Mississippi Pot Roast is a beloved, easy-to-make dish that has taken the internet by storm. This Mississippi Pot Roast recipe is slow-cooked to perfection, packed with rich, tangy, and savory flavors, making it the perfect comfort food for family dinners. With just five main ingredients—chuck roast, butter, ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini peppers—this Mississippi Pot Roast is incredibly simple yet delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, Mississippi Pot Roast is a foolproof dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. You can make this Mississippi Pot Roast recipe in a slow cooker, oven, or Instant Pot, depending on your preference and time constraints. Serve Mississippi Pot Roast over mashed potatoes, rice, or even on sandwiches, and you have a meal that will keep everyone coming back for more!
In this article, we’ll explore the origin of Mississippi Pot Roast, the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, serving suggestions, and expert tips to make it perfect every time. By the end, you’ll be ready to impress your family with this crowd-pleasing Mississippi Pot Roast recipe!
What is Mississippi Pot Roast?
The Origin of Mississippi Pot Roast
Mississippi Pot Roast was created by Robin Chapman, a home cook from Ripley, Mississippi. She originally modified her family’s traditional roast beef recipe to make it less spicy for her kids. Her version used dry ranch seasoning instead of strong spices, which resulted in a tender, flavorful roast.
This simple tweak transformed her dish into an internet sensation, with food bloggers and home cooks raving about its melt-in-your-mouth texture and tangy, buttery flavor. The recipe spread quickly across social media and food blogs, making it a staple in kitchens across the country.
Why is it Called “Mississippi” Pot Roast?
The name “Mississippi Pot Roast” comes from its place of origin—Mississippi. The recipe was passed around between friends, shared at church potlucks, and eventually made its way into mainstream cooking blogs. Despite its simple ingredients, the unique combination of flavors made it famous.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Minimal Ingredients – Just five main ingredients make this an easy, no-fail recipe.
- Effortless Cooking – Set it and forget it!
- Mouthwatering Flavor – A perfect balance of buttery richness, tangy ranch, and savory au jus.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing – Great for family meals, gatherings, or meal prep.
- Super Tender Meat – The long cooking time ensures a fall-apart roast.
Ingredients for Mississippi Pot Roast
One of the best things about Mississippi Pot Roast is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful, tender dish that melts in your mouth.
Main Ingredients
- Chuck Roast (3-4 lbs) – The best cut for a pot roast due to its marbling, which keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- 1 Packet of Dry Ranch Dressing Mix – Adds tangy, herby flavors. You can use homemade ranch seasoning as a substitute.
- 1 Packet of Au Jus Gravy Mix – Enhances the roast with rich, savory depth. Brown gravy mix can also be used.
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter (1 Stick) – Creates a silky, buttery sauce that adds richness.
- 5-6 Whole Pepperoncini Peppers – These mild, tangy peppers balance the flavors with a slight kick. You can add more if you like extra spice.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
- ½ Cup Beef Broth – If you prefer more gravy, this adds moisture and richness.
- 1 Onion (Sliced) – Adds natural sweetness and extra depth of flavor.
- 3-4 Cloves Garlic (Minced) – For a deeper, more aromatic taste.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances the umami flavor.
- Carrots and Potatoes – If you want a full one-pot meal, add these vegetables halfway through cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mississippi Pot Roast
This dish is incredibly easy to make, whether you use a slow cooker, oven, or Instant Pot. Below are the three main cooking methods.
Preparing the Beef Roast
- Pat the Chuck Roast Dry – This helps with better browning if you choose to sear it first.
- Season the Roast – Some people prefer to add a little salt and pepper before cooking, but the seasoning packets provide plenty of flavor.
- Sear the Meat (Optional but Recommended) – Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and sear the roast for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step enhances flavor and texture.
Slow Cooker Method (Recommended for Best Results)
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus mix evenly over the top.
- Add butter (cut into pieces) and place it on top of the roast.
- Scatter pepperoncini peppers around the roast. If you want a bit more heat, pour in some of the juice from the pepper jar.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the roast is fork-tender.
- Shred the beef. Serve warm.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Place the chuck roast in a Dutch oven and follow the same layering steps as the slow cooker method.
- Add ½ cup of beef broth to keep the meat moist.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Instant Pot Method (For Faster Cooking)
- Use the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot to sear the beef on both sides.
- Sprinkle the seasonings, add the butter and pepperoncini, then pour in ½ cup of beef broth.
- Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.
- Allow a 15-minute natural release.
- Shred and serve with the juices.
Serving Suggestions for Mississippi Pot Roast
Mississippi Pot Roast is incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you prefer a classic approach or want to get creative, here are some of the best ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.
What to Serve with Mississippi Pot Roast?
This dish is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with the right sides enhances the meal.
- Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the savory, buttery sauce.
- Egg Noodles – Toss the shredded beef with buttered noodles for a comforting meal.
- Rice – White or brown rice soaks up the flavorful gravy beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make great side options.
- Dinner Rolls or Biscuits – Use the bread to mop up the delicious juices.
- Cheesy Grits or Polenta – Adds a Southern touch to the dish.
How to Use Leftovers Creatively?
If you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste! Here are some fun and tasty ways to repurpose your Mississippi Pot Roast.
