
There’s something so comforting about walking into the house after a long day and being greeted by the rich, savory smell of pot roast slow cooking away in the crockpot. This Three Envelope Roast is one of those old-school, no-fuss recipes that always delivers.
It takes just a few minutes to put together, but by dinnertime, you’ve got a tender, flavorful roast that feels like you spent all day in the kitchen. The seasoning packets do all the heavy lifting, creating a delicious gravy that soaks right into the meat. Add potatoes, carrots, and onions, and you’ve got a hearty family dinner that’s pure comfort food from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It uses simple pantry ingredients
- The slow cooker does all the work
- The roast turns out tender and flavorful
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinner
- You can make it a full meal by adding vegetables
Ingredients
- 3 lb chuck roast
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet dry brown gravy mix
- 1 cup water
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Vegetables
- Baby potatoes
- Whole baby carrots
- Chopped onions
How To Make Three Envelope Roast
- Season the chuck roast on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the roast into the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian seasoning mix, ranch seasoning mix, brown gravy mix, and water until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the roast.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or until the roast is tender.
- Baste the roast with the juices a few times during cooking if desired.
- If using potatoes, carrots, and onions, add them to the crockpot around the roast before cooking.
- Check that the vegetables are fork-tender before serving.
- Serve hot with plenty of the flavorful gravy spooned over the top.
Find more easy comfort food recipes and family dinner ideas at Recipes Family.
Tips for the Best Three Envelope Roast
- Chuck roast works best because it becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- For even more flavor, sear the roast in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side, then place it in the crockpot.
- If you want a softer, fall-apart roast, you can cook it longer on low.
- Add extra water or broth to make more gravy.
Variations
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor
- Add mushrooms for an earthy twist
- Stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end if you want a thicker gravy
- Serve it over mashed potatoes instead of cooking potatoes in the crockpot
FAQs
Can I cook this on low instead of high?
Yes, you can cook it on low for 7 to 8 hours for an even more tender roast.
Do I have to add vegetables?
No, the roast is delicious on its own, but potatoes, carrots, and onions make it a complete meal.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast is best, but rump roast or brisket can also work.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Three Envelope Roast
Course: Dinner, Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes4
hours420
kcal4
hours10
minutesA simple and delicious slow cooker pot roast made with chuck roast and three seasoning packets for a tender, flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
3 lb chuck roast
1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
1 packet dry brown gravy mix
1 cup water
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Optional: baby potatoes, baby carrots, chopped onions
Directions
- Season the roast with salt and pepper.
- Place the roast in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together Italian mix, ranch mix, brown gravy mix, and water.
- Pour mixture over roast.
- Add vegetables if using.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or until the roast is tender.
- Baste occasionally if desired.
- Serve hot with vegetables and gravy.
Notes
- For a more fall-apart roast, cook on low for 7 to 8 hours instead of high.
- Beef broth can be used in place of water for a richer flavor.
- If you want thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking.
- Chuck roast gives the best tender texture for this recipe.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving):
Calories: 420 / Protein: 35g / Fat: 24g / Carbohydrates: 8g / Fiber: 1g / Sugar: 2g / Sodium: 980mg