Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast is a sumptuous, slow-cooked dish that brings a unique twist to traditional pot roast recipes. This recipe emphasizes tender, flavorful meat that breaks apart effortlessly, thanks to a combination of seasoning mixes and the magic of smoking. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings and sure to impress everyone at your table.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast is a wonderful experience for several reasons. First and foremost, it delivers a robust flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The combination of ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix provides a zesty, savory kick that elevates the classic pot roast to another level.

Additionally, using a Traeger grill gives the meat a distinct smoky flavor that can’t be achieved in a conventional oven. The slow cooking process ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender and juicy, making it perfect for shredding. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to prepare. Once you’ve set it up, you can let it cook while you attend to other tasks or relax, knowing a delicious meal is on the way.

How to Make Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast

Creating Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast is a straightforward process that involves just a few steps and simple ingredients. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients:

3-4 pounds chuck roast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 packet au jus gravy mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
6-8 pepperoncini peppers
1/4 cup pepperoncini juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat Traeger: Start by preheating your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or mesquite pellets. This temperature is perfect for low and slow cooking, which helps to render the fat and infuse flavor into the meat.
Season the Roast: Lightly season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. This will enhance the overall flavor of the meat during cooking.
Sear the Roast (Optional): For an additional layer of flavor, sear the roast on a hot skillet or directly on the Traeger grates for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step develops a nice crust that adds depth to the dish.
Prepare the Pan: Place the roast in a grill-safe Dutch oven or foil pan. This will contain the juices and help to keep the roast moist as it cooks.
Add Seasonings: Evenly sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix over the roast. This combination provides excellent flavor and enhances the overall dish.
Add Toppings: Top the roast with slices of butter, and scatter the pepperoncini peppers around it. Pour the pepperoncini juice around the roast, which adds moisture and a tangy flavor.
Cover and Cook: Cover the pan with foil or a lid and smoke the roast for 6-8 hours. You want the roast to be fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C) for optimal shredding.
Shred and Serve: Once the roast is done, remove it from the grill. Shred the beef and mix it into the juices before serving for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast

Serving Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast is as simple as it is delicious. You can serve it straight from the pan with the juices poured over the top. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up the tasty gravy. Adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can lighten up the meal and add a refreshing element.

For a fun twist, you could also serve this pot roast on slider buns for a delightful appetizer or lunch option.

How to Store Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast

If you have leftovers (though they are hard to come by!), let the pot roast cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for 3-4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Place the shredded pot roast in a freezer-safe container, adding a bit of the cooking juices to keep it moist. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Tips to Make Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast

Choose the Right Cut: A chuck roast is ideal because it has the perfect balance of fat and meat which makes it tender after cooking.
Sear First: While searing isn’t mandatory, it adds an extra depth of flavor that enhances the dish significantly.
Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your roast reaches the desired internal temperature for optimal texture and taste.
Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the roast to rest for about 15 minutes before shredding. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Variations

While the Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily customize it to your taste.

Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños for some heat or use spicy ranch seasoning.
Vegetable Addition: You can also throw in carrots and potatoes to the pot for a complete one-pan meal.
Herb Flavors: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma and taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast. However, cooking times may vary, so be sure to monitor the internal temperature.

2. What type of pellets should I use?
Hickory and mesquite are excellent choices for their strong, rich flavor. However, you can also use fruit woods like apple or cherry for a milder taste.

3. Can I cook this in an oven instead?
Yes, you can bake this recipe in an oven at a low temperature (around 225°F) in a covered Dutch oven; it will take a bit longer than on the Traeger.

4. How do I know when the roast is done?
The roast is done when it has reached an internal temperature of 200-205°F (93-96°C) and is fork-tender, indicating that the connective tissue has broken down.

Traeger Mississippi Pot Roast is not just a recipe; it provides a delightful culinary experience filled with warmth and flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that brings loved ones around your table for shared enjoyment. Happy cooking!