This Three Packet Slow Cooker Roast is an easy and tasty meal you’ll love! It uses just three flavorful packets—soup mix, dry ranch dressing, and au jus—combined with tender beef.
The best part? It smells heavenly as it cooks all day! I love serving it with mashed potatoes or fresh bread to soak up that yummy gravy. It’s a no-fuss dinner that always warms my heart!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use a brisket, but it might need more cooking time. Alternatively, a pork shoulder works nicely too!
Dry Onion Soup Mix: This mix adds great flavor without the chopping! If you prefer homemade, mix 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of beef bouillon, and a pinch of garlic powder as a substitute.
Dry Ranch Dressing Mix: This packet brings a nice tangy twist. If you can’t find it, use a mix of buttermilk powder, dried dill, and garlic powder. It will give you a similar flavor profile.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This adds richness to the dish. You can replace it with a homemade beef gravy or a similar brown gravy mix. Just make sure it matches the flavor you desire!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Searing the Roast?
Searing the roast before slow cooking is optional but recommended. It creates a delicious crust and enhances the beef’s flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the roast with salt and pepper all over.
- Place the roast in the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Once done, transfer the roast to the slow cooker and continue with the recipe.
This step gives your roast a deeper, richer taste that takes it to the next level!
Three Packet Slow Cooker Roast
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix (approximately 1 oz)
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 oz)
- 1.5 to 2 pounds baby potatoes, cleaned
- 4 to 5 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious roast takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks slowly for either 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 6 hours on high. So, you can simply set it up in the morning and come home to an amazing dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Optional Searing
If you’d like to add extra flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef roast generously with salt and pepper. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until nicely browned. This step is optional but adds great depth to the flavor!
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the seared (or raw) beef roast at the bottom of your slow cooker. Making sure the roast is nestled comfortably will help it cook evenly.
3. Adding the Seasoning
Now, sprinkle the dry onion soup mix, dry ranch dressing mix, and au jus gravy mix evenly over the top of the roast. This is where the flavor magic begins!
4. Adding the Veggies
Add the cleaned baby potatoes and the carrot chunks around the roast in the slow cooker. The vegetables will soak up all those delicious flavors while cooking!
5. Pouring the Liquid
Pour the cup of water or beef broth into the slow cooker. This will help create a savory gravy as everything cooks together.
6. Cover and Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is super tender and falls apart easily!
7. Resting the Roast
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
8. Making the Gravy (Optional)
If you’d like to make a yummy gravy, pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and simmer it for about 5 minutes. For a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, whisk it in, and let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice or shred your beef, and serve it with the potatoes and carrots, ladling that delicious au jus gravy over everything. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a nice finishing touch! Enjoy!
This hearty Three Packet Slow Cooker Roast is not just easy but incredibly comforting. Perfect for family dinners any night of the week!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, you can! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness during slow cooking, you can also use brisket or pork shoulder. Adjust the cooking time as necessary, as different cuts may require slightly different cooking durations.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Searing the Roast?
Absolutely! Searing the roast adds extra flavor but isn’t necessary. You can put the raw roast directly in the slow cooker with the seasoning and veggies, and it will still turn out delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked roast and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Can I Serve with This Roast?
This roast pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even on a bed of creamy polenta. You can also serve it with a side of green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
