Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker

Featured in: Quick Suppers

This slow cooker pot roast combines beef chuck, baby potatoes, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth for an effortless, tender dish. Start by layering halved potatoes, add the beef roast on top, season evenly, and pour the broth around it. Cook on low for 8 hours to achieve fork-tender meat and thoroughly cooked potatoes. The simple method delivers rich flavors and a hearty texture with very little prep. For added depth, you can sear the meat beforehand or incorporate extra veggies like carrots.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:06:00 GMT
Tender, juicy slow cooker pot roast served with potatoes, ready for a hearty family dinner. Save
Tender, juicy slow cooker pot roast served with potatoes, ready for a hearty family dinner. | circuitbites.com

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

This slow cooker pot roast has become a staple in my family because it requires so little prep time yet delivers big on taste.

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.
Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Cook complete meals by frying, sautéing, simmering, and boiling with easy nonstick cleanup every day.
Check price on Amazon
Fork-tender pot roast in a slow cooker, seasoned with onion soup mix and flavorful beef broth. Pin it
Fork-tender pot roast in a slow cooker, seasoned with onion soup mix and flavorful beef broth. | circuitbites.com

This recipe brings our family together every Sunday for a cozy 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

Per serving: 410 calories, 18 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, 45 g protein

Close-up of a slow cooker pot roast with potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection for easy serving. Pin it
Close-up of a slow cooker pot roast with potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection for easy serving. | circuitbites.com
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This simple pot roast is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef works best for slow cooking?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and connective tissue, which break down slowly, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding carrots or celery not only enhances flavor but also adds texture, complementing the potatoes and beef.

Is it necessary to sear the meat before slow cooking?

Searing is optional but recommended to deepen the flavor by creating a rich crust before cooking.

How do I know when the pot roast is done?

The meat should be fork-tender and easily pull apart, while the potatoes should be soft throughout after 8 hours on low.

Can I use a different seasoning mix instead of onion soup mix?

Yes, feel free to substitute with other dry herb or spice blends that suit your taste preferences, keeping a balance with the broth.

Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker

Tender pot roast cooked slowly with minimal ingredients for a rich, comforting dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
480 Minutes
Total Time
490 Minutes

Category: Quick Suppers

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add Beef: Set the beef chuck roast on top of the potatoes in the slow cooker.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Add Broth: Pour the low-sodium beef broth gently around the sides of the roast, taking care not to wash away the seasoning.

Step 05

Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker 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 accompanied by the potatoes and cooking juices.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains onion from soup mix.
  • May contain gluten if soup mix is not certified gluten-free; verify label if sensitive.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 45 g