Why Mississippi Roast Is a Must-Try Dish
If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful, and effortless meal, Mississippi Roast is the perfect comfort food. This dish has gained a cult following for its fall-apart tender beef and bold, savory flavors, all made with just a few simple ingredients.
One of the best things about Mississippi Roast is its slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to develop beautifully while making the meat incredibly tender. If you enjoy easy, slow-cooked meals, you might also love these slow cooker Buffalo chicken sandwiches, which pack a spicy, tangy punch.
Another reason this roast is a favorite is its versatility. Whether served over mashed potatoes, in sandwiches, or even in tacos, there are endless ways to enjoy it. If you’re a fan of rich and hearty dishes, you might also like this baked spaghetti with minced beef and bacon, another comforting classic.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Mississippi Roast
Best Cut of Beef
- Chuck Roast – The most commonly used cut, with great marbling.
- Rump Roast – A leaner option but still flavorful.
- Brisket – Requires a longer cooking time but offers a rich taste.
Key Ingredients
- Butter – Adds richness and depth.
- Pepperoncini Peppers – Infuses a mild heat and tangy flavor.
- Ranch Dressing Mix – Enhances the seasoning with herbs and spices.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix – Deepens the umami and creates a savory sauce.
Optional Additions
- Fresh garlic for extra depth.
- Beef broth to create a thinner sauce.
- Onion powder or Worcestershire sauce for added umami.
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Mississippi Roast
1. Prepare the Roast
- Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast.
- Place it in a slow cooker.
2. Add Seasonings and Ingredients
- Sprinkle ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the roast.
- Place butter on top and add pepperoncini peppers around the meat.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
- Set the slow cooker on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- The beef should be tender enough to shred easily.
4. Shred and Serve
- Remove the roast and shred it with two forks.
- Mix the shredded beef back into the flavorful juices before serving.
How to Serve Mississippi Roast
✔️ Over Mashed Potatoes – The sauce pairs beautifully with creamy potatoes.
✔️ As a Sandwich – Serve on hoagie rolls or brioche buns.
✔️ With Rice or Egg Noodles – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
✔️ Stuffed in Tacos – A Tex-Mex twist on a Southern favorite.
For another classic shredded meat dish, try this ultimate chicken salad recipe, which offers a creamy and refreshing contrast to this rich, slow-cooked beef.
Mississippi Roast Variations
- Classic Slow Cooker Mississippi Roast – The traditional version with pepperoncini and butter.
- Instant Pot Mississippi Roast – A faster cooking method for busy days.
- Oven-Braised Mississippi Roast – Cooked in a Dutch oven for extra depth of flavor.
- Keto Mississippi Roast – Made without gravy mix for a low-carb option.
- Mississippi Chicken – Uses chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter take.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze shredded Mississippi Roast for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Choosing the wrong cut of beef – Leaner cuts dry out; chuck roast is best.
❌ Skipping the butter – This is essential for the signature sauce.
❌ Cooking on high heat for too long – Low and slow yields the most tender results.
FAQs About Mississippi Roast
Why is my Mississippi Roast tough?
If the beef isn’t tender, it needs to cook longer. Let it cook an extra hour on LOW.
Can I make Mississippi Roast in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
What can I use instead of pepperoncini peppers?
Mild banana peppers or sliced jalapeños work well as substitutes.
Can I make Mississippi Roast without ranch mix?
Yes! Use 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley as a substitute.
How do I thicken the gravy for Mississippi Roast?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the sauce and let it thicken.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Roast is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and effortless cooking. Whether served over mashed potatoes, in sandwiches, or as tacos, this dish is always a hit.
Try experimenting with different variations and sides to find your perfect version!
Mississippi Roast – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients for Mississippi Roast
Main Ingredients:
- 3–4 lbs chuck roast (or rump roast)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (or brown gravy mix)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5–6 pepperoncini peppers (whole)
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice (optional, for extra tang)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth (for a thinner sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Instructions: How to Make Mississippi Roast
Step 1: Prepare the Roast
- Trim excess fat from the chuck roast if needed.
- Place the roast in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Ingredients
- Sprinkle ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the meat.
- Place the butter on top of the roast.
- Scatter pepperoncini peppers around the meat.
- Pour pepperoncini juice and beef broth over everything (if using).
Step 3: Slow Cook the Roast
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- The roast is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
Step 4: Shred and Mix
- Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or in sandwiches.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.