This Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast is one of the easiest comfort food dinners you’ll ever make. A chuck roast cooks low and slow with potatoes and carrots in a rich, savory gravy made from three simple seasoning packets. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or cozy Sunday dinners.
Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chuck roast lightly with black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the roast for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Place the sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the potatoes and carrots around the onions.
- Place the roast on top of the vegetables.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ranch seasoning, brown gravy mix, and Italian dressing seasoning until smooth.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the roast.
- Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 9 hours or High for 5 to 6 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
- Remove the roast and shred or slice it.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water, stir it into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on High for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve the roast with the potatoes, carrots, and plenty of the rich gravy.
Notes
- Chuck roast gives the most tender results.
- Searing the meat is optional but creates a deeper flavor.
- Baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes work especially well.
- Avoid opening the slow cooker while cooking to keep the temperature steady.
- Taste the gravy before adding extra salt since the seasoning packets are already salty.
Variations
- Add mushrooms during the last 2 hours of cooking.
- Include celery for extra vegetables.
- Substitute baby carrots for regular carrots.
- Add garlic cloves for richer flavor.
- Stir in a little sour cream at the end for a creamier gravy.
Serving Suggestions
- Buttered dinner rolls
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Side salad
Tips
- Trim excess fat from the roast before cooking.
- Store leftovers with extra gravy to keep the meat moist.
- The leftovers make excellent sandwiches.
- Freeze leftover roast for up to 3 months.
- Let the roast rest for a few minutes before shredding.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings
Serves: 6 people
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 30g
- Sodium: 980mg
FAQs
Why is it called Three Envelope Pot Roast?
The recipe gets its name from the three seasoning packets used to make the flavorful gravy: ranch seasoning, brown gravy mix, and Italian dressing seasoning.
What is the best cut of beef for pot roast?
Chuck roast is the best choice because it becomes incredibly tender and juicy after several hours of slow cooking.
Can I cook this on High instead of Low?
Yes. Cook on High for about 5 to 6 hours, though Low for 8 to 9 hours generally produces the most tender beef.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, stir it into the slow cooker during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking, and let it thicken before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Store the beef and gravy together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Three Envelope Pot Roast is a true family favorite that’s packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich homemade-style gravy. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep, it’s an easy dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
