Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast (+Video)

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Mississippi pot roast is a classic slow cooker recipe that is made with beef roast, ranch dressing mix, onion soup mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers.

AN EASY, FLAVORFUL POT ROAST RECIPE

This pot roast recipe might be the best you every try! If you haven’t tried this recipe before, you absolutely must give it a chance. The meat comes out so tender and incredibly flavorful! Over the years, it has become my family’s go-to pot roast recipe! If you are looking for a serious comfort meal, then this Mississippi Pot Roast is for you!

a serving of shredded pot roast on a pile of mashed potatoes with a side of green beans and a roll.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND EXPERT TIPS:

Why is it called Mississippi Pot Roast?

The recipe is believed to have originated in Mississippi, hence its name. It has become a popular dish in the United States and is a comforting and hearty meal.

What is the flavor Mississippi Pot Roast?

Mississippi pot roast has a savory and slightly tangy flavor, thanks to the combination of ranch dressing mix, onion soup mix, and pepperoncini peppers. The butter adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.

Can you cook Mississippi Pot Roast on high?

No. Absolutely not. The meat comes out so tender and buttery by cooking it low and slow in the crock pot. Cooking it too quickly will result in a tough cut of meat that does not shred easily.

Do I have to use packet seasonings?

Of course not! Try making your own Homemade Ranch Seasoning and your own Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix. You’ll need about 2 Tablespoons of the ranch seasoning and about 3 Tablespoons of the onion soup mix for this recipe. This will also help you control the amount of sodium in the recipe as well.

Can I use margarine instead of real butter?

It’s not recommended. The butter adds a lot of flavor to this. Margarine is basically oil. Use the real stuff here.

What can I serve with Mississippi pot roast?

Mississippi pot roast is delicious served with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or vegetables like carrots, green beans, or broccoli. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread, biscuits or rolls to sop up the flavorful cooking juices.

Can I use another cut of meat?

A sirloin tip or rump roast will work. You want a cut of meat that will shred after it is finished cooking.

Do I have to use the pepperoncini peppers?

They really add a lot of flavor to this dish so I wouldn’t skip them. It doesn’t add spiciness like you think it would. If you absolutely insist on substituting you can try using some dill pickles and a bit of pickle juice.

Do I need to add additional liquid?

No. Do not add additional liquids. The meat itself along with peperoncini and the melted butter will produce enough juices.

Can you add potatoes and carrots?

Yes, you can add them in at the start of cooking.

Why is my Mississippi Pot Roast tough?

It hasn’t cooked long enough or you opened the lid while cooking. Refer to my answer above about cooking this low and slow. Trust me, you just cannot rush this or you’ll be severely disappointed. And do not open the lid while cooking as this also disrupts the cooking process.

Can you freeze Mississippi Pot Roast?

Leftovers can be frozen. Just place in a freezer safe bag and remove all of the air. It will keep frozen for up to 2 months.

shredded cooked chuck roast with peperoncini peppers shown in an oval slow cooker.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR MISSISSIPPI POT ROAST: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

chuck roast
olive oil (or vegetable oil)
salt and pepper
ranch dressing mix
onion soup mix (or au jus gravy mix)
salted butter
pepperoncini peppers

chuck roast, ranch dressing mix, onion soup mix, salted butter and pepperoncini peppers.

HOW TO MAKE MISSISSIPPI POT ROAST:

Heat up a large skillet on high. Add oil to hot skillet. You want it really hot here to brown or “sear” the beef quickly. Note: I have one of the Ninja slow cookers that has a “stovetop” option, which means I can brown the meat all right in my crock pot and not dirty up any other dishes. However, if you are in a rush, just skip the browning step altogether.

Take a paper towel and make sure you dry both sides of the pot roast (drying the meat helps it brown easier.) Then season with a little bit of salt and pepper. Once the skillet is nice and hot, add the roast. Allow the roast to cook for about 2-3 minutes until it is golden brown. The browning of the outside of the meat just adds flavor. Using tongs, flip the meat over and sear the other side of the roast for another 2-3 minutes.

browned chuck roast shown in an oval slow cooker.

Transfer meat to slow cooker. Sprinkle packets of dry ranch dressing and onion soup mixes over pot roast. Top with a stick of butter. Then place peppers on and around roast.

uncooked pot roast inside an oval slow cooker topped with ranch and onion seasonings with a stick of butter on the very top.

Note: This butter is a Kerrygold garlic & herb butter. The sticks were on sale at Kroger so I had picked up a bunch. But a regular stick of salted butter (not margarine) will still work perfectly in this. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. You don’t add any other liquid to this. The meat will create it’s own juices at it cooks. DO NOT remove the lid while cooking.

fully cooked whole pot roast in its juices in a slow cooker topped with peperoncini peppers.

Now all you need to do is take two forks and start shredding the meat. Discard any big fatty pieces. If you want, you can cut up the peppers and stir those into the meat mixture. I ate mine with the peppers but didn’t cut them up into the meat to serve.

fully cooked and shredded Mississippi pot roast in a slow cooker with peperoncini peppers on top.

Serve on mashed potatoes, rice or on a roll with a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese.

serving of shredded pot roast on mashed potatoes with fresh green beans and a roll on a plate.

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Originally published: April 2015
Updated & republished: March 2022