This spicy Crock-Pot Pepperoncini Pot Roast Recipe is a simple, few ingredient recipe; literally only four ingredients.
Dump your ingredients in a slow cooker or crock pot, walk away for six hours and return to a juicy, flavorful, spicy, tender roast.
It will be sooooo good! Serve it with a side of homemade mashed potatoes, or top it in a hoagie bun.
Either way, you will love this dish!

This spicy Pepperoncini Roast aka Mississippi Pot Roast is wicked good.
I wish you could smell what I can smell in this kitchen; garlic, beef, peppers…
Oh my gosh… Talk about YUM! I was drooling before we even got to dig in.
Watch how to make it

Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Italian beef roast:
- Italian Salad Dressing Mix- I like Good Seasons best, but I have used generic and it has turned out great.
- Brown Gravy Mix- This recipe is on the salty side, so if you are sensitive to salt, use a low sodium version.
- Pepperoncini Peppers- Do not drain. You will use the juice for liquid. Some people like to use banana peppers. I prefer the pepperoncinis for this.
- Beef Roast-I prefer chuck roast, but you can use other cuts of roast.

Steps
Follow these super easy directions to make crock-pot pepperoncini roast.
- Add beef roast, jar of pepperoncini peppers with liquid, a packet of dry Italian salad dressing mix, and a packet of brown gravy mix in the crock-pot.
- Cook it on low and leave it alone for 6 to 8 hours.
- When the meat is falling into pieces, you know it is done. That is it…
Add some side dishes to this baby, and you have a killer meal.

Years ago, my dear friend Dede Hedgepeth shared this recipe with me.
She is always making something fantastic in the kitchen and I am always asking her for her recipes.
Her delicious Bourbon Slush recipe is also featured on my blog. (It is simple to make and easier to sip; this frozen treat disappears quickly!)
Can you substitute Au Jus Gravy for Packaged Gravy?
Dede's original Pepperoncini Pot Roast recipe has only 3 ingredients: pot roast, dry Italian Dressing Seasoning Mix, and pepperoncini.
It is fantastic this way.
I have made it several times for dinner over the years.
The combination of the Italian Seasoning mix and the pepperoncinis create a delicious au jus gravy.
You don't have to add anything else.
However, I add the Brown Gravy Mix when I make this. The gravy mix steps it up a notch by thickening the broth and adding an extra boost of flavor.
Here are homemade recipes for the mixes if you do not want to use the store bought packages and prefer to make everything from scratch: Dry Brown Gravy Mix and Dry Italian Dressing Mix.
Serving Tips:
Ways to serve the beef roast:
- By itself as an entree with your favorite sides (my favorite way).
- On hoagie bun to make an Italian Beef Sandwich.
- On a hoagie bun topped with cheese. Serve it with a side of the gravy for a spicy French Dip sandwich.
- Throw the beef on some mini buns with cheese and serve them as little sliders.
What are the best cuts of beef for a Pot Roast?
The toughest cuts of beef are the best cuts of beef to use for a Pot Roast.
Why? You are basically braising a large piece of beef long and slow in liquids.
The tougher cuts have connective tissue with high amount of collagen.
When braised slow in the crock-pot, the tough cuts eventually break down into tender succulent meat.
Additionally, the braising liquid turns into a rich sauce.
My personal favorite is the chuck roast for the fat content.
It gives additional flavor and richness.
Look for meats labeled as: chuck roast, boneless chuck roast, chuck shoulder pot roast, 7 bone chuck pot roast, or beef chuck arm.
Other options are brisket and round.
Brisket is a flatter, thinner roast. It will need to be sliced against the grain.
The round is a very lean roast. It is the best option if you are cooking healthier and do not want the additional fat content.

