Name: Easy Slow Cooker 3 Packet Pork Roast (Fall-Apart Tender!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.5 lb boneless pork shoulder (butt) roast (use a 3–4 lb roast); 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 oz envelope); 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix (1 oz packet); 1 packet zesty Italian dressing mix (0.6 oz packet); 1 cup water; 0.5 cup beef broth; 4 tbsp unsalted butter (half stick)

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What if you could make the most flavorful, fall-apart tender pork roast of your life with just 5 minutes of prep time? This Slow Cooker 3 Packet Pork Roast is the “set it and forget it” meal you’ve been dreaming of. It’s a culinary magic trick that uses a simple trio of seasoning packets—brown gravy, ranch, and zesty Italian—to create a rich, savory, and incredibly juicy pork roast with almost zero effort. This is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you want a hearty, impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let your slow cooker do all the work, and come home to a dinner that tastes like it was made with love and a whole lot of time.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Place the Roast
Step 2: Add the Seasoning Packets
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Butter
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Step 5: Shred and Serve

Nutritional Information
Recipe Variations
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. What is the best cut of pork for this recipe?
Q2. Can I sear the pork roast before putting it in the slow cooker?
Q3. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Q4. The gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?

Easy Slow Cooker 3 Packet Pork Roast (Fall-Apart Tender!)

Description
Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Ingredients

This recipe’s magic comes from a few simple, flavor-packed ingredients.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
Boneless pork roast (pork shoulder butt roast)	3-4 pounds
Brown gravy mix envelope	1 (0.87-ounce)
Dry ranch dressing packet	1 (1-ounce)
Zesty Italian dressing mix envelope	1 (0.6-ounce)
Water	1 cup
Beef broth	½ cup
Unsalted butter	½ stick (4 tablespoons)

Timing

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (on high) or 8 hours 5 minutes (on low)

This is the definition of a low-effort, high-reward meal, with nearly all the time being completely hands-off.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is famously simple, making it perfect for even the most novice cook.

Step 1: Place the Roast

Simply place your 3-4 pound boneless pork roast into the basin of your slow cooker. No searing or browning required!

Step 2: Add the Seasoning Packets

Sprinkle all three seasoning packets—the brown gravy mix, the dry ranch packet, and the zesty Italian dressing mix—evenly over the top of the pork roast.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Butter

Pour the water and beef broth over the seasoned roast. Place the half stick of butter directly on top of the roast. As it cooks, the butter will melt and baste the meat, adding incredible richness.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours. The goal is to cook the pork until it is so tender that it easily falls apart when prodded with a fork.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once the cooking time is complete, shred or chunk the meat using two forks. You can do this directly in the slow cooker, allowing the tender pork to soak up all of the delicious juices it created. Give it a good stir, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate per serving, based on the recipe yielding 8 servings.

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fat: 30 g

This dish is a fantastic source of protein, making it a very filling and satisfying main course.

Recipe Variations

Make it “Mississippi” Style: For a tangier, spicier version inspired by the famous Mississippi Pot Roast, add 6-8 whole pepperoncini peppers to the slow cooker along with the butter.
Change the Meat: This 3-packet seasoning blend is also fantastic on a beef chuck roast or even boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Lower Sodium: If you’re watching your salt intake, look for low-sodium versions of the seasoning packets and use low-sodium beef broth.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of this Slow Cooker 3 Packet Pork Roast is one of its best features. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

Over Mashed Potatoes: The classic and most comforting way to serve this pork is over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, allowing them to soak up the rich, savory gravy.
On Buns for Sandwiches: Pile the shredded pork onto soft brioche buns for incredible pulled pork sandwiches. Top with a slice of provolone cheese and let it melt for an extra-gooey treat.
With Rice or Noodles: Serve the pork and its juices over a bed of fluffy white rice or wide egg noodles.
As a Main Course: Plate the pork alongside your favorite roasted vegetables, like green beans, broccoli, or carrots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lifting the Lid: Every time you lift the lid of the slow cooker, you release heat and moisture, which can extend the cooking time. Solution: Trust the process and resist the urge to peek!
Using a Lean Cut of Pork: A very lean cut like pork loin can become dry, even in the slow cooker. Solution: Stick with a cut that has good marbling, like a pork shoulder (also called pork butt), for the most tender, juicy results.
Not Cooking it Long Enough: The magic of this recipe is cooking the pork until it’s fall-apart tender. Solution: If your pork isn’t easily shredding with a fork, it simply needs more time. Give it another 30-60 minutes and check again.

Storing Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to include plenty of the juices to keep the meat moist.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavor is often even better the next day!
Freezing: This pork freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe bags or containers with its juices for up to 3 months. It’s a fantastic meal to have on hand for a busy day.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker 3 Packet Pork Roast is the epitome of easy, comforting, and delicious family food. With just a handful of ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a foolproof recipe that delivers consistently amazing results, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. This savory, tender pork is sure to become a new staple in your dinner rotation.

We are so excited for you to discover the magic of this simple recipe! Give it a try this week and let us know your favorite way to serve it in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more incredibly easy and delicious meal ideas!

FAQs

Q1. What is the best cut of pork for this recipe?

A boneless pork shoulder, also known as a pork butt or Boston butt, is the ideal choice. It has a good amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down during the long, slow cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.

Q2. Can I sear the pork roast before putting it in the slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed to be a “dump and go” meal without searing, you certainly can sear the roast in a hot, oiled skillet on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker. This will add another layer of deep, caramelized flavor to the final dish.

Q3. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! To adapt this for the Instant Pot, you can sear the roast first using the “Sauté” function. Then, add the remaining ingredients, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes per pound of meat. Allow for a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes before shredding.

Q4. The gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?

The juices in the slow cooker make a delicious, flavorful sauce as-is. However, if you prefer a thicker gravy, you can transfer the liquid to a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering liquid until it thickens.