Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food: Homemade Mississippi Roast! This mouthwatering dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender, juicy chuck roast infused with zesty ranch and savory au jus flavors, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking method, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a roast that will become a staple in your home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb chuck roast
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Remove the chuck roast from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
- Pat the chuck roast completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season the roast generously with salt and black pepper on all sides, creating a flavorful base for the meat.
- Place a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Sear the chuck roast on all sides until a deep golden-brown crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, which helps lock in the meat's juices and develop rich flavor.
- Transfer the seared roast to a slow cooker or large Dutch oven.
- Sprinkle the entire ranch dressing mix packet evenly over the top of the roast.
- Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix packet over the ranch seasoning.
- Place the whole, unsalted butter on top of the roast.
- Distribute the pepperoncini peppers around and on top of the roast, including some of their pickling liquid for added tang.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or in a 275°F oven if using a Dutch oven, until the meat is extremely tender and easily falls apart.
- Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the cooking liquid, allowing it to absorb more flavor.
- Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or inside sandwiches, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Tips
- Bring the Roast to Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the chuck roast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and a more tender result.
- Pat It Dry: For a beautifully browned crust, pat the roast dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that perfect sear.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and black pepper! Season all sides of the roast generously to build a flavorful base that enhances the overall taste.
- Sear for Flavor: Take the time to sear the roast in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side. This step locks in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor that elevates your dish.
- Layer the Flavors: When adding the ranch dressing and au jus mixes, make sure to spread them evenly over the roast. The butter and pepperoncini will melt into the meat, creating a deliciously rich sauce.
- Slow Cook for Tenderness: Whether you use a slow cooker or a Dutch oven, cooking on low for 8 hours is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Shred in the Liquid: After cooking, shred the meat directly in the cooking liquid. This allows the roast to soak up even more flavor, making each bite irresistible.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve your Mississippi Roast over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or pile it high on a sandwich. Don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce on top for an added flavor boost!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 170mg
