Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

Featured in: Warm Family Dinners

This budget-friendly chuck roast offers a rich, comforting flavor with minimal ingredients. Seasoned with dry onion soup mix and simmered in beef broth, it delivers tender, juicy meat perfect for festive occasions. Easy to prepare and cooks low and slow, making it ideal for a hands-off main dish that pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:58:00 GMT
Tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, falling apart and ready to serve with rich, savory pan juices. Save
Tender Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, falling apart and ready to serve with rich, savory pan juices. | birchplate.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 every holiday season because it requires little prep and delivers big 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

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.
Season:
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the roast.
Add Broth:
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.
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This recipe brings everyone together and has been a staple at our family holiday table for years.

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 a Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, seasoned and roasted to perfection for a holiday meal. Save
A Dutch oven brimming with a Budget Holiday Chuck Roast, seasoned and roasted to perfection for a holiday meal. | birchplate.com

This budget-friendly holiday chuck roast is sure to be a new tradition your family loves.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What cut of beef is best for this dish?

Boneless beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this roast?

Yes, peeled carrots and potatoes can be added around the roast before cooking for extra flavor.

How long should I cook the chuck roast?

Roast in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 3 hours until fork-tender.

Is there a slow cooker option available?

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

What liquid is used to keep the roast moist?

Beef broth is poured around the roast to provide moisture and enhance flavor during cooking.

How can leftovers be used?

Leftover meat works great sliced for sandwiches or reheated with pan juices for another meal.

Budget Holiday Chuck Roast

Hearty chuck roast with onion soup mix and beef broth for a festive, budget-friendly meal.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
180 minutes
Overall Time
190 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings produced 6 Serving Size

Diet Details No Dairy, Reduced Carb

What You'll Need

Beef

01 3 lb boneless beef chuck roast

Seasoning

01 1 oz dry onion soup mix

Liquids

01 1 cup low sodium beef broth

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 325°F to prepare for roasting.

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: Evenly sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top of the beef.

Step 04

Add broth: Pour the beef broth around the roast, avoiding direct pouring onto the meat to preserve the seasoning.

Step 05

Cover and cook: Cover tightly with the lid or aluminum foil, then roast in the oven 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 Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains onion (in soup mix)
  • May contain gluten, soy, or other allergens depending on soup mix—verify product labels

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 340
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 38 g