The comfort food classic takes on new life with this easy, two-packet wonder. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a pair of seasoning packets all come together in the slow cooker to create the coziest, most flavor-packed pot roast ever. It’s a hassle-free staple you can assemble in the morning and return to a delicious, savory meal at dinnertime.
Ingredients
- 1 (3- to 4-pound) chuck roast
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2-3 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Before you get started, pat the roast dry with paper towels, then season it lightly with salt and pepper. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until it forms a rich, brown crust—this step helps the meat maintain flavor and moisture during the slow cook.
Next, place the carrots, potatoes, and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the seared roast on top of the vegetables, then sprinkle both the onion soup mix and ranch dressing mix evenly over the roast. Gently pour in the beef broth (taking care not to rinse off all the seasonings on top). Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Once it’s ready, shred or slice the roast, and scoop up those wonderful vegetables, which should be infused with rich, savory juices. Serve with the cooking liquids spooned over top, or alongside a loaf of crusty bread, to soak up every last drop.
This 2-packet pot roast is a dream come true for busy families looking for a hearty, no-fuss dinner. The seasoning packets cut down on prep time but pack in loads of flavor. It’s adaptable, too—swap in your favorite soup or gravy mix if you’d like.
Serve it to a crowd or portion out the leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week. Enjoy the comforting aroma wafting through your home, knowing a satisfying, wholesome meal is waiting for you at the end of the day.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
