The Mississippi Pot Roast has become a modern classic, celebrated for its ease and deeply satisfying flavor. However, the traditional recipe often includes ingredients that aren't suitable for a ketogenic diet. This article explores how to make a Mississippi Pot Roast that is both keto-friendly and delicious, perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.
What is Mississippi Pot Roast?
Originating in Ripley, Mississippi, in the 1990s, the Mississippi Pot Roast is traditionally made with a chuck roast, ranch seasoning mix, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. The result is a tender, flavorful roast that's become a favorite for family dinners.
Why Adapt for Keto?
The traditional recipe includes ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mixes, which often contain cornstarch, wheat, and other additives that are high in carbohydrates. To make this dish keto-friendly, it's necessary to eliminate these ingredients or find suitable low-carb alternatives.
Key Ingredients and Keto Substitutions
- Beef Chuck Roast: This cut of meat is ideal for slow cooking, becoming incredibly tender as it cooks. Look for a roast with good marbling for the best flavor.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These peppers add a mild tang and subtle heat to the roast. Be sure to check the label and choose the mild version if you prefer less spice.
- Butter: A key ingredient for richness and flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning: Instead of a packet mix, use a homemade ranch seasoning blend.
- Au Jus Gravy: This recipe skips the packet of au jus mix because it is full of wheat and cornstarch which means it is not low carb or gluten free, but this recipe is still insanely easy.
Keto Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 Beef Chuck Roast (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 teaspoons oil (such as avocado oil or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar pepperoncini peppers, with some brine reserved
- 1 stick of butter
- 2 teaspoons homemade ranch seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp beef bouillon or base
Instructions:
- Prepare the Roast: Trim away any excess surface fat from the chuck roast. Rub the roast with 2 teaspoons of oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Roast (Optional): While not essential, searing the roast adds depth of flavor. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides until nicely seared.
- Slow Cooker Method:
- Place the roast in the slow cooker.
- Add water and beef base, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour into the slow cooker at the sides of the roast.
- Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the Homemade Ranch Seasoning over the roast.
- Dot with pieces of butter.
- Lay pepperoncini on top.
- Pour about a cup of the reserved brine into the slow cooker then discard the rest.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the roast is fork-tender.
- Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning after cooking.
- Instant Pot Method:
- Use the Instant Pot's sauté function to sear the seasoned roast on all sides.
- Add the pepperoncini peppers, reserved brine, homemade ranch seasoning, beef base, and butter to the Instant Pot.
- Add an extra 1/2 cup of water.
- Seal the lid and cook on manual high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Allow for a natural pressure release.
- Shred and Serve: Once the roast is cooked, shred it with two forks. You can discard the pepperoncini stems or shred the peppers along with the meat for added flavor.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Creating your own ranch seasoning mix allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unwanted carbs and additives.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons dried dill
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Mississippi Pot Roast is incredibly versatile. Here are some keto-friendly serving suggestions:
Read also: Flavorful Keto Pot Roast
- Cauliflower Mash: A classic pairing that mimics the texture of mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted turnips, rutabaga, or broccoli for a hearty and nutritious meal.
- Low-Carb Rolls or Bread: Use the shredded roast for sandwiches with keto-friendly bread or rolls.
- Cauliflower Rice: A simple and satisfying side dish.
- Omelet or Quesadilla: Use leftovers in an omelet, or even sandwiched into a quesadilla.
Tips for Perfect Keto Mississippi Pot Roast
- Choose the Right Cut: A chuck roast is ideal because it becomes very tender when slow-cooked.
- Don't Skip the Searing (Optional): Searing the roast adds a delicious crust and enhances the overall flavor.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker or Instant Pot. The roast is done when it easily shreds with a fork.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can use xanthan gum or cornstarch (in moderation) to thicken the sauce.
- Xanthan Gum: Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum to the liquid and rapidly whisk, or better yet use an immersion blender and blend until smooth. Add a scant 1/4 teaspoon additional xanthan gum if needed.
- Corn Starch: Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with one tablespoon COLD water into a slurry, then whisk it into the juice in the hot slow cooker. It may take a few minutes but the sauce will thicken. Reduce the heat back down to low or warm. Add the shredded beef to the gravy.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.
Nutritional Information
A serving of this Keto Mississippi Pot Roast is not only delicious but also fits well within a ketogenic diet.
- Low in carbs, making it suitable for keto.
- High in protein, which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Rich in healthy fats.
Common Questions
- Can I use a different cut of meat? While chuck roast is recommended, you can also use brisket or round roast.
- Is this recipe spicy? The mild version, this recipe is not spicy and is very kid-friendly. If you like a little kick, the spicy option adds a little hotness!
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, this recipe is perfect for the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Read also: Enjoy a flavorful and tender Keto Chuck Roast with our easy-to-follow oven recipe.
Read also: Comfort Food Keto Style