Description
Ever dreamed of serving a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast that’s bursting with tangy, savory flavors and requires almost no work? Mississippi Roast, made in a slow cooker with pepperoncini peppers, is your answer! This Southern classic is a set-it-and-forget-it dish that transforms a simple beef chuck roast into a juicy, irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Roast:
- 1 (4-pound) beef chuck roast
- ¼ cup butter
- 5 pepperoncini peppers
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 (1-ounce) packet dry au jus mix
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Beef Chuck Roast: A budget-friendly cut that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps meld the seasonings into the roast.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Provide a tangy, mildly spicy kick that balances the savory flavors.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Brings a creamy, herby flavor to the dish.
- Au Jus Mix: Adds a deep, beefy, savory taste that enhances the roast’s juices.
Substitutions and Variations
- Beef Chuck Roast: Swap with rump roast, bottom round, or brisket for similar results.
- Butter: Use olive oil or ghee for a lighter or dairy-free option, or reduce to 2 tablespoons.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Substitute with banana peppers for milder flavor or jalapeños for more heat.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Make your own with dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill, or use a low-sodium version.
- Au Jus Mix: Replace with beef bouillon or a homemade mix of onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add Veggies: Include potatoes, carrots, or onions in the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure ranch and au jus mixes are gluten-free, or use homemade versions.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Pat the 4-pound beef chuck roast dry with paper towels.
- Gather ¼ cup butter, 5 pepperoncini peppers, 1 packet ranch dressing mix, and 1 packet au jus mix.
Tip: Drying the roast helps the seasonings stick and promotes even cooking.
Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- Place Roast: Place the chuck roast in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Create a Pocket: Use a knife to cut a small pocket or slit in the top of the roast (about 1-2 inches deep).
- Add Ingredients: Place ¼ cup butter, 5 pepperoncini peppers, 1 packet ranch dressing mix, and 1 packet au jus mix into the pocket or spread evenly over the top of the roast.
Tip: If you don’t want to cut a pocket, simply place the ingredients on top of the roast—they’ll melt and flavor the meat during cooking.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 8 hours, until the roast is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
Tip: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking to keep the heat consistent.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred with two forks or slice against the grain.
- Spoon the flavorful juices from the slow cooker over the meat for extra moisture.