Classic Slow Cooker Meal

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This Southern-inspired pot roast combines chuck roast with ranch seasoning, gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter, slow-cooked until tender and served with rich gravy.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:08:48 GMT
A close-up of savory, shredded beef with onions and herbs, served with mashed potatoes and butter on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of savory, shredded beef with onions and herbs, served with mashed potatoes and butter on a white plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Every time I make Mississippi Pot Roast my home fills with the most incredible savory aroma. This slow cooker treasure has become my favorite way to transform a simple chuck roast into something absolutely magical. The way the meat just falls apart after swimming all day in those rich buttery juices gets me every time.

What Makes This Extra Special

I love how this recipe practically cooks itself yet tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender beef and that incredible gravy creates pure comfort food magic. Plus the leftovers might taste even better making busy weeknight dinners a breeze.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • Chuck Roast: A beautiful four pounder with good marbling is perfect.
  • Ranch Mix: One packet brings such wonderful zesty flavor.
  • Au Jus Mix: Creates that incredible savory base.
  • Pepperoncinis: These little peppers add the perfect tang.
  • Butter: A whole stick makes everything better.
  • Olive Oil: Just enough for a good sear.
  • Onions: They melt into the most delicious sauce.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced adds so much depth.
  • Beef Broth: Keeps everything perfectly moist.

Let's Start Cooking

First the sear:
Get that roast nice and golden it creates such amazing flavor.
Into the slow cooker:
Layer everything in your crockpot those seasonings the butter and those tangy peppers.
The waiting game:
Let it cook low and slow until it's fork tender and perfect.
Make it saucy:
If you like thicker gravy give it that extra love with a cornstarch slurry.
Time to serve:
Shred that tender meat right into all those wonderful juices.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I toss in carrots and potatoes for a complete meal. You can even make your own ranch seasoning if you prefer. The recipe works beautifully in an Instant Pot when time is short or try it in a Dutch oven for that traditional touch.

Save Some for Later

This roast keeps beautifully in the fridge and the flavors get even better. Just warm it gently with a splash of broth to keep it moist. It freezes wonderfully too perfect for meal prep or busy weeks ahead.

Common Questions Answered

  • About that history: Love how Robin Chapman created this as a family friendly version.
  • Searing secrets: It adds amazing flavor but you can skip it if needed.
  • Adding veggies: Just nestle them around your roast they'll cook perfectly.
  • Tender meat tips: Patience is key let it cook until it falls apart.
  • Making it gluten free: Just check your seasoning packets easy fix.
A close-up of a bowl of tender beef roast topped with onions, gravy, butter cubes, and parsley, accompanied by a side of mashed potatoes. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of tender beef roast topped with onions, gravy, butter cubes, and parsley, accompanied by a side of mashed potatoes. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why sear the meat first?
Searing creates a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction and helps seal in juices, adding depth to the final dish.
→ When should I add the pepperoncini?
Add pepperoncini in the last 1-2 hours if you prefer firmer peppers, or at the beginning if you don't mind them softer.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, carrots, celery, or potatoes work well. Add at the start for very tender vegetables or in the last 2 hours for firmer texture.
→ Why separate the gravy for thickening?
Separating allows better control over gravy consistency and prevents overcooking the meat while thickening the sauce.
→ Can I make this with less liquid?
Yes, you can reduce the broth to 1/2 cup if you prefer less gravy. The meat juices and butter will still provide moisture.

Conclusion

This classic Mississippi pot roast is a simple yet delicious slow cooker dish that transforms a tough cut of beef into a tender, flavorful meal. By combining ranch seasoning, gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter, home cooks can create a comforting dinner that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Mississippi Pot Roast

A flavorful slow cooker pot roast combining tangy pepperoncini peppers, ranch seasoning, and rich gravy for the ultimate comfort meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
480 Minutes
Total Time
495 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 4 pound beef chuck roast.
02 2 tablespoons olive oil.
03 2 sweet onions, sliced 1-inch thick.
04 4 cloves garlic, minced.
05 1 ounce packet ranch dressing mix.
06 0.87 ounce packet brown gravy mix.
07 1 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (or 8 whole), plus 1/2 cup juice.
08 1 stick unsalted butter.
09 1 1/2 cups beef broth.
10 Cornstarch slurry (optional for thickening).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oil in cast iron skillet and brown roast 5-8 minutes per side.

Step 02

Place roast in slow cooker and arrange onions around it.

Step 03

Sprinkle with ranch mix and gravy mix.

Step 04

Top with butter, garlic, pepperoncini juice and broth.

Step 05

Cover and cook on LOW 8-10 hours or HIGH 6-8 hours until tender.

Step 06

Separate and thicken gravy with cornstarch if desired.

Step 07

Shred meat, mix with gravy, serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

  1. Can reduce broth for less gravy.
  2. Add vegetables if desired.
  3. Pepperoncini can be added later for firmer texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker.
  • Cast iron skillet.
  • Saucepan (optional for gravy).

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: 520
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 45 g