Crockpot Envelope Roast: An Easy, Flavorful, and Hands-Off Meal
Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When a busy day calls for a delicious, comforting dinner but you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, this Crockpot Envelope Roast is the perfect solution. It’s a simple, set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers an incredible amount of flavor with almost zero effort. This roast becomes so tender it falls apart with a fork, and the savory, rich sauce is a total dream. It’s the kind of meal that feels special and nostalgic, but it’s so easy you can make it any night of the week.
I first started making this roast when I was looking for a new crockpot meal that was a little different from the usual. I wanted a recipe that was packed with flavor but required minimal prep. This one was the perfect solution. The secret is the combination of a savory gravy mix, a zesty Italian dressing mix, and a creamy mushroom soup, which creates a rich, complex sauce that infuses the entire roast. It’s a one-pot wonder that you can make with minimal effort, and it’s a total lifesaver on a busy day.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this Crockpot Envelope Roast is its sheer simplicity and fantastic flavor. The slow cooker works its magic, turning a tough cut of beef into an incredibly tender, juicy roast. The combination of the two seasoning mixes and the cream of mushroom soup creates a rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned sauce that is absolutely irresistible. It’s a complete meal that’s perfect for the whole family, and it’s so easy that anyone can make it.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily add more vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or celery to make it an all-in-one meal. It’s a forgiving recipe that you can easily make your own by adding a little extra spice or a different kind of soup. For another great one-pan dinner, my recipe for This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is also a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2–3 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix (or dry gravy mix)
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Beef Chuck Roast: This cut of meat is ideal for a crockpot roast. Its marbling and connective tissue break down beautifully during the slow-cooking process, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
- Onion Soup Mix: The onion soup mix is a key component for the savory flavor. You can also use a dry gravy mix for a similar result.
- Italian Dressing Mix: The Italian dressing mix adds a zesty, herbaceous kick that is a perfect complement to the savory beef.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds a rich, creamy base to the sauce. You can also use cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
- Veggies: Feel free to add some chopped potatoes, carrots, or celery to the slow cooker with the roast. They’ll cook down in the sauce and be a delicious part of the meal.
Directions
- Prep the Roast: Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the dry onion soup mix, dry Italian dressing mix, can of cream of mushroom soup, and water.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned beef roast in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top of the roast.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Serve: Once cooked, use a fork to shred the beef right in the slow cooker. Serve it with the delicious sauce poured over the top.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: The long, slow cooking time is what makes the roast so tender. However, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
- Shred the Meat: Shredding the beef right in the slow cooker allows it to soak up all that delicious sauce, making it even more flavorful.
- Serve with Veggies: This roast pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can even cook them right in the slow cooker with the roast.
- Make It Ahead: You can prep the sauce and the roast a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just toss them in the slow cooker in the morning and it’s ready for dinner.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Crockpot Envelope Roast is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad. For another great hearty meal, you might also like my recipe for These Easy Turkey Wings are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays—they’re also a great one-pot wonder.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Please note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
This is a hearty, protein-rich meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the microwave or in a pot on the stove over low heat. The leftovers are also fantastic for making sandwiches or sliders!
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of simple, delicious and hearty meals, you’ll love some of my other creations. For a great weeknight dinner, my recipe for This Dorito Casserole is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a lifesaver. For another great hearty meal, you can’t go wrong with my recipe for These Chicken Enchiladas are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners. And for another classic comfort food, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a total classic.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Envelope Roast is a recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your home. It’s a simple, savory, and incredibly delicious meal that is the perfect way to get a little bit of that comforting, home-cooked flavor on your plate.
I’d love to know what your favorite slow-cooker meal is! Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
Crockpot Envelope Roast: An Easy, Flavorful, and Hands-Off Meal
Ingredients
- 3 lb beef chuck roast
- 2 cup water
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 potatoes, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix and ranch dressing mix over the roast.
- Add the chopped carrots and diced potatoes around the roast.
- Pour the water over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the meat is tender.
- Once cooked, shred the meat with a fork and serve with the vegetables and sauce.
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