This Mississippi pot roast is one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something incredibly flavorful with minimal effort. I love how the beef slowly cooks until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up a rich, buttery sauce with just the right amount of tang from the pepperoncini peppers. Every time I make it, it feels like a cozy, satisfying meal that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it uses simple ingredients but delivers big flavor. The prep is quick, the cooking process is mostly hands-off, and the result is a roast that turns out tender and juicy every single time. I also enjoy how dependable it is, whether I am cooking for my family or preparing leftovers for the week ahead. The balance of savory, buttery, and slightly tangy flavors makes this dish truly special.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
12 pepperoncini peppers
1/4 cup pepperoncini juice
1 packet (1 ounce) au jus gravy mix
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Directions
I begin by preheating my oven to 275°F and positioning the rack in the middle. I heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then sear the beef chuck roast on all sides until it is nicely browned. This step adds depth and richness to the final dish, so I always take my time here.
After removing the pot from the heat and letting it cool slightly, I pour in the pepperoncini juice. I arrange the pepperoncini peppers around the roast, then sprinkle the au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning evenly over the meat. I place the butter pieces on top of the roast, cover the pot, and transfer it to the oven.
I let the roast cook slowly until it becomes fall-apart tender. Once done, I shred the beef directly in the pot using two forks and mix it thoroughly with the flavorful juices before serving.
Servings And Timing
I typically use a 3 to 4 pound roast, which gives me about 6 to 8 servings. The preparation takes around 10 minutes, and the oven cooking time is approximately 3½ to 4 hours. I follow the general guideline of about one hour per pound at a low temperature to achieve the best texture.
Variations
When I want a stronger kick, I add extra pepperoncini peppers or a bit more of the juice from the jar. If I prefer more sauce for serving over mashed potatoes or rice, I add up to one cup of water before cooking. I always keep the core ingredients the same since each one plays an important role in the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, I freeze individual portions for up to three months. When reheating, I warm the meat gently and include some of the cooking juices to keep it moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I skip searing the roast?
I can skip this step if I am short on time, but I prefer not to because searing adds a deeper flavor to the dish.
Is this dish very spicy?
I find it mildly tangy with a small amount of heat, but not spicy. The pepperoncini peppers add more flavor than fire.
Should I add extra salt?
I usually do not add extra salt since the seasoning packets already contain plenty. I always taste before adjusting.
What if my roast is still tough?
If the roast does not shred easily, I simply return it to the oven and cook it longer until it becomes tender.
Can I make extra sauce?
Yes, I sometimes add water before cooking if I want more liquid for serving with the meat.
Conclusion
This Mississippi pot roast is one of my favorite recipes because it combines simplicity with bold, comforting flavors. I love how effortlessly it comes together and how reliably tender and delicious it turns out. It is a meal I enjoy making again and again, especially when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen.
A rich, flavorful pot roast slow-cooked to tender perfection in a buttery, tangy sauce with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini peppers. A cozy, low-effort comfort meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
12 pepperoncini peppers
1/4 cup pepperoncini juice
1 packet (1 ounce) au jus gravy mix
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
Preheat oven to 275°F and position rack in the middle.
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear beef chuck roast on all sides until browned; remove from heat.
Pour in pepperoncini juice and arrange pepperoncini peppers around the roast.
Sprinkle au jus gravy mix and ranch seasoning mix over the roast.
Place butter pieces on top of the roast, cover, and transfer to oven.
Cook for 3½ to 4 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Shred the beef directly in the pot and mix with the juices before serving.
Notes
Searing adds rich flavor but can be skipped if in a hurry.
Add extra pepperoncini or juice for more tang and heat.
Add up to 1 cup of water for extra sauce if desired.
Taste before adding extra salt due to seasoning packet contents.
Roast should shred easily; cook longer if it’s still tough.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours
Category:Main Course
Method:Slow-Roasting
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 serving (approx. 6 oz beef with sauce)