Picture this: you come home after a long day, and the smell of a rich, savory roast fills the house. You lift the lid of your slow cooker, and there it is—tender, juicy pot roast that falls apart with a fork, bathed in a flavorful gravy made from three simple, envelope-style seasonings. This Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast is the kind of dish that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. It’s the perfect hands-off dinner that gives you all the comfort and warmth you crave. Trust me, when you try it, you’ll never go back to anything else.
With just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s both satisfying and easy. This dish cooks low and slow, making the meat unbelievably tender while the seasonings meld together into a savory gravy that you’ll want to pour over everything. It’s the ultimate in cozy, family-friendly meals, and the best part? The slow cooker does all the work!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast
Set It and Forget It: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. No need to hover over the stove or spend hours in the kitchen.
Tender and Juicy: The slow cooking process ensures that the roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, making it the perfect centerpiece for dinner.
Flavor Packed: With just three envelopes of seasoning, you get an explosion of flavor that makes the gravy irresistible. It’s a perfect balance of savory and hearty.
Versatile: It’s not just a pot roast—it’s a complete meal in one! Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even over rice for a full, satisfying dinner.
Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have, so you can make it whenever the craving strikes without needing to shop for anything special.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast
This is one of those recipes that proves that simplicity can be incredibly delicious. The magic lies in the combination of just three envelope seasonings:
For the Pot Roast:
- 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy after hours in the slow cooker. It’s the backbone of this recipe and will soak up all that delicious seasoning.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Adds a creamy, herby flavor that complements the richness of the beef.
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix: The tangy, zesty notes of Italian seasoning bring a burst of flavor to the roast.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: This will create a savory, rich gravy that coats the roast and makes everything taste extra comforting.
- 1 cup water or beef broth: This helps create the base for the gravy and ensures the roast stays juicy and tender.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to let the slow cooker work its magic? Here’s how to make this flavorful pot roast:
1. Season the Roast:
- Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker. You don’t need to brown it first, which makes this recipe even easier.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, Italian dressing mix, and brown gravy mix evenly over the top of the roast.
2. Add Liquid:
- Pour the water or beef broth over the roast and seasonings. This will help the roast cook slowly and create a delicious gravy.
3. Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the meat will become.
4. Shred the Roast:
- Once the roast is done, it should be so tender that it easily falls apart. Remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
5. Make the Gravy:
- If you’d like a thicker gravy, you can transfer some of the liquid to a pot and simmer it for a few minutes until it thickens. Otherwise, just spoon the juicy gravy over the shredded roast.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the shredded pot roast with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies, and drizzle with the savory gravy. This meal is as comforting as it gets!
(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: 480
Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 1080mg
Carbohydrates: 4g - Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
Protein: 55g
Vitamin A: 0%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 20%
(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)
How to Serve Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast
This pot roast pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
Mashed Potatoes: The rich, savory gravy is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, making them extra comforting.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. The roasted flavors pair perfectly with the tender roast.
Rice: A simple bowl of rice helps soak up the flavorful gravy and makes the meal more filling.
Crispy Rolls or Bread: Fresh bread or soft rolls are perfect for dipping into the gravy, making every bite more satisfying.
Additional Tips
- Add Veggies: You can add onions, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking time to make it a full one-pot meal.
- Thicken the Gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, dissolve a tablespoon of cornstarch in cold water and stir it into the gravy at the end of the cooking time. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Use Beef Broth: For extra flavor, swap out the water for beef broth. It adds richness to the sauce and enhances the savory flavors.
- Make It Ahead: This pot roast is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve the texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes, you can substitute with other slow-cooking cuts like brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Q2: Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours instead of low for 7 to 8 hours.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
A3: Yes! Carrots, potatoes, and onions can be added at the start of cooking. They’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker with the roast.
Q4: Can I use a different type of seasoning mix?
A4: Of course! If you don’t have the specific seasoning mixes, you can use homemade blends or substitute with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q6: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A6: Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it the night before and let it slow cook in the morning, or you can store the cooked roast and gravy in the fridge to reheat later.
Q7: Can I use instant gravy mix instead of brown gravy mix?
A7: Yes! Instant gravy mix will work in a pinch, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid to get the desired consistency.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker to accommodate the extra meat and seasonings.
Q9: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A9: The seasoning packets typically contain gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free seasoning mixes to make this dish gluten-free.
Q10: What side dishes go well with this pot roast?
A10: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a simple green salad are all great options to serve alongside this delicious pot roast.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast is the definition of comfort food with minimal effort. This easy, hands-off recipe will give you a juicy, flavorful roast that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. Plus, the gravy is to die for! With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you can create a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, cozy dinner that practically cooks itself!
PrintSlow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast is an incredibly easy and flavorful dish made with just three packets of seasoning! The perfect comfort food for busy days, this pot roast cooks low and slow in the crockpot, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a rich, savory gravy. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies, this dish will become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb beef chuck roast (or brisket)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 cup water (or beef broth for more flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1. Sear the Roast (Optional):
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper.
- Sear the roast in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the seared (or unseared) roast in the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Mix the Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, Italian dressing mix, and brown gravy mix. Add 1 cup of water (or beef broth) and stir until the seasoning is fully dissolved.
4. Cook the Roast:
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the roast in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s well coated.
5. Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the roast is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Shred and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Stir the juices in the slow cooker to combine the gravy. Serve the shredded beef with the gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: For a more vegetable-forward dish, add carrots, potatoes, and onions to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Make-Ahead: The roast can be cooked a day ahead. Simply store the shredded beef and gravy in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg