Zesty Packet Pot Roast
If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal, this Zesty Packet Pot Roast is the definition of effortless perfection. Using just three pantry staples — ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, and zesty Italian dressing mix — this roast transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth, flavor-packed dish with a rich, savory gravy.
It’s the ultimate slow cooker dinner: tender beef, perfectly seasoned sauce, and the option to toss in hearty vegetables for a full one-pot meal. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or cozy Sunday afternoon, this dish delivers big flavor with almost no work.
What You’ll Need
- Boneless chuck roast (3–4 lb) – Well-marbled for fall-apart tenderness.
- Ranch dressing mix (1 oz packet) – Adds creamy, tangy undertones.
- Brown gravy mix (0.87 oz packet) – Creates a rich, beefy base for the sauce.
- Zesty Italian dressing mix (0.7 oz packet) – Brings brightness and a punch of flavor.
- Water or low-sodium beef broth (½ cup) – Keeps everything juicy as it cooks.
- Optional veggies: baby potatoes, carrots, and onions for a complete meal.
How to Make Zesty Packet Pot Roast
STEP 1: Place the chuck roast in your slow cooker or a large Dutch oven. If using vegetables, scatter the potatoes, carrots, and onions evenly around the meat.
STEP 2: In a small bowl, stir together the ranch, gravy, and Italian dressing mixes until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the roast and vegetables.
STEP 3: Pour ½ cup of water or beef broth around (not directly over) the roast — this keeps the seasoning intact while ensuring plenty of moisture for slow cooking.
STEP 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and easy to shred.
STEP 5: Shred the roast directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it gently into the flavorful gravy.
STEP 6: Serve hot, spooning the tender beef and rich sauce over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Tips for Success
- No searing needed! The packets provide plenty of flavor, so you can skip the browning step.
- Want a thicker gravy? Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust salt to taste. Some seasoning packets are saltier than others — use low-sodium broth if possible.
Variations
- Spicy twist: Add 1–2 tablespoons of pepperoncini juice or sliced peppers for tangy heat.
- Creamy version: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream at the end for a silky, rich gravy.
- Oven method: Bake covered at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours until tender.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
With its effortless prep and irresistible flavor, this Zesty Packet Pot Roast is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients for a truly unforgettable meal — just a slow cooker and a few clever pantry staples.
Zesty Packet Pot Roast
Ingredients
- 1 packet of dry ranch-style dressing mix approximately 1 ounce
- ½ cup of water or reduced-sodium beef stock
- 1 envelope of dry brown gravy mix about 0.87 ounces
- 3 to 4 pounds of boneless beef chuck roast
- 1 packet of dry zesty Italian dressing mix roughly 0.7 ounces
Optional Add-ins (for a complete one-pot dish):
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups of chopped carrots
- 1 pound of halved baby potatoes
Instructions
- Position the beef chuck roast in the base of your slow cooker or Dutch oven. If you opt to include vegetables, arrange them evenly around the meat.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy packet, and Italian dressing mix until well blended. Distribute this dry mixture thoroughly over the top of the roast and any accompanying vegetables.
- Carefully pour the water or broth along the edges of the meat, avoiding the top to preserve the seasoning coverage.
- Cover with a lid and allow to cook on the low setting for 8 hours, or until the meat becomes fork-tender and the flavors are fully developed.
- Once cooked, shred the roast directly in the pot using two forks. Serve warm, accompanied by the savory gravy, over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.