Crockpot Mississippi Pepperoncini Beef with Noodles and Bell Peppers: Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Food
If you’re searching for the perfect blend of tangy, savory, and utterly tender beef that practically melts in your mouth, look no further than this Crockpot Mississippi Pepperoncini Beef with Noodles and Bell Peppers. This recipe takes the viral sensation of Mississippi Pot Roast and elevates it into a complete one-pot meal by adding colorful bell peppers for sweetness and crunch, plus hearty egg noodles that cook right in the rich, flavorful gravy.
Inspired by the classic combination of chuck roast, ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers, this version incorporates vibrant red and yellow bell peppers for extra veggies and visual appeal, along with wide egg noodles to soak up every drop of that addictive sauce. The result? A hands-off slow cooker dinner that’s packed with bold flavors—tangy from the pepperoncini, herby from the ranch, deeply beefy from the au jus, and buttery rich throughout.
This dish is ideal for busy families, potlucks, game days, or cozy winter nights. It’s incredibly forgiving, requires minimal prep, and feeds a crowd with leftovers that taste even better the next day. Let’s explore why this recipe has captured hearts across the internet and how you can make it your own.
Why This Crockpot Mississippi Beef with Noodles Will Become Your Favorite
The original Mississippi Pot Roast exploded in popularity thanks to its ridiculously simple ingredient list and explosive flavor payoff. This amped-up version keeps all that magic while turning it into a full meal:
- Effortless Preparation: Just a few minutes of work, then the slow cooker does everything.
- Incredible Flavor Profile: The pepperoncini add a mild tang and subtle heat (not spicy!), balanced by creamy butter, zesty ranch, and savory au jus.
- Added Veggies and Pasta: Bell peppers bring freshness, color, and nutrition; noodles make it hearty and satisfying.
- Tender, Shreddable Beef: Chuck roast becomes fork-tender after hours of slow cooking.
- Versatile: Serve as-is, over rice, or even in sandwiches.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters love the mild, comforting tastes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or freezing.
Once you try this, you’ll understand why Mississippi-style roasts have millions of fans—it’s comfort food elevated to legendary status.
Ingredients for Crockpot Mississippi Pepperoncini Beef with Noodles and Bell Peppers
This recipe serves 6-8 generously. Gather these simple items:
Main Components:
- 3-4 pound beef chuck roast (or stew meat cubes for faster cooking and easier serving)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix (Hidden Valley or generic; low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix (McCormick or similar)
- 8-10 pepperoncini peppers (from a jar, whole or sliced; plus 1/2 cup of the juice for extra tang)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pats
For the Veggie and Noodle Twist:
- 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 yellow for color), sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 12-16 ounces wide egg noodles (uncooked; or substitute any pasta)
Optional Enhancements:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 cups low-sodium beef broth (if you want more gravy for the noodles)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste (use sparingly—the packets are salty)
Tip: Use stew meat (pre-cut chuck) like in many viral versions for bite-sized pieces that mix perfectly with the noodles—no shredding required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This is truly a dump-and-go recipe with a couple of easy additions for the noodles and peppers.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray a 6-quart (or larger) crockpot with non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
- Add the Beef: Place the chuck roast (whole or cubed stew meat) at the bottom.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the beef.
- Top with Flavor Boosters: Arrange the pepperoncini peppers on top. Pour 1/2 cup of pepperoncini juice over everything. Dot the butter pats across the top.
- Add Veggies: Scatter the sliced bell peppers (and onion if using) around and on top of the beef. This allows them to soften and infuse the gravy.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours (or HIGH for 4-6 hours) until the beef is fall-apart tender.
- Shred or Stir: If using a whole roast, remove it, shred with two forks, and return to the pot. For stew meat, simply stir to break up larger pieces.
- Add the Noodles: Stir in the uncooked egg noodles (and extra beef broth if needed for more liquid). Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and have absorbed the gravy.
- Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy piping hot!
Total cook time: 8-10 hours on low + 30 minutes for noodles (mostly hands-off).
Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Master this recipe with these insider secrets:
- Meat Choice: Chuck roast is classic for its marbling and tenderness. Stew meat speeds things up and creates built-in portions.
- Heat Level: Pepperoncini are mild—closer to bell peppers than jalapeños. For no heat, use fewer peppers and skip the juice.
- Salt Control: The packets are salty; opt for low-sodium versions and taste before adding more.
- Gravy Thickness: If too thin after adding noodles, mix 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last 15 minutes.
- Searing Optional: For deeper flavor, sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding to the crockpot.
- Noodle Timing: Add them toward the end to avoid mushiness. Wide egg noodles hold up best.
- Veggie Softness: Add bell peppers at the start for soft, melded flavors; for crisper texture, add in the last 2 hours.
- Butter Alternatives: Use half the butter for lighter version, or ghee for lactose-free.
Delicious Variations to Try
Customize this base recipe endlessly:
- Spicy Kick: Add jarred banana peppers, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes.
- Extra Veggies: Include carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes for a full stew.
- Creamy Version: Stir in cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
- Protein Swaps: Try with pork shoulder or chicken thighs (Mississippi Chicken is amazing!).
- Low-Carb: Skip noodles; serve over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.
- Sandwich Style: Pile shredded beef on hoagie rolls with provolone cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF ranch/au jus mixes and GF pasta.
Nutritional Breakdown and Serving Ideas
Approximate per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 45g
- Carbs: 45g (from noodles)
- Fat: 35g
Pair with:
- Simple green salad or steamed broccoli
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables
Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (freeze beef and gravy separately from noodles if possible).
- Reheat: Stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen gravy.
Make ahead: Cook the beef portion a day early, then add noodles fresh.
Common Questions Answered
Is this spicy? No—the pepperoncini add tang, not heat.
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, but chuck is best for tenderness.
No pepperoncini? Substitute mild banana peppers.
Too salty? Use low-sodium packets and dilute with water/broth.
Instant Pot version? Yes—high pressure for 60-75 minutes, natural release, then add noodles on sauté.
The Story Behind Mississippi Pot Roast
This iconic dish traces back to a Mississippi home cook who adapted a family recipe by adding pepperoncini to tame the heat from hotter peppers. It went viral online in the 2010s, praised for its simplicity and flavor. The addition of bell peppers and noodles is a modern twist seen in countless home variations, making it a complete dinner rather than just the roast.
Why Slow Cooker Meals Like This Are Essential
In our fast-paced lives, recipes like this Crockpot Mississippi Pepperoncini Beef with Noodles and Bell Peppers save the day. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and the magic of “set it and forget it” cooking make it a staple for modern kitchens.
Dive in and experience the hype for yourself—this tangy, buttery, tender beef over noodles will have everyone asking for seconds.