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The Ultimate Easy 3-Ingredient Forget About It Pot Roast: Fall-Apart Tender Beef Every Time

This “Forget About It Roast” truly lives up to its name. It’s a classic, incredibly simple recipe requiring just three core ingredients, yet it yields the most fall-apart tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef you could imagine. Baked low and slow, this effortless pot roast is, without a doubt, the best and easiest roast I have ever prepared!

Referred to as the “Fuggedaboutit Roast” – or affectionately, “The Forgotten Roast” – this dish has secured its place as the simplest and most delicious pot roast I’ve ever made. The origin of this culinary gem traces back to a church cookbook my beloved grandma gifted me in 1985. Discovering her familiar handwriting within the pages of old recipes always brings a smile to my face, instantly brightening my day. I recall this cookbook resting untouched in my hope chest for many years, a treasure awaiting rediscovery, and I’m so glad it finally resurfaced.

A Nostalgic Journey: Family, Food, and Forgotten Recipes

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The author on her graduation day with her grandmothers, the source of many cherished family recipes. — *Here I am on my graduation day, with my grandmas. Grandma Martin on my right and Grandma Czaplewski on my left. Their legacy lives on in my kitchen!*

Did you have a hope chest while growing up? Mine was a sanctuary filled mostly with treasures from my grandmas, each item holding a special story. There was my Grandma Martin’s cherished pie plate, an afghan she meticulously crocheted just for me, tea towels embroidered with love by my Grandma Czaplewski, and, of course, this very cookbook. It had been tucked away for so long, a forgotten relic of simpler times. But now that it’s back in my hands, I’ve had an absolute blast poring over its pages, discovering delightful vintage recipes and heartwarming culinary traditions.

Just recently, I whipped up the most decadent Chocolate Pudding Frosting from this very same cookbook! It’s incredible how these old, handwritten recipes can transport you back in time, offering a taste of history and family love with every bite. The “Fuggedaboutit Roast” is another testament to the enduring appeal of these simple, yet profoundly satisfying dishes.

Can you believe this entire cookbook was typed on a typewriter? In today’s digital age, that seems like a monumental effort! I don’t know Trish Franck, the brilliant individual who submitted her “forgotten roast” recipe to the United Foursquare Women cookbook, but wherever you are, THANK YOU! This recipe is nothing short of amazing. My husband absolutely adored it, immediately comparing it to the Sunday roasts his own grandmother used to make. In fact, to further embrace the nostalgia, I even prepared it in my trusty enameled roaster, just like his Grandma did. It was a truly special, nostalgic meal for both of us, bringing back cherished memories of family gatherings and comforting home cooking.

More Beloved Family Recipes from My Grandmas:

Inspired by the simple elegance of recipes like the “Forget About It Roast,” I love revisiting other classics from my grandmothers’ kitchens. These dishes are more than just food; they are edible memories, connecting us to our heritage and the love that goes into every homemade meal.

Banana Cream Jelly Roll
Rhubarb Pie
Hamburger Soup
Baked Beans
Chocolate Meringue Pie
Smoked Polish Sausage & Sauerkraut

When I first saw the name “Fuggedaboutit Roast,” I couldn’t help but chuckle. Even though the cookbook listed it as “Forgotten Roast,” Tony Soprano’s iconic voice instantly echoed in my head, reminding me of The Sopranos – “Fuggedaboutit!” And that’s precisely the philosophy behind this incredible dish. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. You combine a couple of common pantry ingredients, pop it into your oven, and literally “forget about it” for 5-6 hours while it slow-cooks to perfection. The beauty of this recipe extends beyond the roast itself; it also produces an incredibly rich and flavorful broth from the drippings, perfect for making a quick and easy gravy to serve over mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate perfect Sunday Supper Meal, requiring hardly any active cooking time.

Once cooked, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this roast pulls apart. Whether you prefer to shred the meat for sandwiches or slice it thickly for a traditional dinner, the choice is entirely yours. You are absolutely going to adore how wonderfully fall-apart and fork-tender this simple pot roast turns out every single time!

The Simple Magic Behind Fuggedaboutit Roast: Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor

The secret to this incredibly easy and flavorful pot roast lies in its surprisingly short ingredient list. With just three primary components (plus an optional fourth for mushroom lovers), these everyday items transform a humble chuck roast into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort.

