Mississippi Pot Roast

This melt-in-your-mouth Mississippi Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food. Slow-cooked with tender chuck roast, zesty pepperoncini, and a flavorful homemade seasoning blend, it’s perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Easy, hearty, and packed with rich flavor—ideal for weeknight dinners or Sunday suppers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mississippi Pot Roast is a classic comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The tender, slow-cooked chuck roast becomes incredibly flavorful as it simmers with pepperoncini, garlic, and a blend of aromatic seasonings. The result is a rich, savory roast with just the right amount of tangy heat from the pepperoncini. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless chuck roast

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1½ cups carrots, chopped

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon dry dill

• 1 teaspoon dry chives

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 3 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder

• 4 cups beef stock

• 1 cup pepperoncini

• ¼ cup pepperoncini juice

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 bay leaf

• 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Season and Sear the Roast

Pat dry the chuck roast and season all sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the roast on all sides until golden brown. Once browned, transfer the roast to a slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, sauté onions and carrots for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.

3. Prepare the Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, salt, buttermilk powder, dry dill, dry chives, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the roast in the slow cooker.

4. Add Liquids and Bay Leaf

Add the beef stock, pepperoncini, pepperoncini juice, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

5. Slow Cook the Roast

Cover the slow cooker and cook the roast on high for 4–5 hours or on low for 6–7 hours until the meat is tender and easily shredded.

6. Make the Gravy

In a small bowl, mix the butter and cornstarch into a paste. Once the roast is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and keep it warm. Skim off any excess fat from the broth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the broth and simmer for 10 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.

7. Shred the Roast and Serve

Return the roast to the slow cooker. Shred the meat or break it into large chunks, then stir to coat the meat with the gravy.

8. Serve

Serve the Mississippi Pot Roast hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 8 hours

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

• Servings: 8 servings

Variations

• Spicy Version: If you like your food spicier, add extra pepperoncini or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for a heartier meal.

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, skip the dry buttermilk powder and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the cornstarch paste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezing: Mississippi Pot Roast can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the roast and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use brisket or round roast instead of chuck roast. However, chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking as it’s tender and full of flavor.

2. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make Mississippi Pot Roast in an Instant Pot. Sear the roast using the sauté function, then add the vegetables, seasonings, and liquids. Cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes, then use the natural release for 15 minutes before shredding the meat.

3. Can I make this without pepperoncini?

Pepperoncini adds a tangy heat, but if you don’t have them, you can substitute with banana peppers or omit them for a milder flavor. You can also add a small amount of chili flakes for some heat.

4. Can I skip the Worcestershire sauce?

Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami to the gravy, but you can skip it if you don’t have any. You can substitute with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor.

5. How do I know when the roast is done?

The roast is done when it’s fork-tender and shreds easily. You can check by pulling at the meat with a fork; if it comes apart easily, it’s ready.

6. Can I use other types of stock?

You can substitute beef stock with chicken stock or vegetable broth, but beef stock will give the richest flavor.

7. How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the broth, then simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.

8. Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add peeled and chopped potatoes to the slow cooker about 1 hour before the roast is finished cooking, or add them along with the carrots.

9. How do I make this recipe spicy?

To make it spicier, add more pepperoncini, a few dashes of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth mixture.

10. Can I serve this without gravy?

While the gravy adds richness, you can serve the pot roast without it if you prefer. The roast is flavorful on its own and can be enjoyed as is.

Conclusion

Mississippi Pot Roast is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. This hearty, flavorful dish is made with tender, slow-cooked lamb or beef that’s infused with spices, pepperoncini, and a savory gravy. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, this roast will quickly become a family favorite. With minimal prep and a long simmer, you can enjoy a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth meal without the hassle.

Print