My mum made a pot roast every Sunday. Thinking back on it, it never really got old. The house smelled amazing, and it tasted even better. And even better, the memories of us all sitting around the table are priceless. So whether you want to start a Sunday tradition or just need a delicious dinner that takes no time to prep, an old-fashioned pot roast never disappoints.
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Our Family's Tradition: Old Fashioned Pot Roast Every Sunday
Growing up, the Sunday schedule was one thing you could count on.—mom popped the pot roast in the oven, we went to church and came home and sat around the table eating said pot roast. My mum didn’t use the pot roast recipe slow cooker method but instead the pot roast recipe dutch oven method. Actually thinking back it wasn't a real cast-iron Dutch oven like we have today, it was a thin little black roaster with speckles. I can still see it just like it was yesterday.
Now, thinking back, my mom was admittingly not a great cook, but she did master this pot roast. And the good news is the recipe couldn't be easier so we can all master it. All you need is beef, veggies, cream of mushroom soup, a packet of onion soup mix, and some broth. That’s it. No fancy seasoning blends, no searing—just the basics that turned out perfect every time. Just writing this is bringing back all the feels.
photo seasoned mom.
Types of Meat for Pot Roast?
What type of meat is best for pot roast?
If you're new to making a pot roast, the first big decision is what cut of meat to use. Lucky for you, there are options:
Chuck Roast: this is what my mom used. Chuck roast is a tough cut of meat, but it gets so tender after it's cooked that a fork just breaks it apart. Perfect for a pot roast recipe crock pot method or a Dutch oven.
Eye of Round: this kind of meat is usually used in a beef roast recipe. But by adding the broth like in this recipe, it keeps it moist and juicy.this kind of meat is usually used in a beef roast recipe. But by adding the broth like in this recipe, it keeps it moist and juicy
Tri-Tip: Yep, you can use this! This is not as fatty as a chuck roast, but will get very tender after it's cooked for 2 to 3 hours, so it makes a perfect cut of meat for a pot roast.
Brisket: This is the fattest of the meats listed here, and also breaks down over a long cooking time. So again perfect for a pot roast this is the fattest of the meats, and also breaks down over a long cooking time. So again perfect for a pot roast.
Pot Roast Recipe Seasoning:
Beef, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Lipton Soup Mix, Beef Broth
Just a few basic a ingredients and you can create this delicious old-fashioned pot roast.
The Roast: Choose your cut from the list above.
Pot Roast Cream of Mushroom Soup: my mom used Campbell's cream of mushroom soup, but you can also make your own recipe. Here's a link.
Pot Roast Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Onion soup mix is an easy option with a ton of flavor. It has onion powder, dehydrated vegetables and other goodies.
Pot Roast Beef Broth: Beef broth or stock adds moisture and is the perfect flavored braising liquid. But in a pinch, you could use water instead of stock. Just add a little salt to your water.
Pot Roast Recipe Crock Pot Method
A pot roast recipe easy peasy method! If you’re a fan of the lazy, the pot roast recipe slow cooker method is for you. Here’s how to do it without breaking a sweat:
Layer the Ingredients: Place your roast and veggies in the slow cooker. Smother it with cream of mushroom soup, sprinkle on the onion soup mix, and pour beef broth over everything until it’s about halfway submerged.
Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. The key here is patience—low and slow wins the pot roast game every time.
Check for Doneness: You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is fork-tender and falls apart effortlessly.
This method is perfect for a busy day when do you want some thing delicious but you're too tired to do anything about it. Plus, the whole house smells like Sunday memories by dinnertime. There you have it, my pot roast recipe crock pot method.
Whether you’re making the pot roast recipe dutch oven method, or keeping things super simple with the Crock Pot method, the result is always worth it. From our family’s Sunday tradition to your table, I hope this cozy classic fills your home with warmth and flavor.
What’s your favorite pot roast memory? Let me know in the comments below! 😊
Old-fashioned pot roast
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 lb chuck roast pot roast
- 1 oz. envelope Lipton onion soup
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup 1 can
- 1 ½ cup beef broth or water with a ½ teaspoon of salt
- 5 carrots peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 5 Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet peeled and cut into 3 inch pieces
Instructions
- 1 ½ cup beef broth (or water with a ½ teaspoon of salt)
- Put roast into a roasting pan and top of potatoes and carrots. (see notes for slow cooker directions)
- Mix together soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth
- Pour over roast
- Cover and bake for 3 hours at 325 degrees
- 5 carrots peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 5 Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet peeled and cut into 3 inch pieces
Notes
- Chuck roast
- Beef brisket
- Bottom round roast
- Short rib
- Tri Tip