3-pound beef chuck roast (the perfect cut for slow cooking to achieve that desirable tenderness)
1 packet onion soup mix (adds a fantastic depth of savory flavor and seasoning without needing multiple spices)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (creates a rich, creamy sauce that keeps the roast moist and tender throughout the long cooking process)
1 can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional, but highly recommended if you love earthy mushroom flavors, fresh mushrooms also work beautifully)

These ingredients, when slow-baked together, create a self-braising environment within the foil, allowing the beef to become incredibly succulent and infused with rich flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Effortless Fuggedaboutit Roast

**Step 1:** Begin by preheating your oven to a gentle 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120°C). This low and slow temperature is crucial for tenderizing the chuck roast. Next, lay your 3-pound beef chuck roast on a large, sturdy piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Ensure the foil is large enough to completely enclose the roast later. Evenly rub one packet of onion soup mix directly onto the surface of the beef. This powder will form a flavorful crust and infuse the meat with savory goodness as it cooks.

**Step 2:** After applying the onion soup mix, generously cover the entire roast with one can of cream of mushroom soup. This creamy layer will melt down during cooking, creating a moist, flavorful braising liquid that tenderizes the beef and contributes to a rich, savory gravy base.

**Step 3 (Optional):** This step is for all mushroom enthusiasts! If you love mushrooms as much as we do, now is the time to add one can of drained sliced mushrooms (or even fresh sliced mushrooms) on top of the cream of mushroom soup layer. They will cook down beautifully and add an extra layer of umami flavor to your roast and its delicious drippings.

**Step 4:** Carefully wrap and tightly seal the heavy-duty foil around the roast, ensuring no steam or liquid can escape. This creates a sealed packet that steams and braises the meat, locking in moisture and flavor. Place the foil-wrapped roast into a roaster pan – this will catch any accidental leaks and make transferring easier. Bake it low and slow in your preheated 250°F oven for 5 to 6 hours. The exact time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chuck roast. We found 5 hours to be absolutely perfect for our chuck roast, resulting in incredible tenderness.

**Step 5:** After 5-6 hours of patient, low-and-slow baking, carefully unwrap your roast. You’ll be greeted with the most aromatic and incredibly tender roast you have ever had the pleasure of tasting! The meat will be so soft it practically falls apart at the touch of a fork.

To complement this amazing roast, I like to create a quick and savory gravy. Simply drain the fat from the rich drippings collected in the foil. Transfer these flavorful drippings to a saucepan and gently heat them on the stove. For an extra touch of color and depth, I added a little kitchen bouquet and another can of cream of mushroom soup, whisking until smooth and heated through. This makes a fantastic, easy gravy, perfect for serving over fluffy mashed potatoes or noodles, turning your “Forgotten Roast” into a complete and utterly satisfying meal.

Looking for a better, easier, or more delicious roast recipe? “Fuggedaboutit!” This 3-ingredient wonder truly delivers on flavor and tenderness with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for anyone seeking a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whaddayawaitinfor? Give this effortless, fall-apart tender beef roast a try tonight!

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Close up of "Fuggedaboutit Roast" {the forgotten roast}

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Print Recipe

“Fuggedaboutit Roast” {The Forgotten Roast}

This roast is the best I have ever made— also the easiest. 3-4 ingredients, your oven and some foil is all you need to make it!

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
6 hours

Total Time
6 hours 5 minutes

Course:
Beef

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
Fuggedaboutit Roast – Forgotten Roast

Servings:
6 servings

Calories:
94kcal

Author:
Michaela Kenkel

Cook Mode

Ingredients

1 3 pound beef chuck roast
1 packet Onion soup mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can sliced mushrooms drained (optional) Sliced fresh mushrooms work well, too!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
Place roast on a large piece of heavy-duty foil. Rub onion soup mix into the roast. Top with the can of cream of mushroom soup, and then with the can of mushrooms (if using, optional).
Cover and tightly seal the foil around the roast to form a packet. Place this packet in a roaster pan, cover the pan (if it has a lid, otherwise just the foil is fine), and bake for 5-6 hours.
Remove the roast from the foil. The meat should be incredibly tender and easily shredded or sliced. Use the drippings to prepare gravy if desired.

Notes

To make a simple gravy: Drain any excess fat from the drippings collected in the foil. Transfer the flavorful drippings to a saucepan and heat them on the stove. For enhanced flavor and a richer color, I added a little kitchen bouquet and another can of cream of mushroom soup, whisking it all together until smooth and warm. This creates a quick, delicious gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or other side dishes.

Nutrition

Heritage Roast