Mississippi Pot Roast is a classic comfort food known for its tender, flavorful beef and the tangy, savory combination of ranch seasoning, pepperoncini, and butter. But what if you could simplify the recipe while still adding amazing flavor? Enter onion soup mix – a pantry staple that can enhance the depth of flavor in your Mississippi Pot Roast without adding extra ingredients or complexity.
In this version of Mississippi Pot Roast, the onion soup mix adds a savory, slightly sweet, and rich flavor, perfectly complementing the roast. The result is a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s even easier to prepare.
Why Use Onion Soup Mix?
Onion soup mix is an excellent addition to Mississippi Pot Roast for several reasons:
- Rich Flavor: The onion soup mix provides a deep, savory flavor that complements the beef, making the roast even more delicious.
- Convenience: Onion soup mix is already pre-seasoned, so you don’t need to measure out individual spices. It simplifies the cooking process.
- Umami Boost: Like the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix, onion soup mix is packed with umami, which enhances the overall flavor of the roast.
- Perfect for Busy Days: If you’re short on time but still want a flavorful meal, onion soup mix is a great shortcut to achieving a satisfying dish.
Ingredients for Mississippi Pot Roast with Onion Soup Mix
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 lb Chuck Roast (or any other beef roast that works well for slow cooking)
- 1 packet Onion Soup Mix
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 packet Au Jus Gravy Mix
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 6-8 Pepperoncini Peppers (whole or sliced)
- 1/2 cup Beef Broth (optional, for added moisture)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions for Mississippi Pot Roast with Onion Soup Mix
Step 1: Prepare the Roast
- Trim the roast: If needed, trim any excess fat from the chuck roast. This helps prevent the roast from becoming too greasy and ensures it will be tender and juicy.
- Season the roast: Rub the roast with a bit of salt and pepper, if desired. While the onion soup mix will provide a lot of seasoning, a little salt on the meat helps enhance the natural flavors.
Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker or Oven
This recipe can be made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven, depending on your preference. Below are the methods for each:
- Slow Cooker:
- Place the chuck roast in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix, ranch dressing mix (if using), and au jus gravy mix over the top of the roast.
- Add the butter on top of the roast, cutting it into chunks so it melts evenly during cooking.
- Add the pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced) and their juice for an extra tangy flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth (optional), which helps create more moisture during cooking.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The roast should be fork-tender and shreddable when done.
- Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot):
- Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and brown the roast for about 5 minutes on each side (this step is optional but adds great flavor).
- Turn off the sauté mode and add the onion soup mix, ranch seasoning (if using), au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers.
- Add about 1/2 cup of beef broth or water for steam.
- Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual for 60-70 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest.
- Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the roast in a large oven-safe dish or Dutch oven.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix, ranch seasoning (if using), and au jus gravy mix over the roast.
- Add the butter and pepperoncini peppers (whole or sliced) on top of the roast.
- Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 3-4 hours or until the roast is fork-tender.
Step 3: Shred the Roast
Once the roast is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If you like, you can leave some of the juices in the pot to mix with the shredded beef, which adds even more flavor.
Make sure to stir the pepperoncini and any of the remaining onions and seasoning into the shredded beef. The pepperoncini will have softened and infused the roast with their tangy flavor, while the onion soup mix will provide the rich, savory base.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Mississippi Pot Roast with onion soup mix can be served in many delicious ways:
- On Sandwiches: Place the shredded roast on a soft bun and top with cheese (such as provolone or mozzarella) for a comforting sandwich.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the roast over creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying, hearty meal.
- With Rice: Serve the shredded beef over white or brown rice for a simple but tasty dish.
- With Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the roast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a basic serving of Mississippi Pot Roast with onion soup mix:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 5-7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 600-800mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Pot Roast with onion soup mix is a fantastic twist on the classic recipe, adding richness and savory depth with minimal effort. The onion soup mix simplifies the seasoning process while still giving you that signature Mississippi Pot Roast flavor. With the addition of pepperoncini for tanginess and butter for richness, this version is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Whether you’re serving it on a sandwich, over mashed potatoes, or with rice, this recipe is perfect for a comforting, delicious dinner that’s easy to prepare. Enjoy the amazing flavors and the tender beef – Mississippi Pot Roast with onion soup mix is a true crowd-pleaser!