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked over several hours.

Can I add other vegetables besides potatoes?

Yes, carrots or celery can be added to increase vegetable variety and enhance flavor.

Is it necessary to sear the roast before slow cooking?

Searing is optional but recommended to develop richer flavors and a caramelized crust.

How do I prevent the seasoning from washing off?

Pour the beef broth carefully around the roast edges, avoiding pouring directly over the seasoning.

What is the cooking time and temperature?

Cook on low heat for 8 hours until the meat is fork-tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.

Simple 4-Ingredient Pot Roast

Tender pot roast slow-cooked with baby potatoes and onion soup mix, delivering rich flavors with minimal prep.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
480 minutes
Overall Time
490 minutes
Created by Carter Phillips


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 6 Serving Size

Diet Preferences No Dairy

What You’ll Need

Meat

01 3.5 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 vegetables: Place the halved baby potatoes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 02

Position meat: Set the beef chuck roast atop the potatoes in the slow cooker.

Step 03

Add seasoning: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the beef.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Tools You’ll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains onion in soup mix.
  • May contain gluten if soup mix is not certified gluten-free; verify labels if sensitive.

Nutrition Info (for each serving)

These nutrition details are for reference and don’t replace medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 45 g