Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pot

Featured in: Quick Family Suppers

This comforting pot roast is crafted using just four main ingredients: beef chuck, baby potatoes, onion soup mix, and beef broth. The ingredients are layered in a slow cooker and cooked on low heat for eight hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the potatoes to absorb rich flavors. Minimal preparation and hands-free cooking make this dish ideal for an easy, satisfying main course. Optional searing before slow cooking enhances depth of flavor, and adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery is encouraged. The leftovers are versatile, perfect for sandwiches or served over rice.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:01:00 GMT
Tender slow cooker pot roast, falling apart fork-tender, served with hearty potatoes. Save Pin
Tender slow cooker pot roast, falling apart fork-tender, served with hearty potatoes. | circuitcuisine.com

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

This recipe has become my go-to when I need a hearty meal with little prep 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

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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
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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
Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
Check price on Amazon
Hearty slow cooker pot roast with golden potatoes, a simple and comforting American classic. Save Pin
Hearty slow cooker pot roast with golden potatoes, a simple and comforting American classic. | circuitcuisine.com

My family loves gathering around this meal especially on chilly weekends.

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 per serving

Additional Tips

Add carrots or celery for more vegetables.

Savory slow cooker pot roast, richly-flavored, easily made with just four ingredients and beef broth. Save Pin
Savory slow cooker pot roast, richly-flavored, easily made with just four ingredients and beef broth. | circuitcuisine.com
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Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
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This simple pot roast is perfect for relaxed family dinners that warm the heart.

Cooking Questions & Answers

What cut of beef is best for this dish?

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

Can I add other vegetables besides baby potatoes?

Yes, carrots and celery are excellent additions that complement the flavors and add variety.

Is it necessary to sear the roast before cooking?

Searing is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and a richer crust on the beef.

How do I know when the roast is done?

The roast is done when it is fork-tender and easily shredded, usually after about eight hours on low heat.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover meat can be used in sandwiches or served over rice for a quick second meal.

How do I prevent the seasoning from washing off during cooking?

After sprinkling the dry onion soup mix on the meat, pour the broth carefully around the sides to maintain seasoning on top.

Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pot

Classic pot roast cooked low and slow with baby potatoes and rich broth for tender, flavorful results.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
480 min
Total Duration
490 min
Created by Daniel Murphy


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Info No Dairy

What You'll Need

Meat

01 3 to 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

Directions

Instruction 01

Prepare slow cooker base: Place the halved baby potatoes evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Instruction 02

Add meat: Set the beef chuck roast on top of the potatoes.

Instruction 03

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

Instruction 04

Add broth: Pour the beef broth carefully around the sides of the roast to avoid washing off the seasoning.

Instruction 05

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

Instruction 06

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Always double-check ingredients for allergens. If unsure, connect with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains onion (in soup mix). Verify gluten-free status of soup mix if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. For medical concerns, consult your doctor.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 45 g