3-Packet Pot Roast
A 3 lb chuck roast with one brown gravy packet, one ranch packet and one Italian dressing packet and 1 cup of water, cooked 9 hours on LOW.
3-Packet Pot Roast
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes9
hoursA 3 lb chuck roast with one brown gravy packet, one ranch packet and one Italian dressing packet and 1 cup of water, cooked 9 hours on LOW.
Ingredients
3 lb boneless chuck roast
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 packet Italian dressing mix
1 cup water
1 large yellow onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 lb baby potatoes, left whole
4 carrots, cut in 2-inch chunks
2 tbsp butter
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Directions
- Put the sliced onion, garlic, potatoes and carrots on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Set the thawed roast on top of the vegetables.
- Mix the three packets in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the mix evenly over the top and sides of the roast.
- Pour the water around the roast, not over it.
- Add the butter and black pepper on top.
- Cover and cook 9 hours on LOW; do not lift the lid.
- Test with two forks; the meat should separate with no resistance.
- Shred or slice the roast and stir it into the juices in the pot.
- Garnish with parsley and spoon the liquid over the vegetables.
Notes
- Do not add salt; the packets already carry plenty. A frozen roast must be thawed in the fridge first, about 24 hours for every 5 lb.
Why 3-Packet Pot Roast needs no salt
Brown gravy, ranch, and Italian dressing mixes each carry plenty of salt and herbs. The butter on top melts down and enriches the gravy. Water goes around the roast, not over it, so the seasoning stays on the meat.
Each packet brings a different layer: savory gravy, herby ranch, and tangy dressing. Together they make a sauce with more depth than any one of them alone. The butter melts into the juices and smooths the edges. Use the vegetables whole or in large pieces so they stay firm through nine hours.
Swaps that work for 3-Packet Pot Roast
Au jus mix can replace the gravy packet. Do not add salt. A frozen roast must be thawed in the fridge first, about 24 hours for every 5 lb.
What to serve with 3-Packet Pot Roast
Serve with the potatoes and carrots from the pot, plus bread. Leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
The mistake is adding salt out of habit.
The potatoes soak up the gravy, so keep them whole and plate them under the slices.
3-Packet Pot Roast at a glance
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 9 hours
- Servings: 8 servings
- Ingredients: 12, led by boneless chuck roast, packet brown gravy mix, packet ranch seasoning mix, packet Italian dressing mix
Tips for 3-Packet Pot Roast
Do not add salt; the packets already carry plenty. A frozen roast must be thawed in the fridge first, about 24 hours for every 5 lb.
3-Packet Pot Roast FAQ
How long does 3-Packet Pot Roast take?
3-Packet Pot Roast takes 9 hours of cooking after 5 minutes of prep.
How many people does 3-Packet Pot Roast serve?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What do I need to make 3-Packet Pot Roast?
12 ingredients, led by boneless chuck roast, packet brown gravy mix, packet ranch seasoning mix, packet Italian dressing mix. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
