If thereโs one thing my family knows, itโs that game day isnโt complete without something warm, cheesy, and completely irresistible on the menu. These Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders have quickly become a staple in our house for big gatherings, Sunday football, and even easy weeknight dinners. The beef cooks low and slow all day in that famous Mississippi Pot Roast mixโranch, au jus, butter, and pepperoncinisโuntil itโs so tender you can shred it with a fork.

When the beef is piled onto soft slider rolls, topped with melty provolone cheese, and brushed with a garlicky butter glaze before baking, the result is an over-the-top, flavor-packed little sandwich that disappears almost as fast as you can make them. My husband loves loading his up with extra pepperoncinis for more tang, while the kids go for the gooey, cheesy middle. Either way, these sliders never last long!
What Are Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders?
At their core, these sliders are a fun twist on the classic Mississippi Pot Roastโone of the most popular slow cooker recipes on the internet. Instead of serving the shredded beef over mashed potatoes or rice, weโre turning it into the ultimate party food: cheesy, handheld sliders. The flavor profile stays true to the originalโsavory, rich, tangy, and butteryโwhile the presentation makes them perfect for feeding a crowd.
When to Serve
These sliders are incredibly versatile and fit into just about any occasion:
- Game Day Parties โ The ultimate crowd-pleaser while everyoneโs glued to the TV.
- Holiday Gatherings โ Works as an appetizer or as part of a casual buffet.
- Potlucks โ Travels well in a covered baking dish.
- Family Dinners โ Serve with a big salad or roasted veggies for an easy meal.
- Meal Prep Lunches โ Pack in lunchboxes for a hearty option that reheats well.
Why Youโll Love These
- Hands-Off Cooking โ The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Incredible Flavor โ Tangy pepperoncinis, savory ranch, and au jus work magic on the beef.
- Perfect for a Crowd โ Makes a dozen sliders without doubling the recipe.
- Customizable โ Change up the cheese, add toppings, or spice it up.
- Kid-Friendly โ The tangy flavor is balanced by the buttery, cheesy finish.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chuck Roast (3 pounds) โ The go-to cut for pot roast thanks to its marbling. It becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.
Ranch Dressing Mix (1 ounce) โ Adds herby, savory seasoning.
Au Jus Gravy Mix (1 ounce) โ Brings depth and beefy richness.
Butter (ยผ cup) โ The secret to that silky, rich sauce.
Pepperoncini Peppers (ยฝ cup sliced + juice) โ Gives the signature tangy kick.
Hawaiian Rolls (12 count) โ Soft and slightly sweet, the perfect contrast to savory beef.
Provolone Cheese (12 slices) โ Melts beautifully and pairs well with the beefโs flavors.
Extra Pepperoncinis for Topping (ยผ cup) โ Adds brightness and heat.
Butter, Garlic Salt, Parsley (for brushing) โ The finishing touch that makes the tops golden, flavorful, and bakery-worthy.
Variations
- Spicy Upgrade โ Use hot pepperoncinis or add sliced jalapeรฑos.
- Garlic Bread Style โ Brush rolls with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan before baking.
- Pork Version โ Use a pork shoulder instead of beef.
- Open-Faced Option โ Serve on toasted garlic bread instead of closed sliders.
Best Cheese for Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders
While provolone is a classic choice for its smooth melt and mild flavor, you can easily tailor these sliders to your taste or the crowd youโre serving. Mozzarella offers a milder profile with a stretchy pull, Swiss brings a nutty note that complements the tangy pepperoncinis, and pepper jack adds just the right amount of heat for spice lovers. For maximum richness, try combining two cheesesโlike provolone and mozzarellaโfor a gooey, bakery-style melt that covers every bite.
Troubleshooting
- Cheese Didnโt Melt โ Cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of baking, then uncover to brown.
- Too Salty โ Use unsalted butter and low-sodium gravy mix.
- Not Enough Flavor โ Add extra pepperoncini juice or a sprinkle of garlic powder before baking.
How to Keep Slider Rolls from Getting Soggy
One of the most common concerns with slow cooker Mississippi pot roast sliders is soggy bread, but there are a few easy tricks to avoid it. Always drain excess cooking liquid from the shredded beef before layering it onto the rolls. Toasting the bottom half of the rolls for 3โ4 minutes in the oven before assembly can create a barrier that helps them hold up longer. You can also place a slice of cheese directly on the bottom roll before adding the meatโthis creates a buffer and helps keep your Hawaiian rolls for sliders light and fluffy even after baking.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Refrigeration โ Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating โ Wrap in foil and warm in a 325ยฐF oven for 10โ15 minutes.
