Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

Featured in: Family Dinners

This hearty chuck roast brings rich flavors with minimal effort, using just three ingredients: beef, dry onion soup mix, and low-sodium broth. Slow-roasted until tender, it’s perfect for festive gatherings or comforting weeknight meals. Consider adding carrots or potatoes for extra depth, and enjoy leftovers in sandwiches or alongside mashed potatoes. Cooking is straightforward, with a slow cooker option for convenience.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:11:00 GMT
Tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, falling apart, with savory juices perfect for a gluten-free main course. Save
Tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, falling apart, with savory juices perfect for a gluten-free main course. | griddleglory.com

A simple, hearty, and flavorful chuck roast perfect for festive gatherings on a budget, requiring just three ingredients and minimal effort.

This recipe has become a holiday staple in my family because it's both delicious and stress free to make.

Ingredients

  • Beef: 3 lb (1.4 kg) boneless beef chuck roast
  • Seasoning: 1 packet (1 oz (28 g)) dry onion soup mix
  • Liquids: 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2:
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Place it in a large Dutch oven or a roasting pan with a tight fitting lid.
Step 3:
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the roast.
Step 4:
Pour the beef broth around (not directly over) the roast to avoid washing off the seasoning.
Step 5:
Cover tightly with the lid or aluminum foil.
Step 6:
Roast in the preheated oven for 3 hours, or until the beef is fork tender.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice or shred and serve with the pan juices.
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This roast often brings the family together around the dinner table during the holidays.

Required Tools

Dutch oven or roasting pan with lid, measuring cup, knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains onion (in soup mix). May contain gluten, soy, or other allergens depending on the soup mix used — check labels if you have dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 340, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 38 g (per serving)

A close-up of the Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, flavorful and juicy, ready to be shredded and served. Save
A close-up of the Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, flavorful and juicy, ready to be shredded and served. | griddleglory.com

This chuck roast is an easy, crowd pleasing dish that will quickly become a holiday favorite.

Cooking Questions

What cut of beef is best for this dish?

Boneless chuck roast is ideal for tenderness and rich flavor after slow roasting.

Can I add vegetables to the cooking process?

Yes, adding peeled carrots and potatoes around the roast enhances the dish’s flavor and provides a complete meal.

How long should the roast rest before serving?

Let the roast rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness.

Is a slow cooker suitable for this preparation?

Absolutely. Cooking on low in a slow cooker for 8 hours yields a tender and flavorful result.

What can I serve alongside the chuck roast?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, and leftovers make great sandwiches.

Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

Simple three-ingredient chuck roast that’s hearty and flavorful, ideal for festive meals and easy prep.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
180 min
Complete duration
190 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition specifications No dairy, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

Beef

01 3 lb boneless beef chuck roast

Seasoning

01 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix

Liquids

01 1 cup beef broth, low sodium preferred

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for roasting.

Phase 02

Prepare roast: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and place it into a large Dutch oven or roasting pan with a tight-fitting lid.

Phase 03

Season roast: Evenly sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top surface of the roast.

Phase 04

Add broth: Pour the beef broth around the roast without pouring directly over it to preserve seasoning.

Phase 05

Cover and cook: Cover the Dutch oven or pan tightly with its lid or aluminum foil.

Phase 06

Roast beef: Cook in the preheated oven for 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender.

Phase 07

Rest and serve: Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding; serve with pan juices.

Necessary tools

  • Dutch oven or roasting pan with lid
  • Measuring cup
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains onion (in soup mix)
  • May contain gluten, soy, or other allergens depending on soup mix brand

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 38 g