Mississippi Pot Roast

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This simple slow cooker recipe transforms chuck roast into tender, flavorful meat using just 5 ingredients. Cook on low for 8-10 hours for best results.

Ranah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:57:23 GMT
A close-up view of shredded beef cooked in a slow cooker, mixed with small pieces of yellow peppers. Pin it
A close-up view of shredded beef cooked in a slow cooker, mixed with small pieces of yellow peppers. | lifesugar.co

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.

A close-up of shredded beef cooked with yellow vegetables in a black slow cooker. Pin it
A close-up of shredded beef cooked with yellow vegetables in a black slow cooker. | lifesugar.co

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.
A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with shredded beef and yellow peppers in a gravy sauce. Pin it
A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with shredded beef and yellow peppers in a gravy sauce. | lifesugar.co

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.

A close-up of shredded beef cooked in a slow cooker, topped with pieces of yellow fruit. Pin it
A close-up of shredded beef cooked in a slow cooker, topped with pieces of yellow fruit. | lifesugar.co

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!

A close-up of shredded beef cooked in a slow cooker, garnished with yellow bell pepper slices in a savory sauce. Pin it
A close-up of shredded beef cooked in a slow cooker, garnished with yellow bell pepper slices in a savory sauce. | lifesugar.co

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.

Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe

A succulent slow cooker pot roast flavored with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. Perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
490 Minutes
Total Time
505 Minutes

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 4-5 pound chuck roast.
02 1 ounce (1 packet) ranch seasoning mix.
03 1 ounce (1 packet) low sodium au jus gravy mix.
04 6 pepperoncini peppers.
05 1/2 cup pepperoncini juice.
06 1/4 cup butter.

Instructions

Step 01

Brown roast in large skillet over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes per side.

Step 02

Place roast in slow cooker. Add pepperoncini juice and sprinkle with seasonings. Top with peppers and butter.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours until fork tender.

Step 04

Shred meat and mix with juices in slow cooker.

Step 05

Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Notes

  1. Can cook on high 4-6 hours but low is better.
  2. No extra liquid needed.
  3. Can be made in Dutch oven instead.

Tools You'll Need

  • 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Large skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 481
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 44 g