- Sandwiches – Pile the shredded beef onto toasted hoagie rolls, add provolone cheese, and dip in the juices for a delicious French dip-style sandwich.
- Tacos or Burritos – Use the meat as a filling with tortillas, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
- Quesadillas – Layer shredded beef with cheese inside a tortilla and grill until crispy.
- Beef Sliders – Serve on small brioche buns with pickles and melted Swiss cheese.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes – Top a baked potato with shredded beef, sour cream, and chives.
- Beef and Rice Bowls – Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, and soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Shepherd’s Pie – Use the beef as a base layer, add vegetables, and top with mashed potatoes before baking.
- Stuffed Peppers – Mix the beef with rice and stuff it into bell peppers for a tasty meal.
What to Serve With It?
- Beef Enchiladas – For a Tex-Mex-inspired dinner idea.
- Ground Beef Stroganoff – A creamy, complementary beef dish.
- Beef Stir-Fry – A quick and easy alternative if you’re short on time.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Mississippi Pot Roast
Even though this recipe is simple, a few expert tips can take it to the next level.
How to Make It Less Salty?
Since the ranch and au jus packets contain salt, you can reduce the saltiness by:
- Using low-sodium butter or unsalted beef broth.
- Adding extra liquid like water or broth to dilute the seasoning.
- Skipping the au jus mix and using homemade seasoning instead.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
- For a milder roast, reduce the number of pepperoncini or remove the seeds.
- For a spicier roast, add extra pepperoncini juice, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
Can You Make It Without Butter?
Yes! If you want a healthier version, replace butter with:
- Olive oil or ghee for a lighter option.
- Beef broth for extra moisture without added fat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Difference Between a Pot Roast and a Mississippi Pot Roast?
A traditional pot roast is typically slow-cooked beef braised with broth, vegetables (like carrots and potatoes), onions, and seasonings. It often includes ingredients like garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste for added flavor.
A Mississippi Pot Roast, on the other hand, has a unique flavor profile because it uses ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. It does not require additional broth or vegetables and results in a richer, tangier, and slightly spicier dish compared to a traditional pot roast.
What Cut of Meat is Best for Mississippi Pot Roast?
The best cut for Mississippi Pot Roast is chuck roast because it has the perfect amount of marbling, which breaks down during slow cooking, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
If chuck roast isn’t available, you can also use:
- Brisket – A bit leaner but still tender when slow-cooked.
- Rump Roast – A slightly firmer cut, but works well with long, slow cooking.
- Bottom Round Roast – A leaner option that can still be tender with enough cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoncini in Mississippi Pot Roast?
If you don’t have pepperoncini or prefer a different flavor, here are some great substitutes:
- Banana Peppers – Slightly milder but with a similar tangy taste.
- Jalapeños (Pickled or Fresh) – For a spicier kick.
- Green Chiles – Mild and slightly smoky.
- Dill Pickle Slices – Unconventional, but they add a similar tangy acidity.
- Vinegar (1-2 tablespoons) – To mimic the acidity of pepperoncini.
What is the Secret to a Good Pot Roast?
The key to making a perfect pot roast is low and slow cooking to break down the connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat. Here are some essential tips:
- Choose the Right Cut – Chuck roast has the best marbling for tenderness.
- Sear the Meat First – Browning the roast before slow-cooking enhances flavor.
- Cook on Low Heat – Whether in a slow cooker or oven, longer cooking times (6-8 hours) at low temperatures ensure the meat becomes tender.
- Let It Rest – After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before shredding to keep it juicy.
- Use the Right Seasonings – Mississippi Pot Roast gets its signature flavor from ranch mix, au jus mix, butter, and pepperoncini.
Conclusion
The Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe is the ultimate easy, comforting, and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. Whether you cook it in a slow cooker, oven, or Instant Pot, this recipe guarantees fork-tender beef with rich, buttery, and tangy flavors.
With its versatile serving options, the Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe can be enjoyed traditionally over mashed potatoes or transformed into tacos, sliders, or rice bowls. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers, allowing you to repurpose it into new and exciting meals.
If you’re looking for a foolproof and delicious dish, this Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe is a must-try. Now that you have all the details, it’s time to grab a chuck roast and make this famous dish. Try it once, and it just might become your new family favorite!
Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot) (6-quart or larger)
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Forks (for shredding)
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 packet 1 oz ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet 1 oz au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- 5-6 whole pepperoncini peppers
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice optional, for extra tang
- 1 tbsp olive oil for searing, optional
- Optional Additions:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup beef broth for extra gravy
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Sear the Roast (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chuck roast on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
- Transfer the seared roast to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add Seasonings and Ingredients
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the roast.
- Place the butter (cut into chunks) on top of the roast.
- Add the whole pepperoncini peppers around the roast. Pour in the pepperoncini juice if using.
- Step 3: Slow Cook the Roast
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours (or on HIGH for 4-5 hours), until the meat is fork-tender.
- Step 4: Shred and Serve
- Use two forks to shred the beef in the slow cooker, mixing it with the flavorful juices.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or in sandwiches. Enjoy!
Notes
Milder Version: Reduce the number of pepperoncini peppers or omit the juice.
Spicier Version: Add red pepper flakes or more pepperoncini juice.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.