Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

Get ready for the most effortless yet incredibly flavorful pot roast you’ve ever made! This Mississippi-style pot roast transforms a simple chuck roast into fork-tender, savory perfection using just five ingredients and your trusty slow cooker.

What makes this recipe truly special is the magical combination of tangy pepperoncinis, rich butter, and two powerhouse seasoning packets that create an incredible depth of flavor. The meat literally melts in your mouth, while the cooking liquid transforms into a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfect for drizzling.

Ingredients

For the Roast:

• 2-3 pound chuck or shoulder roast
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 packet au jus or brown gravy seasoning
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into 4 pieces
• 5-6 whole pepperoncinis

For Optional Searing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (400°F/204°C). Sprinkle roast with salt, pepper, and flour, coating all sides evenly. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Look for a deep caramel color – this develops the crucial Maillard reaction for maximum flavor.
2. Transfer the seared roast to your slow cooker. Position it in the center for even cooking. If you’ve skipped searing, simply place the raw roast directly in the cooker.
3. Evenly sprinkle both seasoning packets over the entire surface of the roast. Ensure complete coverage – any bare spots will miss out on flavor development.
4. Arrange the butter pieces evenly across the top of the roast. Place pepperoncinis around the edges. Their mild heat and tang will infuse throughout during cooking.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid – each peek releases heat and extends cooking time by 20 minutes. The roast is done when it easily shreds with two forks and reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before shredding or breaking into chunks. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, grits, or egg noodles.

Smart Swaps

• Use ghee instead of butter for dairy-sensitive diets (same amount)
• Substitute banana peppers for pepperoncinis for a milder heat
• Try onion soup mix in place of au jus for a different flavor profile

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Skip the flour dredging to reduce carbs by 6g per serving
• Serve over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes (reduces net carbs by 15g per serving)
• Choose low-sodium ranch mix to help with blood pressure management
• Portion into 4-ounce servings to maintain better blood sugar control

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, add 2 cloves of crushed garlic
• Let meat come to room temperature before searing for better browning
• For gravy, strain liquid and reduce in saucepan until thickened
• Always cut roast against the grain when serving for maximum tenderness