
This healthy Mississippi Pot Roast is pure comfort food that fits both Whole30 and Paleo lifestyles. By swapping out traditional processed ingredients for cleaner pantry staples, it is deeply savory while using only real foods. The long slow cook transforms affordable chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth bites surrounded by a tangy rich broth that is pure nostalgia for anyone who grew up with this pot roast on the Sunday table.
The first time I made this Paleo spin on Mississippi roast my husband thought I had ordered takeout it was that rich and satisfying. Now it is my answer when anyone in the house craves something hearty but I want to keep things healthy.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast: Adds deep beefy flavor and becomes ultra tender after hours of braising Choose well-marbled meat for best results
- Olive oil: Helps achieve a gorgeous sear on the roast Use extra virgin for flavor if you have it
- Beef broth: Creates the flavorful braising liquid Choose low sodium with no additives for Whole30
- Dried chives: Bring a gentle onion flavor and soft green flecks Dried are convenient but fresh can be used
- Garlic powder: Adds robust flavor so the sauce tastes slow cooked from the start Use fresh garlic if preferred
- Onion powder: Layers savory flavor and works well in sauces with long simmering
- Dried dill: Lends a grassy brightness that makes every bite pop
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for robustly seasoning every layer Go for kosher salt and freshly ground pepper if possible
- Pepperoncini peppers and juice: Bring the signature zippy tang and mild heat that makes this roast addictive Look for crisp firm peppers in the jar
- Ghee: Adds rich buttery flavor that melds into the sauce Clarified butter is traditional for Paleo but high quality butter can be substituted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Roast:
- Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels then season it liberally with salt and pepper on all sides Let it sit to take the chill off while you prepare the skillet
- Sear the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until hot and shimmering Add the roast and sear each side for about two minutes Turn only when there is a deep crust this step locks in savory flavor
- Deglaze and Reduce:
- After removing the roast pour in the beef broth and scrape up all those brown bits from the pan simmering to reduce the liquid by roughly half This will deepen the flavor of your finished sauce
- Layer Into the Slow Cooker:
- Set the seared roast in the slow cooker Pour the reduced broth over top then sprinkle with chives garlic powder onion powder dill salt and pepper Nestle the pepperoncini around the meat pour in the pepper brine and top everything with pats of ghee
- Slow Cook Until Tender:
- Cover and cook on low for eight to ten hours or high for five to six hours The roast is done when it is fork tender and shreds easily If it resists shredding cook it for another hour or two
- Serve with Your Favorite Side:
- Spoon the flavorful sauce and peppers over the thinly shredded beef Served best atop mashed potatoes cauliflower rice or polenta for a classic touch

I always look forward to the bright pop of flavor from the pepperoncini peppers in each bite They bring back memories of huge Sunday roasts at my grandma’s house where that tangy aroma filled the air as soon as you walked in
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for four to five days The flavors get even better after a day and the meat remains juicy Simply reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or in a microwave
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of ghee a high quality butter is perfectly tasty For a different twist try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley near the end of the cook For a less spicy finish use half the amount of pepperoncini or skip the extra juice

Serving Suggestions
I love piling this tender roast on top of creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower for a grain free dinner Leftovers make amazing sandwiches lettuce wraps or even a topping for baked sweet potatoes
Cultural Context
Mississippi Pot Roast became a staple in Southern kitchens in the 1990s when resourceful home cooks found affordable cuts of beef could become mouthwatering with just a few pantry items This healthy update carries on that thrifty tradition but skips the processed mixes and keeps the spirit of down home comfort alive
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness, but brisket or shoulder roast can work if needed. Adjust cooking time for best results.
- → What can I serve with Mississippi pot roast?
It's delicious over mashed potatoes, cauliflower, polenta, or rice. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad also pair well.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months for easy reheating.
- → Is ghee necessary, or can I use another fat?
Ghee adds flavor and is Whole30/Paleo friendly, but butter or avocado oil can be substituted if dietary needs allow.
- → Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors develop even more after resting a day. Reheat gently and serve as desired for convenience.