Slow Cooker Tip!
Try not to open the slow-cooker lid more than you need to. The pressure from the heat and steam cook it slow and tender. When you open the pot, it releases that heat and steam. The crock-pot has to recreate that process all over again and throws off the cooking time and pressure.
Looking for some other simple EASY recipes with few ingredients? Try these:
- Slow Cooker Sriracha Pineapple Ham
- Instant Pot Jalapeno Popper Chicken
- Grilled Brat Kabobs
- Instant Pot Shredded Buffalo Chicken
- Crock-Pot Low Carb Zuppa Toscana
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pie
- Instant Pot Italian Pot Roast Dinner
- Turkey Spinach Stir-Fry
- Instant Pot Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Instant Pot balsamic pot roast
Please leave me a comment below if you make this Crock-Pot Pepperoncini Pot Roast, and tell me what you thought about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.
Also post your picture of your Pepperoncini Roast on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
Recipe

Crock-Pot Pepperoncini Pot Roast Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 to 5 lb beef roast
- 16 oz jar pepperoncini peppers with liquid
- 1 package of dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
- 1 package of Brown Gravy Mix
Instructions
- Combine 3 to 5 lbs beef roast, 16 oz jar pepperoncini peppers with liquid, 1 package of dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix, and 1 package of Brown Gravy Mix together in crock-pot.
- Cook on low heat 6 to 8 hours or until meat is falling apart.
- Serve.
Siri & Joseph
I think I could probably eat the whole thing all by myself. It is so easy and turns out fantastic. Great recipe!!!
karrie @ Tasty Ever After
Your pictures look so good of this pot roast!! I was literally trying to reach into my screen and grab a big handful of beef to stuff in my mouth. Not kidding. I gotta make this soon, like this weekend, and LOVE that it's an easy crock pot recipe. Also, your story and pic of your friend Dede is so sweet.
Tez @ Chile and Salt
This recipe and your pic`s look perfect! I love a good pot roast & the pepper`s have to push it over the top!!
Thanks for the great recipes Katie!!
Mark
I made it asap...I added my own twist.I added Lipton onion
Soup mix,Hidden valley ranch season packet
A bag of stew vegetables potato,carrots,onions and celery,Alongwith a half sick of butter and a little beef stock.FANTASTIC.DONT SKIP THE PEPPERS AND THE JUICE IT DEFINITELY MAKES THE DISH.Thanks
Mark
Sorry I also added a can of cream of celery soup.you will love it I will be making again.O so Good.
Chrissy
Just made this!.turned out Amazing!!.
Annie
I made this with a pork butt today and quartered yellow onions on the bottom - falling apart delicious and so easy!
Rynn
I've made this before for my family and they loved it...I'm making it tonight for a potluck we are having at work tomorrow and hope it gets the same reception.
I used two jars of the Golden Greek pepporcini, au jus packet, hidden valley ranch packet, and the roast.
I might have to try some of these other suggestions next time.
Joany28
I made this the other night in my pressure cooker. I adapted it a bit because I didn’t remember all of the recipe when I was grabbing things for dinner at the market. I seasoned my roast with salt, pepper & dusted both sides with flour. Browned both sides in the pressure cooker (I have a Cuisinart), added the jar of peppers, a can of French onion soup, and 2 cups of Beef Stock. Cooked on high for 1 hr. Oh my YUM!! We had enough left over for sandwiches the next day.... and my hubby & son gobbled it up!!
Diane Berry
Hands down, the best roast beef I have ever had! I've played around with different roast beast recipes for years and never found one that wasn't just mediocre. This recipe is out of this world and for now on the only one I will ever make. Thank you!!
Alison Wahlstedt
Delicious and so easy! I leave at 6:30 am so this was easy to throw in the crock pot and leave. My family loved it. The peppers give it a wonderful tang! I always have brown gravy and Good Seasons Italian packets so this will be a regular for us now. Added salt and pepper, otherwise followed recipe exactly
Mike
The only extra ingredient that I add is a small beef bone. Don’t change anything else. Hands down the best roast ever.
Kathy StAndre
We love this made with pork shoulder roast. Always a crowd pleaser.
Linda DeSilvis
I have fresh pepperoncini plant can I use them instead of bottled
Katie
No. They need to be pickled. It won't taste the same at all. Sorry.
HG
