For making Mississippi Pot Roast:
Ingredients & Setup
- Chuck roast (3-4 pounds): Choose a well-marbled roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
- 1 stick unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor. Unsalted is preferred, as the seasoning packets have salt.
- 2 packets of powdered ranch seasoning: Adds a creamy, tangy herb flavor.
- Optional: Swap one ranch packet with an au jus packet for a richer, savory taste.
- 1 jar pepperoncini (12-16 oz, whole or sliced): Mildly spicy peppers add a great tang and subtle heat. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the juice for extra flavor.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Chuck Roast: Pat it dry to help the seasonings stick better and to avoid adding extra moisture. A dry surface also helps it brown nicely if you sear it (see optional step below).
- Butter: Keep it whole or cut into a few large chunks for even melting over the roast.
2. Optional Step: Sear the Roast for Extra Flavor
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil, and sear each side of the roast for about 2-3 minutes until it has a deep brown crust. This adds depth of flavor but is optional for this recipe.
3. Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Place the roast in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning (and au jus packet if using) evenly over the roast.
- Place the butter on top of the roast. It will slowly melt and distribute throughout the dish.
- Scatter about 8-10 pepperoncini peppers over the roast. Add 1/4 cup of the pepper juice for a bit of extra flavor and acidity.
4. Set the Crock Pot
- Cover the crock pot with the lid.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours. This low, slow cooking ensures the roast becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred.
5. Check for Doneness
- At the 8-hour mark, check if the roast is tender enough to shred. Use two forks to test; if it doesn’t easily pull apart, allow it to cook another 1-2 hours.
6. Shred and Mix
- Shred the roast directly in the crock pot with two forks. Stir the shredded meat well so it combines with the juices and the melted butter, creating a rich, savory mixture.
7. Serving Suggestions
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, flavorful meat is perfect over creamy mashed potatoes.
- With Hawaiian Rolls: Serve with soft, sweet rolls to soak up any extra juices.
- Other Sides: This dish is also delicious with green beans, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli for balance.
Tips for Extra Flavor and Variations
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots, onions, or potatoes around the roast in the crock pot at the beginning. They’ll cook in the juices and become tender and flavorful.
- Adjust Heat: For a spicier kick, add extra pepperoncini or more pepperoncini juice.
- Serve with Gravy: Use the crock pot juices as a gravy. You can even thicken it slightly by whisking in a bit of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and letting it sit in the crock pot on high for a few minutes.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, great for family dinners, and even better the next day!