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Mississippi Pot Roast





Ultimate Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe

Description

Mississippi Pot Roast is a delectable, melt-in-your-mouth dish that has gained immense popularity for its simplicity and incredible flavor. This slow-cooked pot roast combines a few key ingredients to create a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy meal that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The unique combination of ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter creates a rich and flavorful gravy that pairs perfectly with tender, juicy beef.

Ingredients

For the Mississippi Pot Roast:

  • 1 (3-4 pound) chuck roast
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) au jus gravy mix
  • 6-8 pepperoncini peppers
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice (from the jar)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ons:

  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Mississippi Pot Roast

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Season the Chuck Roast:
    • Generously season the chuck roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

  1. Sear the Roast:
    • Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chuck roast to the skillet. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms. This step locks in the juices and adds a depth of flavor.
  2. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
    • Transfer the seared chuck roast to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Flavorings

  1. Add the Mixes:
    • Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the top of the roast.
  2. Add Pepperoncini and Juice:
    • Place the pepperoncini peppers around the roast and pour the pepperoncini juice over the top.
  3. Top with Butter:
    • Place the stick of butter on top of the roast.

Step 4: Slow Cook

  1. Optional Vegetables:
    • If using, add the baby carrots, baby potatoes, and onion around the roast in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook:
    • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Shred the Meat:
    • Once cooked, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker. Mix it with the juices and vegetables.
  2. Serve:
    • Serve the Mississippi Pot Roast hot, with its delicious gravy and vegetables, over mashed potatoes, rice, or on a sandwich roll.

Tips and Variations for Mississippi Pot Roast

Tips for Perfect Mississippi Pot Roast

  • Searing for Flavor:
    • Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a great depth of flavor to the roast.
  • Butter Alternative:
    • For a slightly lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter used or substitute it with ghee.
  • Adjusting Spice Level:
    • If you prefer a milder roast, reduce the number of pepperoncini peppers. For more spice, add extra peppers or a splash of hot sauce.

Variations of Mississippi Pot Roast

  • Keto Mississippi Pot Roast:
    • Omit the carrots and potatoes and serve with cauliflower mash or low-carb vegetables.
  • Gluten-Free Version:
    • Ensure the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix are gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free sides.
  • Mississippi Pot Roast Sandwiches:
    • Pile the shredded beef onto hoagie rolls, top with provolone cheese, and broil until melted. Serve with the gravy for dipping.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Mississippi Pot Roast

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker on low)
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Mississippi Pot Roast

Origins of Mississippi Pot Roast

Mississippi Pot Roast is a relatively modern dish that gained fame through the power of the internet. It was created by Robin Chapman, a home cook from Ripley, Mississippi, who adapted a family recipe to make it more kid-friendly. The dish quickly went viral on social media and food blogs, becoming a beloved comfort food across the United States.

Cultural Significance

  • Comfort Food:
    • Mississippi Pot Roast epitomizes comfort food, offering a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for cold days or family gatherings.
  • Simple Ingredients:
    • Part of its appeal is the use of simple, readily available ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Versatile Dish:
    • Its versatility allows for numerous variations and personal touches, from adding different vegetables to serving it in various ways.

Fun Facts

  • Popularity:
    • Mississippi Pot Roast became so popular that it was featured in publications like The New York Times and Southern Living.
  • Pepperoncini Peppers:
    • Pepperoncini peppers, originally from Greece and Italy, add a unique tangy flavor and mild heat to the dish.
  • Butter:
    • The addition of a whole stick of butter might seem excessive, but it contributes to the rich, luscious gravy that defines this dish.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Pairing with Other Dishes

  • Mashed Potatoes:
    • Serve the roast over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.
  • Rice or Polenta:
    • For a change, try serving the roast with rice or polenta.
  • Roasted Vegetables:
    • Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.

Beverage Pairings

  • Red Wine:
    • A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich flavors of the roast.
  • Beer:
    • A dark beer such as a stout or porter pairs well with the hearty dish.
  • Non-Alcoholic:
    • For a non-alcoholic option, serve with iced tea or a sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

Creative Serving Ideas

  • Mississippi Pot Roast Tacos:
    • Use the shredded beef as a filling for tacos, topped with fresh salsa and avocado.
  • Pot Roast Quesadillas:
    • Make quesadillas with the shredded beef and cheese, served with a side of sour cream and guacamole.
  • Pot Roast Pasta:
    • Toss the shredded beef with pasta and a bit of the gravy for a comforting pasta dish.

Storing and Reheating

Storing

  • Refrigeration:
    • Store leftover Mississippi Pot Roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing:
    • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

  • Stovetop:
    • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  • Microwave:
    • For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Advanced Techniques and Equipment – Mississippi Pot Roast

Essential Tools

  • Slow Cooker:
    • A good-quality slow cooker is essential for making Mississippi Pot Roast.
  • Large Skillet:
    • Use a large skillet for searing the roast.
  • Sharp Knife:
    • A sharp knife makes it easier to trim and handle the chuck roast.

Advanced Techniques

  • Even Cooking:
    • Ensure the roast is evenly cooked by placing it in the center of the slow cooker and arranging the vegetables around it.
  • Flavor Enhancement:
    • For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the slow cooker.
  • Broil the Roast:
    • For a crispy exterior, broil the roast for a few minutes after it’s done cooking in the slow cooker.

Fun and Creative Ideas

  • Stuffed Peppers:
    • Use the shredded pot roast to stuff bell peppers for a flavorful twist.
  • Pot Roast Sliders:
    • Serve the shredded beef on small slider buns with a slice of cheese and a pickle.
  • Pot Roast Pizza:
    • Top a homemade pizza with shredded pot roast, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a unique dinner idea.