Mississippi Roast has become an incredibly popular pot roast recipe in recent years. This tender, fall-apart slow cooker roast gets its signature flavor from an unexpected mix of spices paired with pepperoncini peppers. The combination of ingredients creates a pot roast with an addictive flavor that keeps people coming back for more!
What is Mississippi Roast?
Mississippi Roast is a recipe for a slow cooker beef pot roast that originated in the southern United States. It’s sometimes also called Mississippi Pot Roast. The recipe calls for just a few ingredients:
- Chuck roast or another well-marbled beef roast
- Ranch dressing mix
- Pepperoncini peppers
- Butter
- Beef broth or stock
The roast is rubbed with ranch dressing mix, which gives it a burst of savory flavor. Pepperoncini peppers are scattered on top, giving a hint of heat. A few pats of butter provide richness. Then the roast cooks low and slow in the slow cooker until it becomes fall-apart tender after 4-8 hours. The pepperoncini peppers create an addictive flavor that permeates the beef.
History of the Recipe
The origins of Mississippi Roast are believed to trace back to a recipe posted on a beef packaging company’s website in 2008. The recipe used a chuck roast seasoned with ranch dressing mix and pepperoncinis cooked in a slow cooker. This method of cooking pot roasts spread through the southern United States and internet recipe sites, eventually becoming popularly known as Mississippi Roast or Mississippi Pot Roast.
The recipe has continued spreading online, with countless food bloggers, YouTubers, and everyday home cooks developing their own variations on this beloved pot roast. While the basic ingredients remain the same, people have customized it with different seasonings, vegetables, and cook times. Mississippi Roast has clearly captured the hearts and tastebuds of many home cooks!
What Makes it so Tasty?
There are a few key factors that make Mississippi Roast exceptionally tasty:
Well-Marbled Roast
Using a well-marbled chuck roast or a similar cut of beef is key. The marbling provides plenty of flavorful beef fat that slowly melts into the meat as it cooks, keeping it tender and moist.
Ranch Flavor
The ranch dressing mix forms a tasty, tangy spice crust on the outside of the roast. It permeates the meat with garlic, onion, salt, and herbs. This ranch flavor really sets this pot roast apart from classic recipes.
Pepperoncini Peppers
Pepperoncini peppers are mild peppers pickled in brine. As the roast cooks, the brine and heat of the peppers infuse into the beef. This gives it a tangy, slightly spicy flavor. The pepperoncini flavor is what makes this recipe so addictive!
Slow Cooker Method
Cooking the roast low and slow in a slow cooker allows the meat to become ultra tender. The long cook time with moist heat ensures the beef can fall apart with just a fork. It also gives time for the ranch and pepperoncini flavors to fully permeate the meat.
Minimal Ingredients
Unlike some complex roast recipes, Mississippi Roast has just a handful of ingredients. Letting the main ingredients – the beef, ranch, and pepperoncini peppers – really shine keeps the flavors from becoming muddy.
Customizing Your Mississippi Roast
One of the great things about Mississippi Roast is how versatile it is. There are endless ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some easy ways to put your own spin on Mississippi Roast:
Seasonings
Experiment with extra seasonings in the base recipe like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Other spice blend options include Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, Montreal steak seasoning, or Creole seasoning.
Vegetables
Try adding chopped root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery to the slow cooker. The vegetables soak up the tasty juices and add their own flavors.
Substitute Roasts
While chuck roast is traditional, you can use other roasts like rump roast, bottom round, or top round. Brisket cooked on low heat also works well.
Broth or Stock
Substitute beef broth or stock for part or all of the water in the recipe. This amps up the savory beef flavor.
Cheese
Adding shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack on top about 20 minutes before serving gives a delightful cheesy twist.
Bacon
Cook some bacon strips until crisp, chop, and sprinkle over the top of the cooked roast for a smoky crunch.
Sauces
Drizzle the roasted meat with your favorite sauce – barbecue, mushroom gravy, horseradish sauce, steak sauce, or au jus all pair well.
Tips for Best Results
Use these tips to make the most perfect, fall-apart Mississippi Roast:
- Trim excess fat to prevent greasiness
- Cook for 8+ hours on low for maximum tenderness
- Let roast rest 15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat
- Cook peppers at least 6 hours to infuse flavor
- Add broth or stock if the gravy is too thin
- Use tongs and forks to shred meat before serving
Serving Suggestions
Mississippi Roast is delicious served:
- On sandwiches with barbecue sauce
- Over mashed potatoes or rice
- With sautéed green beans or roasted vegetables
- On top of salad greens for an entree salad
- Stuffed into peppers or potatoes
- With rolls or biscuits to soak up the gravy
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast is traditional, but rump roast, bottom round, or brisket also work well. The key is using a well-marbled cut to keep the roast moist.
Do I need to sear the roast first?
No, searing is not necessary. Simply season and add to the slow cooker raw for easy prep. The ranch dressing mix helps flavor the meat.
What if my roast is too big for the slow cooker?
If the roast is very large, cut it in half so it fits better in the slow cooker. It will still cook perfectly.
Can I prepare Mississippi Roast in an Instant Pot?
Yes, Mississippi Roast can be adapted for the Instant Pot or other pressure cookers. Adjust the cook time to about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Can I use frozen pepperoncini peppers?
Yes, frozen pepperoncinis work fine. Just thaw them first and use as directed.
Nutrition Information
A 3 oz serving of Mississippi Roast provides:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 16g |
Conclusion
It’s easy to see why Mississippi Roast has become such a popular weeknight dinner recipe. The tangy, slightly spicy flavor perfectly balances with the tender, juicy beef. With just a few ingredients and minutes of prep, you can make this delicious pot roast any busy night of the week. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!