Print

Easy Tender Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe with Pepperoncini for Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Easy Tender Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast - featured image

A hands-off, flavorful crockpot Mississippi pot roast featuring tender chuck roast, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and savory ranch and au jus seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 lbs chuck roast (well-marbled)
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch dressing mix (e.g., Hidden Valley)
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) au jus gravy mix
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick, 115 g) unsalted softened butter
  • 6 to 8 whole pepperoncini peppers with some juice
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2-3 smashed garlic cloves
  • Optional: 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chuck roast and trim excess fat if desired, leaving some for flavor (about 5 minutes).
  2. Sprinkle ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over all sides of the roast. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste (about 3 minutes).
  3. Place the roast flat in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour pepperoncini peppers and some of their juice around and on top of the roast. Add optional garlic cloves and onion slices if using (2 minutes).
  4. Slice the stick of butter into pats and dot them evenly over the roast’s surface (1 minute).
  5. Pour 1/2 cup beef broth around the roast if extra moisture is desired, but do not drown the meat (1 minute).
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain heat and moisture.
  7. Carefully remove the roast with tongs onto a platter. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Stir the cooking juices to mix melted butter and pepperoncini flavors into a rich sauce.
  8. If sauce is too thin, simmer on stove to reduce or stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Use a well-marbled chuck roast for best tenderness. Do not skip the pepperoncini juice as it adds signature tang. Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain moisture and temperature. Butter should be dotted on top to melt evenly and baste the meat. Leftovers reheat well when warmed gently with a splash of broth or water. Sauce can be thickened by simmering or adding a cornstarch slurry. For gluten-free, verify seasoning mixes or make your own. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Instant Pot can be used for faster cooking with adjusted times.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mississippi pot roast, crockpot recipe, slow cooker, pepperoncini, easy dinner, tender beef, ranch seasoning, au jus gravy, comfort food