Slow Cooker Mississippi Stew

📝Shopping list

To make this delicious dinner, you will need these simple ingredients, which are readily available in most grocery stores: 

• stew meat
• baby potatoes 
• all-purpose flour
• packet of ranch dressing mix
• brown gravy mix - or au jus
• pepperoncini peppers - whole or cut into rings
•  juice from pepperoncini jar
• water* 
• butter - optional

What is stew meat, exactly?? 

Beef that is labeled "stew beef" is generally cut into smaller chunks.  It is made up of small pieces that the butcher had left over when cutting larger pieces of tougher meats.  I love to use this type of meat in my slow cooker for several reasons:

1.  It is one of the most cost-effective ways to buy meat

2. It is already cut up, so it saves a step with recipes like this one.

3.  It is perfect for slow cooking because it can cook all day, turning into tender beef as it goes.

Another less expensive cut of meat would work for this recipe just as well.  The best cuts of meat to use for slow-cooking stew meat are: beef chuck roast, skirt steak, rump roast, eye of round roast, shank, and brisket.  

There are tons of great slow cooker recipes that use stew meat. These include Spanish beef stew, Korean beef bulgogi, Hawaiian beef & pineapples, and tomato beef barley soup.

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it in a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: Some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended over spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Get Cooking

Start by placing beef into a bag and adding the flour.  Close the bag and shake it to coat each chunk of beef.  

Place coated beef chunks into your slow cooker and top with all remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.  

Once cooking time has passed, serve and enjoy!  Easy recipes like this one are a great thing!  

NOTE:  This delicious meal is a take-off of the famous Mississippi pot roast recipe created by home cook Robin Chapman.  Can you guess where she is from (good job if you said Mississippi!!)?

🍽Serving suggestions

The best thing is that there are so many different ways to serve this delicious roast recipe. I like it over cauliflower rice.  But, it would also be delicious on traditional rice, mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower or a bed of egg noodles. 

A small garden salad and some crusty bread would round out your Mississippi stew meal perfectly. 

🔁Substitution ideas

1. I use whole pepperoncini peppers, but sliced pepper rings would work just as well
2. This dish has a slight kick (not spicy by any means).  Swap pepperoncini peppers for mild banana peppers and juice to turn it down even further.
3. Some people find this recipe a bit too salty (I don't!) To reduce the sodium a bit, try substituting gravy mix with low-sodium au jus mix. Homemade ranch seasoning can also be used as a substitute for store-bought. 
4. For a richer flavor, substitute water with low-sodium beef broth.
5. If you prefer chuck roast to stew meat, try The Magical Slow Cooker's Mississippi Pot Roast .

😉Hints & hacks

1. Using a slow cooker liner is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
2. This is one of those great slow cooker meals for when your people eat at different times. Turn your slow cooker to the warm setting when done. Everyone can have a warm and filling meal with minimal effort, regardless of their dinner time.
3. This is a great recipe to double for a crowd.  Just dougle the ingredients in the same proportions. The cooking time will remain the same.  
4. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
5. Always double-check to make sure your slow cooker is on and plugged in!!! There is nothing worse than coming home to a slow cooker that was never properly turned on!