Mississippi Pot Roast

Updated Jan 28, 2026

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This famous recipe for Mississippi Pot Roast features only 5 ingredients and makes melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, made with a few packets and tangy peppers. A perfect Cozy dinner that isn’t boring!

tongs taking out some of the slow cooker Mississippi pot roast.

Recipe Highlights

I first came across this recipe in my Crockpot Facebook group, where it’s wildly popular.
Some people refer to the roast as Mississippi Mud Roast, Memphis Roast, or even the forbidden roast because it’s so popular on social media.
Great for a unique Sunday dinner – everyone in my family looks forward to this!
This is my most popular and favorite recipe among my readers, with over a million views!

ingredients for slow cooker Mississippi pot roast on a table.

Key Ingredients

Let’s break down what goes into this flavor-packed roast.

Chuck Roast – A well-marbled cut of beef that’s perfect for slow cooking.
Brown Gravy Mix – This handy little packet thickens the sauce and gives it a hearty beef base.
Ranch Dressing Mix – It adds garlic and onion flavor without being overpowering.
Unsalted Butter – Makes the roast extra rich.
Pepperoncini Peppers – Don’t skip these! They give the roast a vinegary, zesty pop that balances out all the savory flavors. These do add a touch of spicy kick.

Butter and pepperoncinis added on top of roast in slow cooker.

2 forks shredding mississippi pot roast.

How to make Mississippi Pot Roast

Add everything to the slow cooker—no need to sear the meat.
Let it cook low and slow until fall-apart tender.
Shred the beef right in the pot to soak up all the flavor.

3 seasonings packets with text overlay showing how much sodium is in each.

Why is Mississippi Pot Roast So Salty?

Many of my readers believe the Mississippi Pot Roast recipe is too salty. I have found that when they say that, they are using one of the saltier packets. Compare the options if you prefer to use Au Jus or Onion Soup mix instead of my recommended brown gravy mix.

McCormick Brown Gravy (entire packet): 1360mg sodium – This is what I use
Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix (entire packet): 2800mg sodium
McCormick Au Jus Gravy Mix (entire packet): 3600mg sodium

If you want to use onion soup mix or au jus, I recommend using half a packet or serving over something plain like white rice.

overhead shot of Mississippi pot roast in a slow cooker.

Sarah’s Tips & Variations

Here are some easy ways to switch things up:

Butter: The butter adds a rich flavor, but many people reduce the amount or skip it entirely without issue.
Meat Swap: Instead of chuck roast, consider using a beef bottom round or rump roast. Pork roast, chicken breasts, or thighs work great too—use pork gravy or chicken gravy mix instead.
Make it a Complete Meal: Add cubed potatoes and carrots.
Gravy – For a thicker gravy, you can make a pot roast gravy by whisking in a cornstarch slurry made from cold water and cornstarch
Not a fan of pepperoncini peppers? You can use jarred pickled red onions or baby dill pickles instead—don’t forget to pour in some of their juice for that tangy kick! (See my Dill Pickle Pot Roast, or Georgia Pot Roast, which have the same recipe concept.)

overhead shot of slow cooker Mississippi pot roast in a bowl with mashed potatoes.

How to Serve

This roast is very versatile! Serve with one of these options or try a different way to enjoy the leftovers.

Mashed Potatoes are my go-to. Nothing better than a bite of the roast and mashed potatoes together.
Steamed white rice – The roast can be on the salty side and rice is one way to tone that down.
On hoagies, hamburger buns, or slider buns – Don’t forget the French fries!

slow cooker Mississippi pot roast on slider rolls on a plate.

Featured Comment

“I just love this recipe! This is my 3rd time making it and I used all the same ingredients as you did. Perfection! I placed the shredded meat over roasted garlic potatoes..MMMMM!”
– julia

303 More Reviews

Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe

4.88 from 111 votes

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 10 15

Servings:

By: Sarah Olson

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Mississippi Pot Roast is rich, decadent, and totally irresistible—the internet-famous recipe that's taken Crockpot lovers by storm.

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How to Video

Equipment

Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger-oval

Ingredients

▢ 4 lb. chuck roast, 3-5 lbs will work
▢ 1 oz. ranch packet, (can use original packet, dip packet or spicy packet)
▢ .87 oz. brown gravy packet, (I use McCormick) See substitutions in notes below
▢ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, (1 stick) can use salted
▢ 10 or more peperoncini peppers,
▢ 1/4 cup peperoncini juice, (optional but adds more tanginess and flavor)

Instructions

Add the roast to the slow cooker. You can brown the meat in a skillet on the stovetop if desired but I do not.
Add the ranch packet and brown gravy packet on top of the roast.
Add the stick of butter, peppers and pepper juice.
Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 6-7 hours. Do not open the lid while the roast cooks.
Shred with two forks right in the slow cooker. Remove any fatty pieces.

Sarah’s Notes

Does liquid need to be added? The unsalted butter will melt and will be the liquid for the flavorful pot roast recipe. Do not add water or broth. The meat will also cook down and make more liquid.

Alternate Cooking Methods:

Instant Pot: Sear the roast if desired right in the instant pot, then add 1 cup of beef broth, and all my ingredients listed. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with a 15-minute natural release.

Dutch Oven: Sear the roast, then add the rest of the ingredients. Cover and bake at 300°F for 3½ to 4 hours, or until fork-tender.

Stovetop: Brown the chuck roast in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add remaining ingredients plus ½ cup water or broth. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3–4 hours until tender.

Nutrition

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe? Leave a comment below!

More Comfort Food Recipes:

For classic comfort, you can’t go wrong with Crockpot Pot Roast, 3 Envelope Pot Roast, or tender London Broil—each one is rich, hearty, and perfect for a filling dinner.
If you’re in the mood for something tangy and bold, the Mississippi Chicken and Mississippi Pork Roast deliver big flavor with a buttery ranch twist.
And for a little extra heat, the Spicy Mississippi Pot Roast adds just the right kick!