Mississippi Pot Roast

This is the most delicious pot roast you will EVER eat. That’s not just hype—it’s exactly what my husband said after his second helping. I first made this Mississippi Pot Roast on a chaotic weeknight, hoping for something easy. The fact that my entire family asked for seconds with zero effort on my part made it an instant classic in our home.

This slow cooker version needs just five simple ingredients. You don’t need to sear the meat or prep anything fancy. Just toss everything in and let your slow cooker do the magic.

Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient “Dump-and-Go” Recipe

Incredibly Easy
This is a true “dump and go” meal. Just load the slow cooker and let it handle everything. No searing. No babysitting.

Only 5 Simple Ingredients
All you need is a good chuck roast, two pantry seasoning packets, butter, and a few tangy peppers. That’s it.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender
After eight hours on low, the roast turns unbelievably tender and pulls apart with a fork.

Family-Favorite Flavor
It creates a rich, savory gravy with a tangy kick that both kids and adults love. It’s a go-to comfort food in many homes.

The 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is what you need to make this comforting slow cooker classic. These ingredients work together to create a savory, tangy sauce that tastes rich without extra effort.

For the base
• One chuck roast about three to four pounds. Look for good marbling since it melts down during cooking.
• One fourth cup butter. Use regular or unsalted depending on your salt preference.

For the seasoning
• One packet ranch dressing mix. This gives the roast its signature creamy flavor.
• One packet au jus gravy mix. This adds depth and helps create the rich sauce.

For the tangy kick
• Four to five pepperoncini peppers. They add brightness without heat.

How to Make Mississippi Pot Roast

Follow these simple steps to get a fork-tender roast with bold flavor. No browning or special prep is needed.

1. Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker
Set it in the center. No need to trim the fat. It will break down and help keep the meat juicy.

2. Sprinkle the seasoning mixes
Evenly coat the top of the roast with the ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix.

3. Add the pepperoncini and butter
Lay the peppers on top of the roast. Slice the butter into chunks and place them over the seasoning so it melts evenly.

4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours
Resist the urge to open the lid. Let the roast cook gently until it’s fall-apart tender.

5. Shred and serve
Use two forks to pull the roast apart right in the slow cooker. Stir it into the juices before serving. This keeps the meat moist and packed with flavor.

Serve it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up every drop of that savory sauce.

Easy Recipe Variations and Add-Ins

Want to switch things up or make it fit your kitchen tools? Here are some easy ways to adapt this recipe.

How to Make it in an Instant Pot

If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is a great option. Add all five ingredients to the pot along with one cup of beef broth. Set it to high pressure and cook for 60 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. The flavor is great, but the slow cooker version still has the edge when it comes to tenderness.

How to Add Potatoes and Carrots

To turn this into a full one-pot meal, toss in quartered potatoes and baby carrots during the last one to two hours of cooking. This gives them time to soften without falling apart.

What About Au Jus vs Onion Soup Mix

This recipe uses au jus for a smooth, flavorful sauce. If you prefer a more onion-heavy taste, onion soup mix is a good swap. Just note that it tends to be a bit saltier, so you may want to use unsalted butter.

What to Serve with Mississippi Pot Roast

This rich and flavorful roast pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it.

Classic Comfort
Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice. These options soak up the savory juices perfectly.

Sandwiches
Shred the roast and pile it onto toasted buns or hoagie rolls. Add a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese if you like. This is a great way to use up leftovers too.

Keto and Low-Carb Ideas
For a lighter meal, try it over mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice. Roasted green beans or sautéed spinach also make excellent sides without the carbs.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

To Store
Let the roast cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

To Freeze
Place the shredded roast and its juices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Lay the bag flat to freeze for easy storage. It will stay good for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Helpful Notes

• No need to sear the meat before cooking. This recipe is designed to be as hands-off as possible. The slow cooker creates enough flavor without browning.

• Use unsalted butter if you are watching sodium levels. The seasoning packets already contain salt.

• Pro Tip: This recipe can be salty depending on the brand of seasoning mixes. To cut back, look for reduced-sodium ranch and au jus packets or use only half of each packet and adjust to taste.

• Pepperoncini peppers add tang, not heat. You can adjust the number based on your taste or even slice them for more flavor throughout the roast.

• Liquid is not needed in the slow cooker. The roast releases enough juices as it cooks.

• Want thicker gravy? Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end.

Conclusion

Mississippi Pot Roast has earned its place as a weeknight favorite for good reason. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with just five simple ingredients. No extra steps, no complicated prep, just comfort food at its best.

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What variation did you try? Did you add veggies or make it low-carb? Let us know below.

Love easy comfort food? Try our creamy and satisfying Beef Stroganoff Recipe next.

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