Experience the magic of effortless cooking with this irresistible Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Roast. Inspired by the legendary pot roast, this recipe promises incredibly tender, flavorful pork, seasoned with a delightful blend of ranch dressing mix, savory dry onion soup mix, and a hint of butter for richness.
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast: A Family Favorite
The Mississippi Pot Roast phenomenon has taken kitchens by storm for good reason – it’s unbelievably simple and yields a dish bursting with flavor and unmatched tenderness. This recipe, specifically tailored for pork, continues that delicious tradition. We’ve successfully adapted this beloved method for beef pot roast and even chicken, always achieving spectacular results. So, why pork? Pork roasts are not only a budget-friendly option found in most grocery stores but also incredibly versatile, capable of feeding an entire family with ease. When slow-cooked to perfection, pork becomes succulent and falls apart beautifully, absorbing all the rich, tangy, and savory notes that define the Mississippi style.
This slow cooker pork roast is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience without compromising on taste. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of perfectly cooked pork, ready to be shredded and enjoyed. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or whenever you crave comforting, hearty food with minimal effort. The combination of simple ingredients creates a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mastering Your Mississippi Pork Roast
Can I cook Mississippi Pork Roast on high in my slow cooker?
While it might seem like a time-saver, cooking this pork roast on high heat is not recommended. The slow cooker’s magic lies in its low, slow cooking method, which breaks down tough muscle fibers and connective tissue, resulting in incredibly tender meat that easily shreds. Cooking on high will likely lead to a tougher roast that is difficult to shred and won’t achieve the signature fall-apart texture.
I don’t typically enjoy the flavor of onion soup mix. Are there alternatives?
Absolutely! If onion soup mix isn’t to your taste, you have several excellent substitutes that will still contribute savory depth to your roast. Consider using a packet of au jus gravy mix, brown gravy mix, or even chicken or pork gravy mix. Each of these options will provide a rich, umami base, ensuring your Mississippi Pork Roast is still packed with flavor. However, we strongly recommend keeping the ranch dressing mix, as it’s a cornerstone of the distinctive Mississippi flavor.
Is this recipe spicy due to the peperoncini peppers?
Despite their appearance, peperoncini peppers in this recipe are primarily for flavor rather than heat. They contribute a wonderful tangy, slightly briny note that complements the richness of the pork and butter beautifully. The dish itself will not be spicy. If you enjoy a bit of a kick, you can certainly add more peperoncini peppers, and for an even bolder flavor, include a tablespoon or two of the juice from the peperoncini jar. Just be mindful that eating the cooked peppers themselves might provide a mild burst of heat, but the overall dish remains family-friendly.
What if I prefer to avoid store-bought seasoning mixes?
For those who prefer to control their ingredients or simply enjoy making things from scratch, creating your own seasoning mixes is a fantastic option. You can find excellent recipes online, including on this site, for Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix and Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix. Using homemade versions allows you to customize the flavor profile and ensures you know exactly what goes into your meal.
Do I really need to brown the pork roast before slow cooking?
While not strictly mandatory, we highly recommend taking the extra step to brown or sear your pork roast before placing it in the slow cooker. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and develops a deeper, richer flavor profile that permeates the entire dish. It locks in juices and adds an extra layer of savory complexity that elevates the final taste. It’s a small investment of time that yields significant flavor dividends.
How should I store leftover Mississippi Pork Roast?
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal for days to come. Once cooled, transfer any remaining pork roast to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, the shredded pork can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Essential Ingredients: What You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mississippi Pork Roast lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can transform a boneless pork roast into a memorable meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this savory sensation:
- Boneless Pork Roast: A 3-pound cut is ideal for feeding a family. Options like pork butt, pork shoulder, or even a boneless pork loin work wonderfully, though fattier cuts like pork butt tend to yield the most tender results.
- Olive Oil (or Vegetable Oil): Essential for searing the pork and developing a rich, golden crust and deeper flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the pork’s natural taste before it’s infused with the other flavors.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: This is a non-negotiable ingredient, providing a unique tangy and herby base. If you prefer, try making your own Homemade Ranch Seasoning for a fresh touch.
- Dry Onion Soup Mix: Adds a savory, umami depth that is crucial to the Mississippi flavor profile. Alternatively, whip up your own Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix.
- Salted Butter (REAL butter, not margarine): A full stick of real salted butter melts down to create an incredibly rich, luxurious sauce that coats the pork, making it unbelievably tender and flavorful. Don’t skimp here; real butter makes a difference!
- Peperoncini Peppers: These mild, tangy peppers are the secret weapon of Mississippi roasts. They don’t add significant heat but provide a wonderful briny, slightly acidic counterpoint to the rich pork, cutting through the fat and brightening the overall taste.
