This classic, no-fuss pot roast gets an irresistible makeover with three quick flavor boosts—ranch, au jus, and Italian dressing mix. Toss in a few tangy pepperoncini peppers for zing, and let the slow cooker work its magic. In a matter of hours, you’ll have a juicy, fork-tender roast that fills the house with comforting aromas—perfect for busy weekdays or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

- 3–4 pound chuck roast
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 4–6 pepperoncini peppers (plus a splash of the juice for extra tang)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by seasoning the roast lightly with salt and pepper. Place it in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a small bowl, stir together all three seasoning packets—ranch, au jus, and Italian mix—until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the meat, ensuring the roast is covered with the seasonings.
Next, pour in the beef broth around the roast and add the pepperoncini peppers. Drizzle a little pepperoncini juice in there if you love extra zesty flavor. Dot the top of the roast with the butter. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Let it gently cook for about 8 hours (or 4–5 hours on high) until the roast is meltingly tender.
To serve, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it into large chunks. Give the cooking liquids a quick stir, then ladle some over the meat to capture every ounce of savory goodness. Pair with mashed potatoes or buttery rolls to soak up the flavorful gravy.
The three packets, combined with pepperoncini peppers, create an intensely savory, slightly tangy roast that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in rotation all year round.
In a hurry? Slice the roast into thick chunks beforehand to help it cook more quickly. Prefer a one-pot meal? Add chunks of carrots, potatoes, or onions to cook along with the beef. This recipe is also great for those who want a versatile meal that can feed a crowd with minimal effort.
If you’re watching sodium levels, choose low-sodium broth and look for reduced-salt seasoning mixes. However you tweak it, this Zesty Ranch & Pepperoncini Slow Cooker 3 Packet Roast brings both ease and comfort to the table.
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.