Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker

Featured in: Quick Suppers

This slow cooker pot roast combines a beef chuck roast, baby potatoes, dry onion soup mix, and beef broth to create a tender and richly flavored meal with minimal effort. The roast simmers gently for eight hours, allowing the meat to become fork-tender and the potatoes to absorb the savory juices. For enhanced flavor, searing the beef before cooking is an option. Additional vegetables like carrots or celery can be added for variety. This hearty dish suits gluten-free diets and yields six satisfying servings.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:09:00 GMT
Tender slow cooker pot roast, falling apart and served with potatoes and savory gravy. Save
Tender slow cooker pot roast, falling apart and served with potatoes and savory gravy. | shiftoven.com

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

This recipe has been my go-to when I want 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

Product image
Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
Check price on Amazon
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
Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| shiftoven.com

My family always gathers around the table excited for this roast, especially during the colder months

Notes

Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be served over rice

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

Fork-tender 4-ingredient slow cooker pot roast recipe, ready to serve with flavorful vegetables. Save
Fork-tender 4-ingredient slow cooker pot roast recipe, ready to serve with flavorful vegetables. | shiftoven.com
Product image
Grill meats and vegetables indoors with beautiful sear marks and easy cleanup using minimal oil.
Check price on Amazon

This pot roast is a foolproof recipe that always delights guests and family alike

Recipe Q&A

What cut of meat works best for this dish?

Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.

Can I add more vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, carrots and celery can be added to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Is it necessary to sear the meat before cooking?

Searing is optional but helps develop a deeper flavor by caramelizing the surface of the meat.

How do I know when the pot roast is done?

It is done when the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are fully cooked through.

Can leftovers be used for other meals?

Yes, leftovers work well in sandwiches or served over rice for a quick second meal.

Simple 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker

A comforting pot roast cooked slowly with potatoes and minimal seasoning for rich flavor and tenderness.

Time to Prep
10 min
Time to Cook
480 min
Overall Time
490 min
Recipe by Samuel Hill


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences 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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW setting 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 the potatoes and cooking juices.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review each item to spot allergens, and consult a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains onion from soup mix; verify gluten content if sensitive, as not all soup mixes are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition (per serving)

For guidance only. Always check with a medical provider for advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 45 g