When the chill settles in and the day’s pace finally slows, there’s something about a slow cooker meal that feels like a small, welcoming hug. This 3 Packet Pot Roast Slow Cooker recipe isn’t complicated, but it’s packed with savory layers that tease the senses and fill the kitchen with a comforting aroma.
I remember the first time I tried this — the roast was nestled on top of those root vegetables, and I kept sneaking little tastes of the juices. At one point, I got distracted by a phone call and forgot to check the cooker for a few minutes, but when I came back, the kitchen smelled even better, like a warm blanket in winter. The meat was so tender it almost fell apart just looking at it, and the garlic and seasoning blends made every bite a cozy celebration. I wasn’t expecting it to be that good, honestly, but it was a keeper.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal, which means you can come home to dinner without the stress.
- The combination of three seasoning packets creates a rich, layered flavor without any guesswork.
- The roast turns out tender enough to shred or slice, giving you some flexibility depending on your mood.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients, just hearty comfort food.
- The slow cooker method means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Even if you’re not usually a slow cooker fan, this recipe might just change your mind. It’s forgiving, too — you don’t have to be perfect with the timing or the searing; the flavors will catch up and blend beautifully anyway.
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3 Packet Pot Roast Slow Cooker
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A simple and flavorful slow cooker pot roast made with three seasoning packets, tender beef, and hearty vegetables. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
3 pounds beef chuck roast
1 packet onion soup mix (1 ounce)
1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 ounce)
1 packet au jus gravy mix (1 ounce)
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
4 medium red potatoes, quartered
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels and season all sides with black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from heat.
Place the carrots, potatoes, and sliced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the minced garlic on top of the vegetables.
Place the seared roast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the onion soup mix, ranch dressing mix, and au jus gravy mix evenly over the roast.
Pour the beef broth around the roast, avoiding washing off the seasoning packets.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker. Let the roast rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Serve the pot roast with the cooked vegetables and spoon some of the cooking juices over the top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
Kitchen Notes: If you’re worried about the searing step, don’t stress it; you can skip it, but the caramelized crust does add a nice depth. For serving, mashed potatoes or crusty bread soak up the juices wonderfully. I’ve tried swapping out the carrots for parsnips when I had some on hand — it worked, but the sweetness was a bit different, so you might want to adjust the seasoning slightly. Sometimes I toss in a splash of red wine or a little Worcestershire sauce for a twist, though I haven’t tested how that changes the cooking time exactly.
FAQ:
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast is best because it gets tender and flavorful, but brisket or shoulder might work if you adjust cooking time.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Absolutely, just be mindful of the slow cooker’s capacity so everything cooks evenly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to keep the meat tender.
Ready to try this dish for your next cozy night in? Give it a go and see how this simple 3 Packet Pot Roast Slow Cooker recipe fits right into your week.