There’s something quietly satisfying about a meal that simmers all day while the house goes about its usual chaos. This slow cooker pot roast with ranch dressing is exactly that kind of dinner—simple, tender, and full of flavor without demanding much attention. It’s the kind of dish you can almost forget about until that warm, herbaceous scent nudges you out of whatever you’re doing.

Last weekend, I tossed everything into the slow cooker before heading out for a walk, distracted halfway through by a phone call that made me forget to set the timer properly. By the time I realized, the roast had been cooking a bit longer than planned, but honestly, it only made the meat more melt-in-your-mouth. When I finally sliced into it, the juices pooled perfectly over the roasted carrots and potatoes, and it was exactly the kind of dinner that made me wish I’d invited more people over. It’s not perfect every time, but that’s part of the charm—something about the rustic feel of a slow cooker dish always feels like home.

Why You’ll Love It:

The ranch dressing seasoning adds a fresh, herby twist that cuts through the richness beautifully.
It’s hands-off cooking, mostly just prep and then forget—great for busy days or when you want dinner waiting.
The vegetables cook right alongside the meat, soaking in all those savory juices so nothing goes to waste.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy steps, just honest comfort food.

If you’re worried about the timing, don’t be. Cooking a little longer or shorter usually won’t ruin this roast. In fact, I’ve found a touch of extra time can sometimes deepen the flavors.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Ranch Dressing

Print Recipe

A tender and flavorful slow cooker pot roast infused with ranch dressing seasoning, perfect for a comforting family meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds beef chuck roast
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill weed, black pepper, and salt.
Rub the spice mixture all over the beef chuck roast evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Place the sliced onion, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the seared roast on top of the vegetables.
Pour the beef broth over the roast and vegetables.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Remove the roast and vegetables from the slow cooker and let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve the pot roast sliced with the cooked vegetables and spoon some of the cooking juices over the top.

Kitchen Notes: I usually use a basic slow cooker without any fuss, and it works like a charm here. When it’s done, I like to serve the pot roast with some crusty bread to soak up the juices—makes for a cozier meal. You could swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes if you want a slightly sweeter bite, or add parsnips for an earthy touch, though I haven’t tried all variations equally. If you want a bit more heat, a dash of smoked paprika might be a fun experiment.

FAQ:

Can I use a different cut of beef? Chuck roast is best for slow cooking, but brisket or round roast can work if you adjust cooking times.

Is ranch seasoning necessary? It’s what gives this pot roast its unique flavor, but you could try other herb blends if you want to switch things up.

Can I make this in an oven instead? Yes, slow roasting at a low temperature can work, but you’ll need to check periodically to maintain moisture.

Ready to make your kitchen smell like the coziest corner of your home? Give this slow cooker pot roast with ranch dressing a try and watch it become your go-to comfort meal.