- Serving Crowd-Sized Batches โ Keep them warm in a low-heat oven until ready to serve.
- Pairing Ideas โ Serve with chips, a green salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
- Make-Ahead โ Cook the beef up to 2 days in advance, then assemble and bake sliders just before serving.
- Freezing the Beef โ Shredded beef freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Do Not Freeze Assembled Sliders โ The bread will lose texture when thawed.
Lightened-Up Version
- Use a leaner chuck roast and trim visible fat.
- Swap regular cheese for reduced-fat slices.
- Use a light butter substitute for the brushing glaze.
- Serve open-faced to cut down on bread.
Protein Swaps & Dietary Adjustments
- Protein Options โ Swap the chuck roast for pork shoulder, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or turkey breast for a lighter twist.
- Low-Sodium Adjustments โ Use unsalted butter and low-sodium ranch/au jus packets to reduce salt content.
- Dairy-Free โ Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Keto-Friendly โ Serve the beef in lettuce wraps or on low-carb slider buns.
Budget Breakdown (approximate, based on average U.S. grocery prices)
- Chuck roast (3 lb) โ $15.00
- Ranch mix โ $1.00
- Au jus mix โ $1.00
- Butter โ $0.75
- Pepperoncinis โ $2.50
- Hawaiian rolls โ $4.50
- Provolone โ $3.50
- Garlic salt, parsley โ $0.50
Total: $28.75 for 12 sliders ($2.40 per slider)
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Juice โ The pepperoncini juice is key for authentic flavor.
- Overcooking in the Oven โ Just bake until cheese melts and tops are golden.
- Not Slicing Rolls Evenly โ Uneven cuts can cause toppers to slide off during baking.
- Adding Meat Too Wet โ Drain well to keep rolls intact.
FAQ (Detailed for SEO)
Q: Can I make these in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, but youโll need to adjust the liquid slightly and cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes with natural release.
Q: Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?
A: No, you can use dinner rolls, mini brioche buns, or any small soft roll.
Q: What if I canโt find pepperoncinis?
A: Banana peppers are a good substitute, though theyโre slightly sweeter.
Q: Can I make these spicier?
A: Use hot pepperoncinis, add red pepper flakes, or top with jalapeรฑos.
Q: Can I use pre-sliced deli roast beef?
A: You can, but the texture and flavor wonโt be the same as slow-cooked chuck roast.
Q: How do I keep sliders warm for a party?
A: Place them in a covered baking dish in a 200ยฐF oven until ready to serve.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Yes, use gluten-free rolls and ensure your gravy and ranch packets are GF-certified.
Hosting Tip: DIY Slider Bar
For parties, keep the shredded beef warm in the slow cooker and set out trays of slider rolls, cheeses, and toppings like sliced jalapeรฑos, extra pepperoncinis, sautรฉed mushrooms, and caramelized onions. Guests can build their own sliders exactly how they like themโperfect for accommodating different spice levels and preferences.
Personal Kitchen Notes
Iโve made these sliders for both big family gatherings and quiet Sunday dinners, and theyโre always a hit. The key for me is to drain the beef well before layering it on the rollsโotherwise the bread can get too soft. I also like to assemble them in the morning and keep them covered in the fridge until just before baking so the prep feels effortless when guests arrive. If Iโm making them for game day, Iโll keep a second batch of the shredded beef warm in the slow cooker so I can quickly assemble more sliders if the first tray vanishes (which it usually does).
Final Thoughts
If youโre looking for a recipe thatโs guaranteed to disappear before halftime, Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders are it. Theyโre everything you want in a party foodโeasy to make, ridiculously flavorful, and loved by kids and adults alike. Whether youโre hosting a football party, a holiday get-together, or just want an effortless family dinner, this is one recipe youโll come back to again and again.
More Crave-Worthy Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
- Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Round Steak and Gravy
- Crockpot Apple Butter Meatballs
Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 3 pound chuck roast
- 1 1 ounce packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 1 ounce packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/4 cup butter
- ยฝ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- ยผ cup pepperoncini juice
- 12 count hawaiian rolls
- 12 slices provolone
- ยผ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers for topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- To your slow cooker add the chuck roast, ranch packet, au jus packet, ยผ cup butter, ยฝ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers, and pepperoncini pepper juice.
- Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Shred the meat and remove any visible fat.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Slice your rolls in half and place the bottom layer of the rolls in the baking dish.
- Layer 6 slices of provolone.
- Next pile on all that shredded meat.
- Top with the remaining cheese and ยผ cup sliced pepperoncinis.
- Place on the top half of the rolls.
- Melt your 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the garlic salt and parsley.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter mixture.
- Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheesy melted.
- Serve!
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