Name: The Best Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lb chuck roast; 1 tablespoon dry ranch mix; 1 packet brown gravy mix; 6 pepperoncini peppers; 1/2 cup pepperoncini juice; 1/2 cup butter; 2 tablespoon vegetable oil

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No meal is more comforting and easy to make than the slow cooker Mississippi pot roast. A simple chuck roast is tenderized and packed with flavor in the slow cooking process. Adding in seasonings and pepperoncini gives this a unique but deliciously savory flavor that is a hit with everyone at mealtimes. If you are looking for a new way to prepare your favorite roast, this is the recipe to try!

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

When I think of comfort food from my childhood, nothing is better than the Sunday afternoon pot roasts my mom made. This recipe is different than hers, but still an excellent option. If you want tender meat and rich sauce, this is a great choice to turn an otherwise tough cut of beef into a delicious tender dish that is versatile and foolproof.

If you want more slow cooker meals, you can check out this slow cooker beef stew recipe or this easy slow cooker sweet BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches idea. Both are absolutely delicious and so easy to make!

Why is it Called Mississippi Pot Roast?

This is simply due to the origins of this particular recipe. The woman who is known for developing this method of cooking pot roast is from Mississippi. She only called it a pot roast, but as others have come to use this method of cooking it, the name stuck.

What's the Best Cut of Meat for Pot Roast?

When I think pot roast, I immediately reach for a chuck roast. They are a tougher cut of beef that is best when slowly cooked, and they are typically marbled with fat pretty well. In fact, I feel it is truly the best choice and others will never compare in flavor and ease of cooking.

If you don't have chuck roast on hand or available, you can use other options. The round roast is great and more affordable in many cases, and brisket is excellent but may be a bit too pricey for this particular cooking method. I prefer my brisket cooked with different seasonings and slow in the oven or smoker rather than the slow cooker.

Should I Use Au Jus Mix or Brown Gravy Mix?

The traditional recipe uses au jus mix, but I find that using brown gravy mix gives a thicker sauce that goes well over potatoes. So, that's what I usually will choose. Since they are similar in flavor, they can be used interchangeably in this recipe with fantastic results. Do what works best for you and is easiest for you to find or keep on hand.

What Do You Eat With Mississippi Pot Roast?

What you serve will vary depending upon your personal preferences, but commonly this is the main entree with 1-2 sides. Below are some great ideas that pair well with this flavor, and a few of our recipes that make great side dishes.

Serve over or with rice, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, cauliflower gnocchi, or homemade egg noodles.
Fresh steamed, baked, or roasted vegetables are great on the side. Carrots, potatoes, green beans, asparagus, and broccoli are popular favorites.
Serve with biscuits, hot rolls, or this soft potato bread recipe. I've even served with homemade naan.
Toast bread or buns and create a sandwich with the meat using provolone or swiss cheese.

Of course, this can be served alongside any of your favorite meals or recipes and become a family favorite that is even ideal just by itself. You just can't go wrong with this as a favorite family meal, and especially on days you are busy and need to set it and forget it.

Why Did My Mississippi Roast Turn Out Tough?

The only reason this recipe will turn out tough is that it was not cooked long enough. It is basically a foolproof recipe and made best when cooked on low heat for a long time. Trying to cook this on high for a shorter time can work, but typically it is just best with the longer cooking time.

Note, that when you are using the Instant Pot method shown below, it is more likely to turn out tough if you do not allow the full natural release rather than the manual release of pressure.

Ingredients

Chuck roast
Ranch dressing mix
Brown gravy mix
Pepperoncini peppers plus juice
Butter
Vegetable oil

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the roast for 5 minutes per side.

Place the seared roast in the slow cooker.

Top with pepperoncini juice.

Sprinkle the top of the meat with ranch mix and gravy mix.

Add the peppers and sliced butter on top of the roast. If adding additional herbs, add now.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until fork tender.

Serve with your favorite sides.

How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

After searing the meat, combine all ingredients along with 1 cup water into the Instant Pot.

Place the lid and set it to seal then cook on high pressure for 1 hour.

After the cooking cycle is complete, allow it to naturally release pressure for 15-minutes.

Shred and serve as desired.

More Great Beef Recipes

If your family is craving beef, then you can easily add one of these dishes to your menu. I love having more options on hand that can add flavor to something that might otherwise be boring. For these recipes, you have a few great recipes that are easy to make in just 30-minutes too!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8