I stumbled upon this Mississippi Pot Roast recipe years ago when my daughter was a newborn and I needed easy meals. Now it's our most requested dinner. The best part? You only need five ingredients and it turns out mouthwateringly delicious every single time.
Why My Family Loves It
- The meat is so tender it practically melts in your mouth.
- I can throw it together in minutes before rushing off to work.
- My slow cooker does all the work while I'm gone.
- Perfect for busy weeks since leftovers freeze beautifully.
Shopping List
- Get a nice marbled chuck roast. Trust me, the marbling makes all the difference.
- Ranch mix and au jus packets are the secret flavor bombs.
- Pepperoncini peppers from the pickle aisle. Don't skip these!
- A stick of butter. Sometimes I swap in some bacon grease too.
- Throw in some carrots and onions if you're feeling fancy.
Getting Started
I like to brown my roast first when I have time. It adds extra flavor but honestly some mornings I skip it and nobody notices the difference.
Into The Slow Cooker
Drop your roast in first then splash in some pepperoncini juice. Sprinkle those seasoning packets all over and pop butter pieces on top. Put the lid on and let it work its magic.
Time To Serve
After cooking grab two forks and shred that tender meat right in the pot. The juice makes an amazing gravy just as it is but I'll show you how to thicken it too.
My Favorite Tips
- Browning adds flavor but totally optional for busy days.
- Don't add water! It makes its own amazing sauce.
- No slow cooker? My dutch oven works beautifully too.
Making The Gravy
Want thicker gravy? Mix a couple spoonfuls of cornstarch with cold water stir it into the juice and let it bubble until it's just how you like it.
About Those Peppers
Don't worry about the peppers making it too spicy. They mellow out completely during cooking and just leave this amazing tangy flavor behind.
How We Serve It
- My husband loves it over creamy mashed potatoes.
- The kids prefer it on soft rolls like mini sandwiches.
- I serve mine with cauliflower rice when I'm watching carbs.
Plan Ahead
Sometimes I make this a day early. The flavors get even better overnight which is perfect for hosting dinner parties.
Saving Leftovers
Pack up any extras in containers and pop them in the freezer. They'll keep for three months but never last that long in my house!
No Slow Cooker
A dutch oven works perfectly too. Just follow the same steps and let it cook low and slow in your oven all afternoon.
Mix It Up
Some weeks I use chicken instead of beef or toss in extra vegetables. It's really hard to mess this recipe up!
Perfect For Company
This is my go to when we're having friends over. It's always a hit and I actually get to enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
About The Butter
I usually grab whatever butter is in my fridge. Sometimes I mix in a spoonful of bacon grease for extra flavor. So good!
Make Your Own Ranch Mix
Run out of ranch packets? Mix up your own with dried herbs garlic powder onion powder and salt. Works just as well!
Good For You Too
This roast is packed with protein and iron. I love serving it with lots of vegetables for a wholesome family meal.
Why We Can't Get Enough
Between the incredible flavor how easy it is to make and all the ways we can serve it this pot roast has become our ultimate comfort food.
Final Thoughts
This Mississippi Pot Roast changed my weeknight dinner game completely. Give it a try and I bet it'll become a family favorite at your house too!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why cook on low instead of high?
Cooking on low for 8-10 hours yields more tender meat than cooking on high. The longer, slower cooking breaks down connective tissues better.
- → Do I need to add extra liquid?
No extra liquid is needed. The meat releases its own juices and combined with the butter creates plenty of flavorful gravy.
- → What if my roast is tough?
If the meat is tough, it needs more cooking time. Avoid opening the lid frequently as this extends cooking time.
- → Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this in a Dutch oven following standard pot roast cooking times and temperatures.
- → How can I thicken the gravy?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and whisk into the drippings. Cook 10 minutes until thickened.
Conclusion
Mississippi Pot Roast is a simple, savory dish that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor. By using a slow cooker, you can transform a tough cut of meat into a tender, delicious meal that's perfect for family dinners.