Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a smoky twist, Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast is your answer. This tender, flavorful roast combines the magic of low-and-slow smoking on a Traeger grill with the tangy, savory goodness that made the Mississippi Pot Roast a Southern classic. With minimal prep, a handful of pantry staples, and rich, bold flavors, this is the kind of recipe that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Traditionally made in a slow cooker, Mississippi Pot Roast gets a delicious upgrade when cooked on a pellet smoker like the Traeger. The smoke infuses the beef with deep flavor, while pepperoncini peppers, ranch seasoning, and au jus mix create a mouthwatering gravy that soaks into every bite. The result is fall-apart tender meat with a zesty, buttery sauce that begs to be spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or warm rolls.

This dish is ideal for weekend gatherings, cozy family dinners, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. Once you try it on the smoker, you may never go back to the crockpot version again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unbelievable Flavor – Smoky, tangy, buttery, and savory all in one bite.
2. Set It and Forget It – Once it’s on the Traeger, the smoker does all the work.
3. Minimal Ingredients – Just a few pantry staples transform the beef into a masterpiece.
4. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender – Low-and-slow smoking makes the roast incredibly juicy and tender.
5. Versatile Serving Options – Serve it over potatoes, sandwiches, noodles, or even on sliders.

Ingredients

• Chuck roast (beef)
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Au jus gravy mix
• Pepperoncini peppers
• Pepperoncini juice
• Unsalted butter
• Beef broth (optional for extra moisture)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder if desired)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot pepperoncini for more heat.
• Homemade Seasoning: Use your own ranch and au jus seasoning blends for a cleaner version.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip any starchy sides and serve with cauliflower mash or over greens.
• With Vegetables: Add carrots or baby potatoes in the last couple hours of smoking.
• Pulled Sandwich Style: Shred and serve on buns with provolone or Swiss cheese.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Traeger

Set your Traeger grill to 225°F and preheat with the lid closed for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Season the Roast

Season the chuck roast with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Let it rest at room temperature while the grill heats up.

Step 3: Smoke the Roast

Place the roast directly on the grill grates and smoke for about 2–3 hours until it absorbs a nice smoky flavor.

Step 4: Transfer to a Pan

Move the roast to a disposable aluminum pan or cast-iron dish. Sprinkle the ranch and au jus seasoning packets over the top.

Step 5: Add Butter and Peppers

Place butter slices on top of the roast. Add whole pepperoncini peppers and pour in a bit of the pepperoncini juice.

Step 6: Cover and Cook

Cover the pan tightly with foil. Raise the grill temperature to 275°F and cook for another 3–4 hours, or until the roast shreds easily with a fork.

Step 7: Shred and Serve

Remove the roast from the smoker, shred with forks, and mix with the flavorful juices in the pan. Serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Choose a well-marbled chuck roast for maximum tenderness.
• Don’t skip the pepperoncini juice—it adds key flavor and moisture.
• Smoke uncovered first to build flavor, then wrap to retain moisture and finish cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temp reaches 195–205°F for easy shredding.
• Rest the meat for 10–15 minutes before shredding to lock in juices.

How to Serve

• Over Mashed Potatoes: Classic and delicious.
• With Rice or Egg Noodles: A hearty option to soak up the sauce.
• On Sandwich Rolls: Pile high with melted cheese for the perfect pot roast sandwich.
• In Tacos or Wraps: Add a zesty twist to taco night.
• With Roasted Vegetables: A lighter, low-carb pairing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze shredded roast with its juices in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. What cut of meat is best for Mississippi Pot Roast?

Chuck roast is the top choice—it’s flavorful and becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.

2. Can I use homemade seasoning instead of packets?

Yes, homemade ranch and au jus mixes work great if you prefer to avoid packaged seasonings.

3. How long does it take to smoke Mississippi Pot Roast?

About 6–7 hours total: 2–3 hours uncovered for smoke, then 3–4 hours covered to finish.

4. Do I have to use pepperoncini peppers?

They’re key to the dish’s flavor, but you can substitute banana peppers in a pinch.

5. Can I use a different type of grill?

Yes, but a pellet smoker like Traeger gives the best flavor. Use indirect heat if using a charcoal or gas grill.

6. Can I cook this in a Dutch oven instead?

Absolutely. You can use a Dutch oven in the smoker or oven if preferred.

7. Should I sear the roast first?

It’s optional. The smoker adds plenty of flavor, but searing adds a deeper crust if desired.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Check your seasoning packet labels—some ranch and au jus mixes contain gluten.

9. Can I add veggies to the pan?

Yes, add carrots, onions, or potatoes during the last 2 hours of cook time for a one-pan meal.

10. What pellets should I use in the Traeger?

Hickory, mesquite, or oak pellets all pair wonderfully with beef.

Conclusion

Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast is the smoky, savory comfort food you didn’t know you needed. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, tangy peppers, and buttery richness, it’s a flavor bomb that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something soul-warming, this dish delivers every single time. Once you fire up your Traeger for this roast, it just might become your new signature recipe.

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