– **Title**: Mississippi Pot Roast
– **Ingredients**:
– 3-4 lb chuck roast
– 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
– 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 oz)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 5-10 pepperoncini peppers (whole)
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Place the roast in the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the top of the roast.
4. Place the whole pepperoncini peppers around the roast.
5. Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and place them on top of the roast.
6. Pour the beef broth around the sides of the roast in the crockpot.
7. Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the roast is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
8. Once cooked, shred the roast directly in the crockpot using two forks, mixing it with the juices and peppers.
9. Serve the Mississippi pot roast over mashed potatoes, rice, or in a sandwich, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chuck Roast: This cut of meat has great flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider brisket or round roast. Both can work, but chuck is my favorite for this recipe because it breaks down beautifully.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This adds a zesty flavor. If you’re out, use a homemade mix of dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder mixed with a bit of buttermilk powder if available. It’s a great way to customize the taste!
Au Jus Gravy Mix: For a homemade version, you can make a simple gravy with beef broth, cornstarch, and seasonings like garlic and onion powder. This keeps the flavor while avoiding store-bought mixes.
Pepperoncini Peppers: They give a tangy kick. If you can’t find them, feel free to use banana peppers or even sliced jalapeños for heat. Just adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.
How Do I Ensure My Pot Roast Is Tender and Shreddable?
The key to a perfect pot roast is cooking it low and slow. For those 8 hours on low or 4-5 on high, it allows the collagen in the meat to break down, making it tender. Here are some tips:
- Season your roast well with salt and pepper before cooking; this helps enhance the flavor throughout.
- Cut the butter into smaller chunks to ensure it melts evenly and adds richness to the sauce.
- If you find it’s not shredding easily, it may just need more time – sometimes an extra hour can make a big difference.
How to Make Mississippi Pot Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roast:
- 3 to 4 lbs chuck roast
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Seasoning:
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
For the Cooking:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 5-6 pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll need to let it cook for either 4 to 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low in the crockpot. So, plan for around 8-9 hours total to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Roast:
First things first, season the chuck roast with salt and pepper all over. Make sure to get into every nook and cranny so each bite is flavorful!
2. Layer Ingredients:
Grab your crockpot and place the sliced onions in the bottom. This will create a tasty bed for your roast. Now, carefully place the seasoned roast right on top of those onions.
3. Add Seasoning:
Time to sprinkle! Take the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix, and sprinkle them over the roast evenly. This will add so much flavor to your dish.
4. Add Butter and Peppers:
Next, cut the butter into chunks and place them on top of the roast—yum! Then, add the pepperoncini peppers and pour in a bit of the pepper juice for that delicious zest. You can adjust how much juice you add based on how spicy you like it!
5. Cook the Roast:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. Choose low heat for about 8 hours or high heat for 4 to 5 hours. The goal is for the roast to be super tender and to fall apart easily when you poke it with a fork.
6. Serve:
Once it’s done cooking, shred the meat right in the crockpot and stir it around to mix with all those tasty juices and onions. For the finishing touch, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like. It looks pretty too!
7. Pairing Suggestions:
Serve your Mississippi Pot Roast over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices. It’s a comforting meal you’ll love!
Enjoy your delicious, comforting Mississippi Pot Roast!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chuck roast with other cuts like brisket or round roast, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Ensure that the cut you choose has enough fat content to keep it tender during slow cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Pepperoncini Peppers?
No problem! You can use banana peppers or even jalapeños for a similar tangy flavor. Just adjust the amount based on your spice preference. If you’re looking for a milder option, omit them altogether, and your pot roast will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Pot Roast Without a Crockpot?
Absolutely! You can cook this pot roast in a Dutch oven or a regular oven. Just preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), cover your Dutch oven tightly, and cook for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. Be sure to check occasionally and add a bit of broth or water if it starts to dry out.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
