Description of this recipe
This Garlicky Mississippi Pot Roast elevates the classic comfort food to new heights with an infusion of robust garlic flavor. Combining tender, slow-cooked beef with zesty pepperoncini peppers and rich savory seasonings, this recipe delivers a symphony of tastes and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether prepared in a crockpot or oven, this pot roast promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience, making it perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or impressive feasts.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely adore this Garlicky Mississippi Pot Roast for its effortless preparation and unforgettable flavor profile. The simple yet effective combination of ranch seasoning, gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers creates a tangy, savory base that perfectly complements the tender beef. The addition of fresh garlic cloves intensifies the dish, infusing every bite with a bold, aromatic essence. Beyond its delectable taste, this recipe is incredibly versatile—adaptable to both crockpot and oven cooking methods—and requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it slow-cooks to perfection. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms a basic chuck roast into a gourmet meal, leaving everyone craving more.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- 1 ounce gravy mix
- 4 tablespoons butter, salted
- 4 pepperoncini peppers, whole
- 8 garlic cloves, whole
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Roast. Begin by patting the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps to create a desirable sear on the surface of the meat, enhancing its flavor and texture. Removing excess moisture ensures that the roast will brown nicely in the skillet.
Step 2: Season the Roast. In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Generously sprinkle this mixture over all sides of the beef roast, ensuring it is evenly coated. The garlic powder will enhance the overall garlic flavor, while the salt and pepper will season the meat perfectly.
Step 3: Sear the Roast. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the seasoned roast into the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a light golden-brown crust begins to form in places. Searing the roast is essential as it locks in the juices and adds depth of flavor. The crust created during searing contributes to the overall richness of the dish.
Step 4: Transfer to Crockpot. Transfer the seared roast to the crockpot. Add the ranch dressing mix, gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, butter, and garlic cloves. Arrange the pepperoncini peppers and garlic cloves around the roast, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The ranch dressing and gravy mixes will create a creamy, tangy sauce that infuses the beef with incredible flavor. The pepperoncini peppers add a subtle heat, while the garlic cloves intensify the garlic flavor.
Step 5: Slow Cook. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the roast. The beef should be fork-tender when it is done. Check the roast periodically to ensure it is cooking evenly and not drying out.
Step 6: Shred and Rest. Once the beef is tender, shred it into large chunks using two forks. Allow those chunks to rest in the crockpot juices for 10-15 minutes before serving, uncovered. This resting period allows the shredded beef to reabsorb the flavorful juices, enhancing its tenderness and juiciness.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Flavor Complexity: 4/5 (Complex and Savory)
- Tenderness: 5/5 (Extremely Tender)
- Overall Satisfaction: 5/5 (Exceptional)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a classic comfort meal.
- Serve in toasted buns for a delicious and hearty sandwich.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions.
- Shred the beef and use it as a filling for tacos or enchiladas.
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.
Tips:
- For best results, use a high-quality chuck roast with good marbling. Marbling refers to the streaks of fat within the meat, which melt during cooking, adding flavor and moisture.
- Do not overcook the roast. It should be fork-tender but not falling apart.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and adding it to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust the number of pepperoncini peppers according to your spice preference.
- For a richer flavor, brown the butter in the skillet before adding it to the crockpot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
The Garlicky Mississippi Pot Roast is a culinary triumph, blending the best of comfort food with bold, unforgettable flavors. This recipe transforms a humble chuck roast into a tender, juicy, and intensely flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to cook it in a crockpot for ultimate convenience or in the oven for a more hands-on approach, the results are guaranteed to impress. The combination of savory ranch seasoning, zesty pepperoncini peppers, and aromatic garlic creates a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds singing. Simple to prepare and endlessly versatile, this Garlicky Mississippi Pot Roast is destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to indulge in a pot roast experience like no other.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different cut of beef?
- Yes, while chuck roast is the most recommended cut for this recipe due to its marbling and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, you can also use brisket or round roast as alternatives. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut of beef you choose.
- Can I make this recipe in the oven?
- Absolutely! To make this recipe in the oven, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Follow the same preparation steps, searing the roast in a skillet before transferring it to a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Add the remaining ingredients, cover tightly, and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- How do I adjust the spice level?
- The spice level in this recipe comes from the pepperoncini peppers. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of peppers or remove them altogether. For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicier variety of pepperoncini.
- Can I add vegetables to this pot roast?
- Yes, you can certainly add vegetables to this pot roast. Carrots, potatoes, and onions are excellent additions. Add them to the crockpot or Dutch oven during the last 2-3 hours of cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover Garlicky Mississippi Pot Roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage; just ensure they are properly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
