Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

Featured in: Savory Vibes

This budget-friendly chuck roast features tender, flavorful beef cooked low and slow with savory onion soup mix and beef broth. In just a few easy steps, this dish transforms into a festive main course perfect for gatherings. The roast is cooked gently until fork-tender, allowing the juices and seasoning to meld beautifully. Serve with mashed potatoes or vegetables for a comforting meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:05:00 GMT
Tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, glistening from the oven, served with savory pan juices. Save
Tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, glistening from the oven, served with savory pan juices. | lickjoke.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 family favorite for our holiday dinners because it is both delicious and simple 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

Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare roast:
Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels Place it in a large Dutch oven or a roasting pan with a tight-fitting lid.
Add seasoning:
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the roast.
Add liquids:
Pour the beef broth around (not directly over) the roast to avoid washing off the seasoning.
Cover:
Cover tightly with the lid or aluminum foil.
Roast:
Roast in the preheated oven for 3 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
Rest and serve:
Remove from the oven let rest for 10 minutes then slice or shred and serve with the pan juices.
A Dutch oven reveals the slow-cooked Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, falling apart with flavor after roasting. Save
A Dutch oven reveals the slow-cooked Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, falling apart with flavor after roasting. | lickjoke.com

Our family enjoys gathering around this roast especially during the holidays sharing stories and laughter.

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

Per serving: Calories 340 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 4 g Protein 38 g

Fork-tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, a budget-friendly holiday meal, ready to be sliced and enjoyed. Save
Fork-tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, a budget-friendly holiday meal, ready to be sliced and enjoyed. | lickjoke.com

This budget chuck roast is both simple and impressive making it the perfect choice for holiday meals.

Recipe Guide

What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Boneless chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness achieved through slow cooking.

Can I add vegetables while cooking?

Yes, adding peeled carrots and potatoes around the roast enhances flavor and makes a complete meal.

What’s the best cooking method for tender results?

Slow roasting at a low temperature ensures the beef becomes fork-tender and infused with seasoning.

Is there a way to prepare this using a slow cooker?

Cook on low for about 8 hours in a slow cooker for similar tender, flavorful results.

How should the roast rest after cooking?

Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices and improve texture.

Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

Hearty chuck roast with minimal ingredients, ideal for festive occasions and easy cooking.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
180 min
Complete duration
190 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition guidelines No dairy, No gluten, Carb-conscious

Components

Beef

01 3 lb boneless beef chuck roast

Seasoning

01 1 oz dry onion soup mix

Liquids

01 1 cup low sodium beef broth

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Cover roast: Cover tightly with the lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Rest and serve: Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with pan juices.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains onion from dry soup mix.
  • Soup mix may contain gluten, soy, or other allergens; check labels for dietary restrictions.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 38 g