3 Packet Pot Roast Crock Pot Recipe: A Simple and Savory Delight

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal, the 3 Packet Pot Roast Crock Pot recipe is the perfect choice. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this pot roast is cooked to perfection in your slow cooker (Crock Pot), resulting in tender, juicy meat and a flavorful gravy. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it dinner that’s bound to become a favorite in your household.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Crock Pot pot roast using just 3 seasoning packets—Ranch dressing, Italian seasoning, and Au Jus gravy mix. Ready to make your dinner effortless and full of flavor? Here’s how!

Ingredients for 3 Packet Pot Roast Crock Pot Recipe

For the Pot Roast:

• 3-4 lb beef chuck roast (or any roast of your choice)
• 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix
• 1 packet Italian Dressing Mix
• 1 packet Au Jus Gravy Mix
• 1 cup water (or beef broth for richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for searing)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Carrots and potatoes (optional, for added veggies)

Step-by-Step Instructions for 3 Packet Pot Roast Crock Pot Recipe

1. Prepare the Roast

First, season the beef roast with salt and pepper on all sides. If you have time and want an extra layer of flavor, sear the roast in a hot pan with some olive oil for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but helps lock in the juices and adds a nice crust to the roast.

2. Prepare the Seasoning Mix

In a small bowl, combine the three seasoning packets: Ranch dressing, Italian dressing, and Au Jus gravy mix. Mix them together to create a seasoning blend.

3. Add to the Crock Pot

Place the roast in your Crock Pot and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the top. Pour 1 cup of water (or beef broth) into the slow cooker around the meat to create a flavorful base for the roast. You can also add carrots, potatoes, and other vegetables at this point if you want to make it a complete meal.

4. Slow Cook the Roast

Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or until the roast is tender and shreds easily with a fork. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow is the best way to ensure a juicy and tender result.

5. Shred and Serve

Once the roast is cooked and tender, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the Crock Pot. The meat will easily fall apart. Stir the shredded meat into the remaining gravy for extra flavor. Serve the pot roast with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or rice.

Recipe Notes

• Searing the roast: While searing the roast before slow cooking is optional, it’s highly recommended for a richer flavor and texture.
• Adding vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are great additions to this recipe, and they cook perfectly alongside the roast. You can add them in halfway through cooking if you like them firmer, or from the start if you prefer them soft.
• Extra flavor: If you want a little extra flavor, you can add garlic, onion, or herbs like rosemary and thyme to the slow cooker.

Time and Serving

• Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 6-8 hours (or 3-4 hours for a quicker version)
• Servings: 6-8 servings (depending on the size of the roast)

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which you probably will, considering how hearty this meal is), here’s how to store it:

• In the fridge: Allow the roast to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• In the freezer: Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little beef broth to keep the meat moist.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the texture of the meat may change slightly.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Season to taste: Adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. If you like more tang, add more Ranch dressing mix. For extra richness, go with beef broth instead of water.
• Thicken the gravy: If you like a thicker gravy, after shredding the meat, remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and water) until it thickens.
• Leftover ideas: Use leftover pot roast for sandwiches, tacos, or on top of salads for another quick meal.

How to Serve 3 Packet Pot Roast Crock Pot

• Classic Style: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a side salad for a classic comfort meal.
• On a Bun: Shred the roast and serve it on a burger bun with a drizzle of the gravy for a delicious sandwich.
• Tacos: Use the shredded pot roast as a filling for soft tortillas and top with cheese, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
• With Rice: Serve the roast over a bed of rice to soak up the extra gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

The 3 Packet Pot Roast Crock Pot Recipe is a fantastic meal for any occasion—whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week. It’s easy, tender, and full of flavor, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a comforting meal that everyone will love. So, give it a try, and watch it become a household favorite!