How to Make Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Roast: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this Mississippi Pork Roast is incredibly straightforward, especially when using a slow cooker. Follow these simple steps for a truly unforgettable meal:
Step 1: Prepare for Searing
Begin by heating a large skillet over high heat. Add the olive or vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Pro Tip: If your slow cooker model features a sauté function, you can often perform this browning step directly in the slow cooker insert, saving you an extra pan to wash. Before searing, ensure both sides of your boneless pork roast are thoroughly dried with a paper towel. This crucial step helps achieve a beautiful, crispy sear.
Step 2: Season the Roast
Lightly season the dried pork roast with freshly ground black pepper on all sides. You can add a pinch of salt too, though the seasoning mixes and butter will contribute significant sodium later. The goal here is to season the surface to enhance the browning process.
Step 3: Sear for Flavor and Color
It’s important that your skillet is very hot before adding the pork. This intense heat will quickly brown, or “sear,” the exterior of the roast. Once the skillet is sufficiently hot and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork roast in the pan. Allow it to cook undisturbed for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Use tongs to carefully flip the meat and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes. This browning step adds an incredible depth of flavor that cannot be skipped for the best results.
Step 4: Layer the Flavors in the Slow Cooker
Once seared, transfer the pork roast to your slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the packets of dry ranch dressing mix and dry onion soup mix over the top of the roast. These two mixes are the stars of the Mississippi flavor profile. Then, place the full stick of salted butter directly on top of the roast, allowing it to melt and mingle with the seasonings. Finally, arrange the peperoncini peppers around and on top of the roast. The peppers will infuse a tangy, briny essence as the roast cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the pork roast to cook undisturbed for 6-8 hours. The extended, gentle cooking time is what transforms the pork into an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Avoid lifting the lid during this process, as it releases heat and extends the cooking time.
Step 6: Shred and Serve
Once the cooking time is complete, the pork should be incredibly tender. Carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and place it on a clean surface or large plate. Using two forks, begin to shred the meat. It should pull apart effortlessly. Discard any large fatty pieces that haven’t rendered down. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, stirring it thoroughly into the rich, flavorful juices to ensure every piece is perfectly coated and moist.
Finally, serve your mouthwatering Mississippi Pork Roast! It’s fantastic on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, allowing the rich juices to soak in. For a hearty sandwich, pile the shredded pork onto a roll with a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese, then lightly toast for a melty, savory delight. Enjoy this versatile and incredibly satisfying meal!
Recipe Card: Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Roast
Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Roast
This Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Roast recipe is inspired by the original pot roast recipe. Flavored with ranch dressing, onion mix and butter!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 3 pound boneless pork roast
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter – REAL salted butter (not margarine)
- 6 peperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Heat up a large skillet on high. Add oil to hot skillet. Note: if you have a slow cooker that has a saute setting, you can do this right in your slow cooker.
- Take a paper towel and make sure you dry both sides of the roast. Season with a little bit of freshly ground pepper. You want the skillet to be really hot to brown or “sear” the roast quickly. Once the skillet is nice and hot, add the roast.
- Allow the roast to cook for about 2-3 minutes until it is golden brown. Using tongs, flip the meat over and sear the other side of the roast for another 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer meat to slow cooker. Sprinkle packets of dry ranch dressing and onion soup mixes over roast. Top with a stick of butter then place peppers on and around roast.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Take two forks and start shredding the meat.
- Discard any big fatty pieces. Place pork back into the slow cooker and stir well in the juices to coat.
- Then serve on mashed potatoes or rice. You can even stack on a roll with a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese.
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Notes
- I do not recommend cooking this on high. The meat will not come out as tender.
- This meal is not spicy or hot at all. However, if you want more of a kick, add a few more peppers and some of the pepper juice to kick it up a bit.
- You do not have to brown the roast first; however, this not only adds color to the cooked roast but also adds flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Leftovers can also be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Some substitutes for onion soup mix are au jus gravy mix, brown gravy mix or chicken gravy mix. However, don’t skip the ranch dressing mix. It is really essential to this recipe. See my links above for homemade versions.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 479kcal | Protein: 51g | Fat: 29g | Sodium: 273mg
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Craving More Mississippi-Inspired Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the easy, robust flavors of this Mississippi Pork Roast, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of this seasoning combination extends to many other delicious dishes, all designed for your slow cooker or instant pot. Explore more delightful recipes that promise the same comforting taste and minimal effort:
- Crock Pot Mississippi Meatloaf
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Mississippi Roast Chicken
- Crock Pot Mississippi Turkey Breast
- Crock Pot Mississippi Country Style Ribs
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot Mississippi Meatballs
- Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies
- Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Herb Pork Loin
- Herb Crusted Pork Roast
Originally published: April 2017
Updated and republished: April 2022