Introduction

Pot roast is a timeless comfort food, and nothing beats a savory, slow-cooked meal when you’re craving something hearty and delicious. In this recipe, we’re adding a zesty twist to the traditional pot roast by using a ranch seasoning packet to infuse bold flavors into the roast, carrots, and potatoes. The tangy ranch seasoning balances perfectly with the natural richness of the beef, while the carrots and potatoes soak up all the flavorful juices, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

This Ranch Packet Pot Roast is incredibly simple to make, and it requires minimal prep work, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners. With the help of a slow cooker or oven, you can let this meal simmer to perfection, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Perfect for when you want a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this pot roast will surely become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Ingredients:

To make this Ranch Packet Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
• 1 packet au jus or brown gravy mix (1 oz)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 lb baby potatoes (red or Yukon gold)
• 4-5 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the roast)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Preparation:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your delicious Ranch Packet Pot Roast:

Step 1: Sear the roast

1. Season the roast: Pat the beef roast dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the roast: Once the oil is hot, add the beef roast to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until it develops a rich, brown crust. This step enhances the flavor of the roast.
4. Transfer the roast: Remove the seared roast from the skillet and transfer it to the slow cooker (or Dutch oven if using the oven method).

Step 2: Add vegetables and seasoning

1. Prepare the vegetables: While the roast is searing, peel and chop the carrots into large chunks. Halve the baby potatoes if they are large, and chop the onion into quarters.
2. Layer the vegetables: Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and onion around the roast in the slow cooker. Toss the minced garlic on top.
3. Season: Sprinkle the entire ranch seasoning packet and the au jus or brown gravy mix evenly over the roast and vegetables.

Step 3: Add liquid

1. Pour the broth: Pour 1 cup of beef broth (or water) into the slow cooker, being careful not to wash off the seasoning. This helps to keep the roast moist and tender.
2. Add Worcestershire sauce: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce over the top for an extra depth of flavor.
3. Optional: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary on top of the roast for a herbaceous note.

Step 4: Slow cook the roast

1. Set the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule. The roast is ready when it’s fall-apart tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
2. Oven Method: If using a Dutch oven, preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C), cover the pot, and cook for 3-4 hours, checking periodically to ensure the roast is tender and the vegetables are soft.

Step 5: Serve

1. Shred the roast: Once the roast is done, use two forks to gently shred the beef into chunks.
2. Garnish and serve: Serve the pot roast with the carrots, potatoes, and onions. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and spoon some of the delicious juices over the top.

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Cooking Notes:

• Searing the roast: While you can skip the searing step for convenience, it’s highly recommended. The searing adds a caramelized, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Ranch seasoning packet: If you prefer to reduce sodium or want a more personalized flavor, you can make your own ranch seasoning blend using dried herbs and spices (parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives).
• Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can add in some mushrooms, celery, or even parsnips with the carrots and potatoes.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Ranch Packet Pot Roast with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the savory juices.
• A side of green beans, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad complements this hearty dish perfectly.
• For extra richness, drizzle some of the pot roast juices over mashed potatoes or rice as a side dish.

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Tips:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this pot roast the night before by searing the meat and adding all ingredients to the slow cooker insert. Store it in the fridge overnight and set it to cook the next morning.
• Freezing Instructions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.
• Leftover Ideas: Shredded pot roast makes a fantastic filling for sandwiches or tacos the next day. You can also add it to soups or stews for extra protein and flavor.

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Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

8-10 hours on LOW, or 4-5 hours on HIGH (slow cooker)
3-4 hours in the oven

Total Time:

8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker)
3 hours 30 minutes (oven method)

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 6-8):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g

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Conclusion

This Ranch Packet Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes is an incredibly easy yet flavorful way to prepare a classic pot roast. The addition of a ranch seasoning packet transforms the typical slow-cooked beef into something with a zesty kick, while the carrots and potatoes make it a complete one-pot meal. It’s a wonderful dish for busy days when you need something hearty and satisfying without much effort. Whether you make it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this pot roast is guaranteed to impress.

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