Description
A simple, 5-ingredient slow cooker pot roast that is fork-tender and packed with savory, tangy flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hands-off meal requires minimal prep and delivers restaurant-quality comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds boneless chuck roast
- 1 jar (12-15 peppers) pepperoncini peppers
- 1 jar pepperoncini juice (liquid)
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: 1 pound baby potatoes and 1 cup chopped carrots
Instructions
- Prep the roast: If the roast is too large for your slow cooker, cut it in half. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Layer ingredients: Place the chuck roast in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. If using vegetables, layer them around the meat.
- Add dry mixes: Sprinkle the entire packet of dry ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the roast.
- Add wet ingredients: Place the pepperoncini peppers on top of the roast. Pour the entire jar of pepperoncini juice over everything. Dot the top of the roast with the butter.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours. (Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 5-6 hours, though texture may vary).
- Shred: Check for tenderness; meat should pull apart easily with a fork. Remove roast to a cutting board and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Thicken gravy (Optional): If desired, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir into the slow cooker on HIGH for the last 30 minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Return shredded meat to the pot and stir into the gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread.
Notes
Do not skip the pepperoncini juice; it tenderizes the meat and adds essential flavor. The ranch and au jus mixes are salty, so taste before adding extra salt. For leftovers, the meat absorbs gravy and may look dry; add a splash of broth when reheating. Can be made ahead by layering ingredients and refrigerating overnight before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker, pot roast, chuck roast, easy dinner, 5 ingredient recipe, comfort food, beef, family dinner, meal prep