Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just mix, pour, and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Incredibly Tender: The roast becomes fall-apart tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- One-Pot Meal: Add potatoes, carrots, and onions for a complete meal in one dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Rich, hearty, and satisfying—perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb chuck roast
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 4-6 medium potatoes, quartered (optional)
- 4-5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
- 1 medium onion, quartered (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Roast
- Place the chuck roast in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Mix the Seasonings
- In a bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, Italian dressing mix, and brown gravy mix.
- Add the beef broth and water, stirring until smooth.
Pour Over the Roast
- Pour the seasoning mixture evenly over the roast.
Add Vegetables (Optional)
- If using, place the potatoes, carrots, and onion around the roast.
Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the roast is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
Shred and Serve
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Serve with vegetables and drizzle with the flavorful gravy from the slow cooker.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Calories: ~450-500 per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for heat.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves for an extra layer of flavor.
- Wine Substitute: Swap ½ cup of the beef broth with red wine for a deeper, richer taste.
- Creamy Gravy: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or sour cream before serving for a silkier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze shredded roast and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Brisket or bottom round roast also work well, but chuck roast remains the best choice for tenderness.
What if I don’t have all three seasoning packets?
You can substitute homemade seasoning blends, such as a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of seasoning packets?
Absolutely! Use 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried basil.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Remove some liquid and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water), then simmer until thickened.
Do I need to sear the roast before slow cooking?
It’s optional but recommended! Searing in a hot pan before adding to the slow cooker enhances flavor.
Can I add mushrooms to this dish?
Yes, mushrooms add a great depth of flavor. Add them in the last 2 hours of cooking for best results.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes! Cooking on low overnight works well—just keep it warm until serving.
What can I serve with this roast?
This pot roast pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, no-fuss meal. The combination of simple seasoning packets and a slow-cooked chuck roast creates a mouthwatering dish that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pot roast is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
Print
Three Envelope Pot Roast
- Total Time: Up to 10 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast is the ultimate easy, flavorful, and tender meal. With just three seasoning packets—ranch dressing mix, Italian dressing mix, and brown gravy mix—this dish creates a rich, savory sauce that infuses the beef with incredible flavor. Perfect for busy days, this set-it-and-forget-it meal is a true comfort food classic. Add potatoes, carrots, and onions for a complete one-pot dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb chuck roast
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 4–6 medium potatoes, quartered (optional)
- 4–5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
- 1 medium onion, quartered (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Roast: Place the chuck roast in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, Italian dressing mix, and brown gravy mix. Add the beef broth and water, stirring until smooth.
- Pour Over the Roast: Pour the seasoning mixture evenly over the roast.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If using, place the potatoes, carrots, and onion around the roast.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the roast is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the roast from the slow cooker, shred with two forks, and serve with the vegetables. Drizzle with the flavorful gravy.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for heat.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves for extra flavor.
- Wine Substitute: Swap ½ cup of the beef broth with red wine for a richer taste.
- Creamy Gravy: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or sour cream before serving for a silkier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
