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!
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."
★★★★★- Alison
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. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Xoxo-Katie.
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Watch how to make it
Ingredient notes and substitutions
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 beef roast.
*Full recipe with ingredient measurements is located at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
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.
Can you substitute Au Jus Gravy for Packaged Gravy?
The original Pepperoncini Pot Roast recipe has only 3 ingredients: pot roast, dry Italian dressing seasoning mix, and pepperoncini. It is fantastic this way. The combination of the natural beef roast broth combined with the Italian Seasoning mix and the pepperoncini create its own delicious au jus gravy.
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. You can use beef broth in place of the gravy mix, but it will not have the thickening effect.
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.
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.
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.
About the recipe
Years ago, my dear friend Dede Hedgepeth shared this recipe with me. We had a monthly dinner club that was combined with playing Bunco and she made this for a party. It went fast. Everyone loved it.
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!)
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 pounds beef roast
- 16 ounces jar pepperoncini peppers with liquid
- 1 package of dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix
- 1 package of Brown Gravy Mix
Instructions
- Combine beef roast, pepperoncini peppers with liquid, dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix, and brown gravy mix together in crock-pot.3 to 5 pounds beef roast, 16 ounces jar pepperoncini peppers with liquid, 1 package of dry Italian Salad Dressing Mix, 1 package of Brown Gravy Mix
- Cook on low heat 6 to 8 hours or until meat is falling apart.
- Rest 5 or more minutes then serve.
Benn says
I loved it I cooked it on high by mistake for six hours next time I'll cook it on low for 8 hours. Dining guess were swept away by a last minute invite to a party. Unfortunately our ridge back was sitting in the kitchen at attention waiting for some roast. I gave her about 1 1/2 cups. I ate the rest.Thank God mild banana pepper were used. Next time small rump roast and dinner for two instead of eating all of it in one sitting. It was great I'd do it again.
Mommameg says
Was really salty despite using low sodium gravy mix. Also, on the spicy side for me. I’d still try making it again because the meat was tender, but I’d need to use less spicy peppers and find a way to tone down the salt.
Amanda says
Does anyone know if I can use a frozen roast? Same time?
Katie Crenshaw says
I have never personally tried it from frozen. However, I am told you can cook it frozen on low for 8-10 hours.
Martha says
I’m out of brown gravy powder. Can I substitute a pot roast mix envelope?
Katie Crenshaw says
I would think so. I haven't tried the pot roast mix, but I assume it is similar in flavor.
Elon @ Aalikinfo says
This recipe for crock-pot roast is my absolute favorite dish! Thank you for your kind words!
Brittany says
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!
Sue says
Can you add potatoes or any additional veggies to this recipe?
Katie Crenshaw says
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.
Julie Turner says
I put this in the crockpot this morning. Followed it exactly. Ill let you know!!! Cant wait!!
Donna says
Is this real spicy or just a little
Katie Crenshaw says
Just a little. I have served this to children and they have had not problem eating it.
Steve says
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 says
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.
LaKita says
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!
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
I cannot believe how easy to make and delicious is this pepperoncino beef! Thanks for the recipe and easy-to-follow video.
Kate says
This was my first time trying out pepperoncini. The flavors were absolutely incredible and I can't wait to make this again!
Loreto and Nicoletta says
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!
Heidy says
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!
Marie says
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!
Liz says
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!
Sharon says
Simple ingredients come together to give a big flavor to this roast. The perfect easy dinner for any night of the week.
Farrukh Aziz says
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!
Lauren Michael Harris says
I love how simple this slow cooker pot roast recipe is - it's perfect for weeknights and the whole family loves it!