When you think of Southern comfort food, few meals deliver the same heartwarming satisfaction as Mississippi Beef and Noodles. Inspired by the famous Mississippi Pot Roast, this dish takes tender, slow-cooked beef and transforms it into a rich, savory noodle-based meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

This recipe blends slow-cooked flavors with quick weeknight practicality—whether you prepare it in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch oven. Let’s break down everything you need to make your version the best on the internet.

🛒 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3–4 lbs chuck roast (or rump roast for leaner option)
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 packet au jus gravy mix (or brown gravy mix)
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
6–8 whole pepperoncini peppers (with 2 tbsp brine)
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
12 oz egg noodles (wide or medium)

Optional Enhancements

1 medium onion, sliced (adds sweetness)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sour cream (for creamier sauce)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Red pepper flakes (for heat)

🍲 Instructions

Slow Cooker Method (Recommended)

Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker.
Sprinkle ranch mix and au jus mix evenly over the beef.
Place butter and pepperoncini peppers on top.
Pour beef broth around the sides (not directly on top).
Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
Shred beef using two forks.
Meanwhile, cook egg noodles separately according to package directions.
Combine shredded beef, cooking juices, and noodles. Stir gently to coat.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Instant Pot Version

Sear beef chunks on “Sauté” mode.
Add seasonings, butter, pepperoncini, and broth.
Pressure cook on High for 60 minutes, natural release for 15 minutes.
Shred beef, then mix with cooked noodles.

Dutch Oven / Stovetop

Brown roast on all sides with oil.
Add mixes, butter, pepperoncini, and broth. Cover.
Simmer on low heat 3–4 hours, until tender.
Shred beef and mix with noodles.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Classic: With a side of cornbread or dinner rolls.
Comfort Feast: Serve over mashed potatoes or with roasted vegetables.
Family-Style: Pair with coleslaw and iced tea for a Southern spread.

🥶 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Store beef and sauce (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Results

Cut selection matters: Chuck roast is the gold standard for tenderness. Avoid lean cuts—they’ll dry out.
Prevent mushy noodles: Always cook noodles separately, then combine just before serving.
Boost flavor depth: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine while cooking.
Control richness: Use half a stick of butter if you prefer a lighter dish.

🔄 Variations

Mississippi Chicken and Noodles: Swap beef for boneless chicken thighs.
Creamy Version: Stir in cream cheese or sour cream after shredding beef.
Spicy Kick: Add extra pepperoncini juice or crushed red pepper.
Vegetarian Twist: Use mushrooms and vegetable broth in place of beef.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make it without pepperoncini?
Yes, but they add unique tang. Substitute with banana peppers or mild pickled peppers.

Q: What noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are traditional, but penne, rotini, or gluten-free pasta also work.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the beef a day ahead, refrigerate, then cook fresh noodles and combine before serving.

Q: Is it spicy?
No, pepperoncini are mild. For heat, add hot peppers or red pepper flakes.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into broth, and simmer until thickened.

📊 Nutrition (Per Serving, 6 servings)

Calories: ~520
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 25g
Sodium: 980mg

Final Thoughts

Mississippi Beef and Noodles is more than just a recipe—it’s a true Southern-inspired comfort dish that turns simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal. Whether you slow cook it on Sunday or whip it up midweek in an Instant Pot, this dish delivers flavor, comfort, and nostalgia in every bite.

It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly versatile—the kind of recipe you’ll keep making again and again.