Simple is best! Made this for the 1st time last week...Delicious! Just went to purchase a roast to make another. Didn't change a single thing except added a little bit of liquid smoke and didn't add any extra salt.
For a 3 to 5 pound roast I used 1 package of Lipton's beefy onion soup mix. With a cup of water that seemed plenty of sodium for me! Just wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
Tiff
We love this recipe. We use mild banana peppers instead of pepperocinis. Wonderful tangy flavor but without the heat (which is what I like). I also add a spoonful of beef better than bullion. Easy and delicious!
Danyeil
This is one of my favorites we add a cup of water or a can of beer to ours and it is delicious
Deedee
Deliciousness! If I make the home made version of the Italian mix you refer to, do I use all of it, which seems to measure 1/2 cup of spices...or a few tablespoons?
Lori Johansen
I make this substituting gravy for beer. Mmmm! Yummy!
Carol Ruttenberg Baker
My friend Lisa makes it using venison roast and dry ranch dressing mix. It’s awesome
Gloria Duggan
I LOVE my slow cooker. One of the best inventions ever. This pot roast looks so delicious. The perfect meal to make on a busy day. The slow cooker does all the work.
Lauren Michael Harris
I love how simple this slow cooker pot roast recipe is - it's perfect for weeknights and the whole family loves it!
Farrukh Aziz
This turned out to be really good! It's perfect for a main course, and it matches well with mashed potatoes! Thanks for sharing, Katie!
Sharon
Simple ingredients come together to give a big flavor to this roast. The perfect easy dinner for any night of the week.
Liz
I recently tried a vodka sauce that was infused with pepperoncini and it was SO good!! I'm now obsessed with all pepperoncini flavors haha. Such a great way to use my crockpot, too!
Marie
I've never slow-cooked meat with pepperoncini but I can totally imagine the flavor! This recipe looks so easy and versatile--it might be unusual but I'm dreaming of serving this juicy meat in tacos right now!
Heidy
This spicy Crock-Pot Pepperoncini Pot Roast Recipe made for a great meal that everyone enjoyed. I loved the textures and flavors and will be making this again! Have a great day!
Loreto and Nicoletta
Wow! What a grwat recipe. I love that it is all done in a slow cooker. Can just toss it all in set to low and go about my day, only to come home to dinner ready. Fabulous! Thanjs for the idea!
Kate
This was my first time trying out pepperoncini. The flavors were absolutely incredible and I can't wait to make this again!
Enriqueta E Lemoine
I cannot believe how easy to make and delicious is this pepperoncino beef! Thanks for the recipe and easy-to-follow video.
LaKita
This looks so easy and delicious. I've made a version of this before, but never with the salad dressing mix, will have to try that next time!
Steve
Quick question: making this for a few family members over. I know you suggest chuck roast but what would be the difference with tri-tip roast?
Also, I’m going two roasts of six lbs. total. Can I double the ingredients?
Thank You-Respectfully
Katie Crenshaw
The tri-tip roast is a little more lean and muscular. It makes a great grilling cut. Where the chuck roast will have marbled fat. You can use the tri-tip, it just might not be as juicy as the chuck roast. Some people don't like the extra fat like my sister-in-law and actually prefer the tri-tip. I personally like the extra flavor of the fat. Either way, it should be good. I do suggest not opening your crockpot as much as possible if you use the tri-tip. Mainly because each time you open the slow cooker, it lets out steam and changes the temperature. Keeping it closed cooks it like a slow pressure cooker. This will help keep it tender. Just check on it when it gets closer to the finished cooking time. If your two roast only go to 6 lbs, I would not double it. The seasonings will be enough. If it is like 7 or more, I would consider doubling the other ingredients. Hope you enjoy it.
Donna
Is this real spicy or just a little
Katie Crenshaw
Just a little. I have served this to children and they have had not problem eating it.
Julie Turner
I put this in the crockpot this morning. Followed it exactly. Ill let you know!!! Cant wait!!
Sue
Can you add potatoes or any additional veggies to this recipe?
Katie Crenshaw
I don't recommend it. The vegetables will change the flavor. I make mashed potatoes on the side. Or you can add it to a hoagie bun and eat as an Italian beef sandwich.
Brittany
Hi!! I have been making a version of this for years now…The only thing different is I add a packet of ranch seasoning powder too!! Game changer! Its delicious! It never lasts in my house!