Mississippi Pot Roast

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil (Or vegetable oil; for searing)
• 2 lb chuck roast (Source specifies a 2–3 pound roast)
• salt and pepper (To taste)
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (Dry mix)
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix (Or au jus gravy mix)
• 0.5 cup salted butter (1 stick)
• 8 peperoncini peppers (Place on and around the roast)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil once the skillet is hot; the oil and pan should be hot enough to brown, or sear, the beef quickly. If your slow cooker has a sear or sauté setting, you may use it instead.

2. 2

   Pat both sides of the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.

3. 3

   Place the roast in the hot skillet and sear it until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes. Turn it with tongs and sear the second side for another 2–3 minutes.

4. 4

   Transfer the seared roast to a slow cooker.

5. 5

   Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and dry onion soup mix evenly over the roast.

6. 6

   Place the salted butter on top of the roast, then arrange the peperoncini peppers on and around it.

7. 7

   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking, since releasing the heat can leave the meat tough and difficult to shred. Do not add additional liquid; the roast, peppers, and melted butter will produce cooking juices.

8. 8

   When the cooking time is complete, shred the meat in the slow cooker using two forks. Discard any large fatty pieces, then serve.

Notes

The source says not to cook this roast on high and recommends keeping the lid closed throughout cooking. Optional serving suggestions include mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, carrots, green beans, broccoli, crusty bread, biscuits, or rolls. Sirloin tip or rump roast can be substituted. Dill pickles with a little pickle juice may substitute for the peperoncini. Potatoes and carrots may be added at the start of cooking. The source also notes that browning may be skipped when necessary, though searing adds flavor.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• American
• slow-cooked
• slow cooker
• gluten-free
• comfort food
• make-ahead friendly