I was this close to giving up on cooking beef roasts—until I found this trick.

This Envelope Roast is an effortless yet flavorful way to prepare a tender, juicy chuck roast with minimal fuss. By mixing three dry seasoning packets with water, you create a savory gravy that seeps into the meat as it slow cooks, delivering a rich and delicious meal with very little hands-on time.
Envelope Roast
Ingredients:
- Chuck roast – 3 lb
- Dry Italian seasoning mix (1 packet)
- Dry Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- Dry brown gravy mix (1 packet)
- Water – 1 cup
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Baby potatoes – as desired
- Whole baby carrots – as desired
- Chopped onions – as desired
Instructions:
- Season the Roast: Generously season the 3 lb chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Carefully place the roast into your crockpot.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, Ranch seasoning, and brown gravy mix.
- Add Water & Whisk: Pour 1 cup of water into the bowl with the dry mixes and whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour Over Roast: Evenly pour the sauce mixture over the roast in the crockpot.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If you want, add baby potatoes, whole baby carrots, and/or chopped onions around the roast.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to high and cook for 4 hours. Occasionally baste the roast with the juices from the bottom to keep it moist.
- Check & Serve: After cooking, the roast should be tender and easy to shred. Ensure the vegetables are cooked through if added.