Mississippi Pot Roast

This Mississippi Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food. It's the kind of meal that brings families together, sparks conversations, and creates lasting memories.

Preparing this recipe is a simple yet rewarding experience. With just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and a slow cooker to do all the hard work for you.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this Mississippi crock pot recipe is an absolute must-try.

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Why You Will Love This Mississippi Pot Roast

Here’s what makes it so unique:

Packed with flavor: The combination of seasonings like ranch dressing mix, au jus mix, and pepperoncini peppers infuse the roast with an incredibly savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that everyone loves.

Tender and juicy: Slow cooking the chuck roast for hours allows the tough cut of meat to become extremely tender and juicy. The roast practically falls apart when done.

Pantry staple ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples that you can stock up on, making this a convenient recipe to have in your rotation.

Whole30/Paleo option: There are easy substitutions provided to make a Whole30 and Paleo-friendly version of this classic dish.

INGREDIENTS

Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:

• Chuck Roast: This is a tough, inexpensive cut of beef that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. The chuck roast is the star ingredient in this recipe.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: A packet of dry ranch seasoning mix adds a tangy, herby flavor to the roast. It helps create the signature taste of Mississippi pot roast.
• Au Jus Gravy Mix or Brown Gravy Mix: This mix provides a rich, savory flavor and helps thicken the cooking liquid into a delicious gravy.
• Butter: A stick of butter melts down and bastes the roast as it cooks, adding richness and moisture.
• Pepperoncini Peppers: These mild, pickled Italian peppers add a bright, tangy flavor and a subtle kick of heat to the dish. Their brine also contributes flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the meat before searing to enhance the natural beef flavor.
• Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Used for searing/browning the roast to create a flavorful crust before slow cooking.

How To Make Mississippi Pot Roast

Making this dish couldn’t be easier:

Step1.Get your skillet blazing hot and add a glug of oil. We want it screaming hot to get an amazing sear on the roast.

Step2.While the skillet heats up, give your chuck roast a good pat down with paper towels to dry it off. Then, generously season all over with salt and pepper. This will help create a delicious crust.

Step3.Carefully add the seasoned roast to the ripping hot skillet and let it sizzle undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Use tongs to flip it over and sear the other side until a lovely brown crust forms.

Step4.Transfer the seared roast to your slow cooker and sprinkle on the ranch dressing mix and onion soup mix. These magical mixes will infuse the roast with incredible flavor as it cooks low and slow.

Step5.Top the roast with a stick of butter (yes, a whole stick!) and nestle those tangy, briny peperoncini peppers all around. As the butter melts, it will create an incredibly rich, luxurious braising liquid.

Step6.Now for the hard part – resist the urge to peek! Cover that slow cooker and let the roast cook undisturbed for 8 hours on low. The aroma will drive you wild, but trust the process.

Step7.After 8 hours, use two forks to shred that tender, fall-apart roast right in the slow cooker. Discard any large fatty pieces, but be sure to keep all those delicious juices.

Step8.Pile the shredded roast onto plates or into sandwiches and generously spoon the rich cooking liquid over the top. 

Tips For The Best Mississippi Pot Roast

With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece

• For extra flavor, sear the roast in a mix of olive oil and butter. The butter will brown and create an incredible nutty aroma.
• Don't skip the searing step Those browned bits are packed with intense beefy flavor that will permeate the whole dish.
• Let the roast rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before searing. This will help it cook more evenly.
• Use a good quality chuck roast from your butcher or meat counter for the best results. The marbling will keep it juicy.
• Add a few cloves of smashed garlic or a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for an extra flavor boost.
• For a thicker gravy, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it into the hot cooking liquid at the end.
• Serve this tender, saucy roast over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or Texas toast to soak up every last drop of that magical gravy.

How To Store 

Here’s how to store it

To Store: Leftover Mississippi pot roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, making the leftovers even more delicious.

To Freeze: Allow the shredded roast and cooking liquid to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: Place the leftover roast and cooking liquid in a saucepan or skillet. Cover and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While chuck roast is traditional, other tough cuts like brisket or rump roast can also work well in this recipe.

Do I have to sear the roast first?

Searing adds incredible flavor, but you can skip this step if pressed for time. Just place the unsealed roast in the slow cooker.

How can I thicken the cooking liquid?

Mix a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it into the hot cooking liquid until it reaches your desired consistency.