Name: Mississippi Roast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h 15 min
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pound chuck roast; 2 teaspoons salt (optional, for searing); 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional, for searing); 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for searing); 1 ounce ranch dressing mix (1 dry packet); 1 ounce au jus gravy mix (1 dry packet); ½ cup salted butter; 6 pepperoncini peppers (or more to taste); ¼ cup pepperoncini pepper juice (optional, for added spice); ½ cup water (optional, for added moisture)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Mississippi Roast is a mouthwatering slow-cooked beef dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Made with a handful of pantry staples and cooked to fall-apart tenderness in the crock pot, this roast is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or meal prep. The combination of ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini creates a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that’s irresistibly good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: Just toss the ingredients in the crock pot and let it do the work.

Tender and flavorful: The roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking all day.
Minimal ingredients: You only need a few simple ingredients to create a bold, rich dish.
Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or in sandwiches.

Great for leftovers: The flavor intensifies the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chuck roast
salt (optional, for searing)
ground black pepper (optional, for searing)
olive oil (optional, for searing)
ranch dressing mix (dry packet)
au jus gravy mix (dry packet)
salted butter
pepperoncini peppers
pepperoncini pepper juice (optional, for more spice)
water (optional, for added moisture)

Directions

Season the roast
Rub the chuck roast all over with salt and pepper.
Sear the meat (optional)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 2 minutes per side to develop a brown crust. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Add to slow cooker
Place the seasoned roast in the crock pot.

Add seasonings
Sprinkle ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the meat.
Add butter and peppers
Place the butter on top of the roast. Add the pepperoncini peppers on and around the meat. For a spicier roast, pour in the pepperoncini juice.
Optional liquid
If desired, pour ½ cup of water around the sides for extra moisture.

Slow cook
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (preferred) or on high for 4–5 hours, until the roast is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Shred and serve
Remove the roast, shred or slice against the grain, and return it to the crock pot to soak in the juices before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours
Total time: 8 hours 25 minutes

Variations

Make it spicier: Add extra pepperoncini or increase the amount of juice.
Add veggies: Include baby carrots or potatoes during the last 2–3 hours of cooking.

Low-sodium version: Use unsalted butter and low-sodium seasoning mixes.
Make it a sandwich: Serve on hoagie rolls with melted provolone or mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

Store leftover roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in a pot on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

Freezing:

Freeze shredded roast and juices in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I skip searing the roast?

Yes. While searing adds flavor and texture, it’s not essential for this recipe.

What cut of meat is best for Mississippi Roast?

A boneless chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, which makes the meat tender and juicy after slow cooking.

Can I use a homemade ranch or au jus mix?

Absolutely. Homemade seasoning mixes work well if you want to avoid store-bought packets.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the pepperoncini. To reduce heat, use fewer peppers and skip the juice.

Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste at the end.

What if my roast is still tough?

It likely needs more time. Keep cooking until it shreds easily with a fork.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes. Place everything in a covered Dutch oven and bake at 300°F for 3–4 hours, or until tender.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure your crock pot is large enough. Cooking time may need slight adjustment.

What can I serve it with?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or rolls work perfectly with Mississippi Roast.

Can I make it in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Use the sauté function to sear, then pressure cook on high for 60–70 minutes, followed by natural release.

Conclusion

Mississippi Roast is the kind of recipe that proves comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. With its juicy, fork-tender meat and deeply savory flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for Sunday dinner. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.