Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

Featured in: Simple Family Dinners

This hearty chuck roast is prepared with just three main ingredients for a festive, budget-friendly meal. The beef is seasoned with dry onion soup mix and slow-roasted in beef broth until tender and juicy. Ideal for gatherings, it pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice and requires minimal preparation effort. Resting after roasting ensures juicy slices or shredding options, while optional veggies add extra flavor and nutrition.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:10:00 GMT
Fork-tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, slow-cooked to perfection, resting in savory, rich pan juices. Save
Fork-tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, slow-cooked to perfection, resting in savory, rich pan juices. | meanwhilerecipe.com

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

This recipe quickly became a favorite during our holiday gatherings because of its simplicity and rich flavor.

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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Our family enjoys gathering around the table sharing this tender and flavorful roast especially 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 Dutch oven brimming with aromatic Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, ready for a comforting holiday dinner. Save
A Dutch oven brimming with aromatic Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, ready for a comforting holiday dinner. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This budget-friendly chuck roast is a reliably delicious choice that brings comfort to every meal.

Recipe FAQ

How long should the chuck roast cook?

Roast the chuck beef for about 3 hours at 325°F until fork-tender and flavorful.

Can I add vegetables during cooking?

Yes, peeled carrots and potatoes can be placed around the roast to cook alongside for added taste.

What is the best way to serve the chuck roast?

Serve sliced or shredded with pan juices, ideally alongside mashed potatoes or rice.

Is a Dutch oven necessary for cooking?

A Dutch oven or any heavy roasting pan with a tight lid works best to retain moisture during roasting.

Can this be prepared in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 8 hours for similar tender and flavorful results.

Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

A simple, flavorful beef chuck roast with dry onion mix and broth for easy, festive meals.

Time to Prepare
10 mins
Time to Cook
180 mins
Complete Time
190 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Simple Family Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations No Dairy, No Gluten, Low Carb

Ingredient List

Beef

01 3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast

Seasoning

01 1 ounce dry onion soup mix packet

Liquids

01 1 cup low-sodium beef broth

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F.

Step 02

Prepare Roast: Pat chuck roast dry with paper towels and place in Dutch oven or roasting pan with lid.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Add Broth: Pour beef broth around the roast, avoiding pouring directly on top to prevent washing off seasoning.

Step 05

Cover and Roast: Cover tightly with lid or aluminum foil and roast for 3 hours until fork-tender.

Step 06

Rest and Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice or shred and serve with pan juices.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains onion from soup mix.
  • May contain gluten, soy, or other allergens depending on soup mix brand.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 38 g