The Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy: Three Packets and a Roast
This easy, fall-apart pot roast is a true comfort food classic. Made with just three seasoning packets and a beef chuck roast, this recipe is a no-fuss, set-it-and-forget-it meal that the whole family will love. The gravy comes together right in the crockpot, making it as simple as it is flavorful. Bonus: the leftovers might be even better the next day!
Servings: 8
Calories: 404kcal
Cost: $15-$20
Equipment
- slow cooker (crock pot) or Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 lb.) beef chuck roast (or brisket, bottom round)
- 1 packet Brown Gravy dry mix
- 1 packet Italian dressing dry mix
- 1 packet Ranch dressing dry mix
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup red wine (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Place your chuck roast directly in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the Brown Gravy Mix, Ranch Dressing Mix, and Italian Dressing Mix evenly over the top of the roast.
- Add 1 cup of water (and red wine if you’re using it) around the roast. No need to stir; it will all mix together as it cooks.
- Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender and falling apart. Check for doneness after 4-5 hours, as time will vary depending on the cut of beef, size, and so on.
- Remove the roast from the crock pot. Whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water to make a slurry, and stir it into the cooking liquid to thicken the gravy. Let it cook for 5-10 more minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
- Shred the beef with a fork and serve smothered in the rich gravy. Enjoy with mashed potatoes, carrots, or your favorite side dish!
Notes
Leftovers: This pot roast is amazing the next day! Try it in sandwiches, tacos, or mixed into a beef and veggie stew.
Substitute Options: Don’t have chuck roast? You can use brisket or bottom round for similar results, though chuck roast delivers the best texture.
Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, and onions during the last hour of cooking to create a one-pot meal.
Instant Pot Variation: Need dinner in a hurry? Follow the same steps using your Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 60-70 minutes with a natural release.
Three Packets and a Chicken Variation: One whole chicken with Chicken Gravy Mix, Italian Dressing Dry Mix, Ranch Dressing Dry Mix, and 1 cup water. (skip the optional red wine suggested for beef).
Three Packets and a Pork Roast: One pork roast with Pork Gravy Mix, Italian Dressing Dry Mix, and Ranch Dressing Dry Mix and 1 cup water (do not add the optional red wine suggested for beef).
Nutrition
Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 824mg | Potassium: 678mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 4mg
