Three Envelope Roast – The Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Food
First, let me just say how grateful I am to share this recipe with you. Sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones that leave the biggest mark — the recipes that make it to the dinner table again and again because they just work. This Three Envelope Roast is exactly that.
It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and almost laughably easy to put together. With just a chuck roast, a few seasoning packets, and a slow cooker, you’ll end up with fork-tender beef infused with layers of savory, comforting flavor. The best part? You can toss in potatoes, carrots, and onions and have your main course and sides ready in one pot.
👉 If you love no-fuss, flavor-packed recipes like this, make sure to subscribe so you never miss the next one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work.
- Incredible Flavor – The combination of Italian dressing mix, ranch, and brown gravy mix gives the roast rich seasoning without any guesswork.
- Perfectly Tender Beef – Slow cooking makes the chuck roast melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Family-Friendly – Picky eaters? Not a problem. Everyone loves this roast.
- Versatile Meal – Great for weeknights, holidays, or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chuck roast
- 1 packet dry Italian seasoning mix
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet dry brown gravy mix
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional additions:
- Baby potatoes
- Whole baby carrots
- Chopped onions
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Measuring cup
- Serving platter (for that family-style table presentation!)
How to Make Three Envelope Roast
How to Make Three Envelope Roast
- Season the roast with salt and pepper.
- Place the roast into the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the three seasoning packets with 1 cup of water.
- Pour mixture over the roast.
- Cover and set the crockpot on high for 4 hours (or low for 7–8 hours).
- Baste occasionally with the juices for maximum flavor.
- Optional: Add potatoes, carrots, and onions to the crockpot during cooking.
When done, the roast should be fall-apart tender and surrounded by rich, savory gravy.
What to Serve with Envelope Roast
This roast already comes with optional potatoes and carrots, but if you want to build out your meal, consider:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up the gravy)
- Buttered egg noodles or rice
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Homemade rolls to mop up the sauce
Tips for Success
- For extra depth of flavor, sear the roast in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot.
- Add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the seasoning mixture for a richer gravy.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, whisk in a spoonful of cornstarch and water at the end.
- Leftovers? Shred the beef and make roast beef sandwiches the next day.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions (with some gravy) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! A rump roast or brisket works, but chuck roast gives the best tenderness.
Q: Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Definitely. Cover tightly in a Dutch oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 3–4 hours.
Q: Can I make it without one of the seasoning packets?
Yes, but the “three envelope” combo is what gives this dish its signature flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
Final Thoughts
The Three Envelope Roast is one of those recipes you’ll bookmark, print, and hand down — because it’s timeless comfort food at its best. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a rich, hearty meal that tastes like you spent hours fussing in the kitchen (but really, your slow cooker did all the work!).