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Three Envelope Roast

Three Envelope Roast

Experience melt-in-your-mouth perfection with this effortless Three Envelope Pot Roast. By combining brown gravy, ranch, and Italian dressing mixes, you create a deeply flavorful, rich gravy that naturally tenderizes the beef as it slow-cooks all day. Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, or seamless meal prepping!
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 3 to 4 lb Beef Chuck Roast, well-marbled
  • 1 envelope 0.87 oz Brown Gravy Mix
  • 1 envelope 1 oz Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
  • 1 envelope 0.7 oz Dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
  • 2 cups Water or low-sodium Beef Broth for extra flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil optional, for searing the beef
  • Optional Add-ins: 1 lb baby potatoes 4 large carrots (peeled and chopped in 2-inch pieces), 1 yellow onion (quartered)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chuck roast completely dry with paper towels. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes on each side until a deeply browned, caramelized crust forms.
  • Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the beef into the bottom of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. If using potatoes, carrots, and onions, arrange them neatly around the sides of the roast.
  • Mix the Three Envelopes: In a medium bowl or large liquid measuring cup, combine the brown gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, and Italian dressing mix. Add the 2 cups of water (or beef broth) and whisk thoroughly until the dry ingredients are completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  • Pour and Cook: Pour the seasoned gravy mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables.
  • Set It and Forget It: Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 8 to 9 hours (or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, though cooking on LOW is strongly recommended for the most tender, fall-apart results).
  • Shred and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, the meat should be incredibly tender and easily yield to a fork. Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker to allow it to absorb the thickened gravy. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

  • Thicker Gravy: The three envelopes naturally thicken the cooking liquid, but if you prefer a vastly thicker, diner-style gravy, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Sodium Control: Because the packet mixes already contain sodium, there is absolutely no need to add additional salt to this recipe. To carefully control salt levels, opt for low-sodium brown gravy packets and use unsalted beef broth or plain water.
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