– **Title**: Mississippi Pot Roast
– **Ingredients**:
– 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
– 1 packet ranch dressing mix
– 1 packet onion soup mix
– 1 jar (16 ounces) pepperoncini peppers (with juice)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
– 1/2 cup beef broth (optional for extra moisture)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Place the chuck roast in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven.
3. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and onion soup mix evenly over the roast.
4. Arrange the pepperoncini peppers around the roast, pouring the juice from the jar over the meat.
5. Cut the butter into slices and place them on top of the roast.
6. If desired, add the beef broth around the roast for additional moisture.
7. Cover the pan or Dutch oven tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
8. Place the roast in the preheated oven and cook for 5 to 6 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
9. Once done, carefully remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
10. Shred the meat with two forks, mixing it with the juices in the pan.
11. Serve the Mississippi Pot Roast with your choice of sides, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking. It’s flavorful and gets super tender. If chuck roast isn’t available, you can use a brisket or round roast as alternatives, but keep an eye on cooking times as they vary.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This adds a creamy, zesty flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make your own blend with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. It’s easy and tastes fresh!
Au Jus Gravy Mix: This mix enhances the meat’s flavor. For a more homemade approach, consider making a simple gravy using beef broth, cornstarch, and seasonings. It’s a great way to control the flavor.
Peperoncini Peppers: These add a lovely tang. If you want a milder flavor, switch to banana peppers. If you’re looking for more heat, try using jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Unsalted Butter: I recommend unsalted to control salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well too, though it changes the flavor slightly.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Shredded Roast?
Shredding the roast properly gives you the best texture and flavor in your dish. After slow cooking for 4-5 hours, your roast should be fork-tender. Here’s my simple approach:
- Once you take the roast out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps the juices inside.
- Use two forks to pull apart the meat, working against the grain for easier shredding.
- Mix the shredded meat with the sauce from the pan for every bite to be flavorful.
It’s satisfying to see that beautiful, tender meat come apart so easily! Enjoy serving it over warm mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
How to Make Mississippi Pot Roast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pot Roast:
- 3-4 lb chuck roast
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 6-8 peperoncini peppers (with juice)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4-6 servings of mashed potatoes (prepare according to your favorite recipe)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mississippi Pot Roast recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 4-5 hours for cooking in the oven. You’ll have a delicious, tender roast ready to serve over creamy mashed potatoes. Just let the roast cook while you prepare the sides or relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low and slow cooking method will make your roast tender and full of flavor.
2. Prepare the Roast:
In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, place your chuck roast. Season it generously with salt and pepper, making sure to cover all sides for great flavor.
3. Add Seasoning Mixes:
First, sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the top of the roast. Then, do the same with the au jus gravy mix, ensuring it covers the meat well.
4. Pour on the Peperoncini:
Next, take your peperoncini peppers, along with their juice, and pour them over the roast. This will add a nice kick and tanginess!
5. Add the Butter:
Cut the stick of unsalted butter into several pieces and place them on top of the roast. That buttery goodness will melt and make everything delicious.
6. Cover and Cook:
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. This helps the roast stay moist while it cooks. Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it cook for 4-5 hours. Your house will smell amazing!
7. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
While the roast is cooking, you can prepare your mashed potatoes. Follow your favorite recipe to whip up creamy, fluffy potatoes that will complement the roast perfectly.
8. Shred and Serve:
Once the roast is done cooking – it should be tender and easy to pull apart with a fork – take it out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes, then use two forks to shred the meat. Serve it on a plate over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, spooning some of the pepperoncini and sauce over the top to enjoy every tasty bit!
Enjoy your comforting Mississippi Pot Roast with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes, you can substitute chuck roast with other cuts such as brisket or round roast, but keep in mind that cooking times may differ. Brisket may require a longer cook time, while round roast might be slightly quicker. Always ensure your meat is tender before serving!
What if I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing Mix?
No problem! If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can create a quick substitute using a mix of dried herbs such as dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. About 2 tablespoons of this herbal mix will give a similar flavor profile!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To cook Mississippi Pot Roast in a slow cooker, follow the same preparation steps but after placing the roast and ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low for 8-10 hours, or until tender. This will yield delicious results with minimal effort!
