Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

Featured in: Classic Comfort Foods

This budget-friendly holiday chuck roast offers robust flavor with just three ingredients. Slow-roasting the boneless beef with a savory dry onion soup mix and beef broth yields tender, juicy meat that's perfect for festive gatherings. Ideal for minimal effort cooking, it allows the rich taste of the chuck roast to shine while creating a comforting main dish. Enhance it further by adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes before roasting, or serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice. Leftovers make delicious sandwiches, and for convenience, it can be prepared in a slow cooker for a full day.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:19:00 GMT
Warm, tender slices of Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, falling apart with an aroma of savory onion. Save to Pinterest
Warm, tender slices of Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, falling apart with an aroma of savory onion. | krispyrecipes.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 my go-to for holiday meals because of its simplicity and delicious results every time.

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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| krispyrecipes.com

This roast always brings my family together around the table sharing stories and laughter 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

Fork-tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, nestled in its rich, flavorful cooking juices, perfect for dinner. Save to Pinterest
Fork-tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, nestled in its rich, flavorful cooking juices, perfect for dinner. | krispyrecipes.com

This chuck roast is the perfect budget-friendly dish that does not compromise on taste or warmth for your holiday table.

Common Recipe Questions

What cut of beef is best for this dish?

A boneless chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and ability to become tender with slow cooking.

Can I add vegetables during cooking?

Yes, peeled carrots and potatoes can be placed around the roast for added flavor and a complete meal.

How do I know when the roast is done?

The roast is fork-tender after about 3 hours at 325°F, indicating it's ready to rest and serve.

Is it possible to use a slow cooker?

Yes, cooking on low for 8 hours in a slow cooker yields tender, flavorful results.

What can I serve alongside the roast?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables complement the savory flavors well.

Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

Hearty, flavorful chuck roast ideal for festive meals with minimal ingredients and easy prep.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
180 minutes
Overall Time
190 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type Classic Comfort Foods

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 6 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations No Dairy, No Gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

What You’ll Need

Beef

01 3 lb boneless beef chuck roast

Seasoning

01 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix

Liquids

01 1 cup low sodium beef broth

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 325°F.

Step 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.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Add broth: Pour the beef broth around the roast, avoiding pouring directly onto the seasoning to prevent dilution.

Step 05

Cover and roast: Cover the pot tightly with the lid or aluminum foil.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Tools You’ll Need

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains onion (in soup mix).
  • May contain gluten, soy, or other allergens depending on soup mix; verify labels if sensitive.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Total Fat: 18 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 4 grams
  • Protein Content: 38 grams