If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and downright unforgettable meal, the Mississippi Beef and Noodles Recipe is here to steal your heart and fill your belly. This dish brilliantly combines tender, slow-cooked chuck roast infused with zesty pepperoncini peppers and rich seasonings, served over buttery egg noodles that soak up every last bit of the savory gravy. It’s a perfect meal for cozy nights, family dinners, or anytime you want a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your all-time favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a pivotal role in building layers of deliciousness. From the hearty chuck roast providing melt-in-your-mouth texture to the tangy punch of pepperoncini peppers and the creamy butter coating the noodles, each component adds its own magic.
- 3-4 lb chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Adds a creamy, herby base that enhances the beef without overpowering it.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix: Brings depth and a savory finish that elevates the sauce to restaurant-quality levels.
- 6-8 whole pepperoncini peppers: These give the dish a gentle spicy tang that balances the richness of the beef.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Used both in the slow cooker and tossed with the noodles for a velvety mouthfeel.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps the meat moist and helps create the luscious gravy.
- 12 oz egg noodles: The perfect pasta to absorb the beefy, tangy sauce and add comforting texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and a hint of freshness as a garnish.
How to Make Mississippi Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by seasoning your chuck roast generously with salt and pepper to bring out its natural flavors. Then, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until it develops a rich, brown crust. This step is crucial because it locks in the juices and adds that beautiful caramelized flavor that you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker
Transfer your seared chuck roast into the slow cooker and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the top. These packages make seasoning foolproof, delivering that famous Mississippi beef flavor without extra effort.
Step 3: Add Pepperoncinis and Butter
Place the whole pepperoncini peppers around the roast and dot the top with butter. The pepperoncini will infuse the meat with subtle heat and acidity while the butter melts down, creating a silky, rich sauce. Pour in the beef broth to keep everything tender and juicy throughout the long cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook the beef on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The low and slow heat transforms the chuck roast into tender, shreddable perfection while allowing all the flavors to marry beautifully. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly as the beef simmers away.
Step 5: Shred the Beef and Finish
Once the beef is fall-apart tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir well to coat it completely in the flavorful au jus gravy. Let it rest on the “warm” setting for another 15 to 20 minutes, so the meat soaks up all those delicious juices.
Step 6: Cook and Butter the Egg Noodles
While the beef is resting, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and toss them with butter for that irresistible silky texture. This step ensures the noodles complement the beef without getting soggy or flavorless.
Step 7: Serve it Up
Spoon the tender shredded beef and its luscious gravy over a generous bed of buttery egg noodles. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have it on hand. This final step brings everything together, creating a meal that’s as beautiful to look at as it is satisfying to eat.
How to Serve Mississippi Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here—it brightens the rich flavors and adds a lovely splash of green to the plate. If you want a bit more zing, consider a light drizzle of extra au jus or a few chopped pepperoncinis on top. These simple touches make each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
Because the Mississippi Beef and Noodles Recipe is so hearty, fresh and crunchy side dishes pair wonderfully. Try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans for added earthiness and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shredded beef in warm pita pockets or over mashed potatoes instead of noodles. You could also turn leftovers into beef sliders using soft buns, making an excellent lunch or casual dinner option. The versatility of this recipe makes it a winner no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mississippi Beef and Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep the beef and noodles separated if possible to prevent the noodles from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Portion the shredded beef with its gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze noodles separately or cook fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Toss fresh buttered noodles in after reheating, or warm noodles separately and combine just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling and tenderness, you can also use brisket or a round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary depending on the cut.
What if I don’t have slow cooker time? Can I make this on the stove?
You can adapt the recipe for stovetop by cooking the beef in a heavy pot with a lid on low heat for several hours, but slow cooking is preferred for the best tender, shred-ready texture.
Are the pepperoncini peppers spicy?
Pepperoncini are mildly tangy with a gentle heat that adds brightness without overwhelming the dish. They balance the richness of the beef and make the sauce deliciously zesty.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free ranch and au jus seasoning mixes and substitute egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option.
How can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
Prepare the beef and gravy the day before, shred it, and store it in the fridge. Cook the noodles fresh on the day of the party and warm the beef mixture slowly before serving. This makes hosting stress-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying dinner that effortlessly combines bold flavors, tender beef, and comforting noodles, I can’t recommend the Mississippi Beef and Noodles Recipe enough. It’s simple to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and tastes like it took hours of chef-level effort. Do yourself a favor and try this recipe soon—you might just find your new favorite comfort food.
Print
Mississippi Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker low) or 4-5 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Mississippi Beef and Noodles is a hearty, flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chuck roast simmered with ranch and au jus seasoning, pepperoncini peppers for a slight tang, and served over buttery egg noodles. Perfect for a comforting family dinner that combines rich beef gravy with soft pasta.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 3–4 lb chuck roast
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 6–8 whole pepperoncini peppers
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz egg noodles
- Butter (for tossing noodles, approximately 1-2 tablespoons)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Generously season the chuck roast on all sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides, which locks in flavor and texture.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chuck roast into the slow cooker to prepare for long, low-temperature cooking.
- Add Seasonings and Peppers: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the roast, then add the whole pepperoncini peppers on top.
- Top with Butter and Broth: Place the 4 tablespoons of butter on top of the beef and pour in the cup of beef broth to provide moisture and richness during cooking.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender enough to shred.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, then return the shredded meat to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
- Rest and Mix: Stir the beef into the gravy thoroughly and let it rest on the “warm” setting for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors fully.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions, drain well, and toss with butter to prevent sticking and add richness.
- Serve: Plate the buttered noodles and ladle the shredded beef and gravy over them. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For more spicy heat, add extra pepperoncini peppers or a splash of their juice.
- Using butter to toss the noodles prevents them from sticking and adds extra flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well and make great sandwiches or wraps.
- If you prefer, use fresh parsley or substitute with chopped chives or green onions.
- Use high-quality chuck roast for the most tender results after slow cooking.
