In this slow cooker version of the classic Mississippi pot roast, this boneless beef short rib recipe is made without processed, packaged mixes and the stick of butter.  However, they’re just as flavorful and with buttery tenderness! Mashed turnips, succotash, or fried cabbage are perfect on the side!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper!

I had never heard of Mississippi (or, as they say around here…. Miss-sippi) Pot Roast until a year ago when I saw it on another blogger’s website, even though for the past 25 years, I have lived only three miles from the Mississippi state line.  The pepperoncini in the roast recipe intrigued me because I LOVE pepperoncini and anything pickled.

I didn’t love all the processed packaged mixes I saw in the recipe because I try to keep my usage of these items to a minimum.  The original also calls for a stick of butter!!

Then, a client of mine asked me to make it.  I made it according to the classic recipe but found the saltiness overwhelming. Thankfully, they enjoyed it.  Because my clients want food that’s as “clean” as possible, I devised a less “processed” version of this classic Mississippi pot roast where beef wasn’t smothered with packaged mixes.

Here it is!  The famous Mississippi pot roast done as a boneless beef short rib recipe–without packaged mixes!  And without a stick of butter!

Origin of Mississippi Pot Roast:

Mississippi Pot Roast was created by a home cook from Ripley, Mississippi, in the early 2000s.  She set out to recreate a chuck roast recipe her aunt made.  Her family raved about her version, which led to it being published in a church cookbook.  That was followed by someone doing a blog post; the rest is history. It caught fire all over the internet.

How to Make a Mississippi-Style Boneless Beef Short Rib Recipe:

Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this boneless beef short rib recipe, along with how to prep the ingredients. See the recipe card below for the exact quantities.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

• Ranch Dressing Mix Substitutes: Because fresh is always better, instead of packaged ranch dressing mix, which typically has dried onion, garlic, dill, and parsley, I use FRESH:
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Parsley (added at the end)
  • I didn’t see the need to add dill as the amount in a package of ranch dressing mix is so tiny and dill with beef seems wrong.
• Packaged Gravy Mix Substitutes: Instead of packaged gravy mix in this boneless beef short rib recipe, I use:
  • Beef broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • The soy sauce and Worcestershire will give you the depth and saltiness of the packaged gravy mix.
• Pepperoncini and Cherry Peppers: Some little pickled peppers can be quite hot, so select according to your tolerance.
• The Beef: Instead of a chuck roast (which is traditionally used), I used boneless beef short ribs here.  I love them more than a chuck roast because all the connective tissue is more evenly distributed throughout boneless beef short ribs.  That connective tissue will melt away and produce a beautiful fall-apart result.  No butter needed, but beautiful, buttery beef short ribs! Boneless beef short ribs are cut from the chuck and are rib meat separated from the bone.  A butcher can cut them for you.  I usually get them at Costco.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

• Gather and prep all the ingredients.
• Season the boneless beef short ribs with salt if desired (remember many of the ingredients are salty) and with black pepper and brown the short ribs in batches in a skillet with some oil.  (I wait until the dish is finished to add salt.  The Worcestershire and soy sauce will add a fair amount of saltiness.)
• When browning the boneless beef short ribs, toss the onions and cook briefly to remove the raw edge.

• Combine everything, including the pepperoncini and cherry peppers, in a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
• Cook for 5 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW, then thicken the gravy.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning of the ribs with salt and pepper if desired.

How to thicken sauces and gravy in a slow cooker:

There are three ways to thicken sauces in a slow cooker:

With all-purpose flour:

• This can be done right in the slow cooker.  This method works best if you’ve cooked the ribs on high because you’ll already have a good simmer.  One disadvantage is that your sauce will be lighter in color.
• When there are about 45 minutes left, remove 1 cup of the braising liquid. Let it cool for 15 minutes, then mix in 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth.
• Add it to the slow cooker in 1-2 tablespoon increments around the meat in various places, stirring well until it’s incorporated.  Don’t just drop the whole thing in at once.
• Continue cooking uncovered on high for approximately 30 minutes until the gravy thickens.  Then, cover it and let it sit for a while; it will continue to thicken as it stands.

With cornstarch (gluten-free thickening):

• If you’ve cooked the ribs on low, you’re better off using cornstarch than flour because getting the slow cooker up to a higher simmer will take a while.  Cornstarch needs higher heat to thicken.  An advantage of using cornstarch is that it doesn’t change the color of your gravy.  A disadvantage is your sauce will be gelatinous when cooled.
• Remove the meat from the slow cooker to a platter, then tent to keep it warm.
• Transfer the liquid to a saucepan.  You’ll have approximately 4 cups of gravy/sauce and need 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of liquid.
• Take 1-2 tablespoons of the gravy/sauce, put it in a small bowl, add an equal amount of cold water, and stir in the cornstarch.
• Add it to the gravy/sauce in the saucepan, bring it to a boil, and cook until it thickens, then pour the mixture over the beef short ribs on the platter.

The third (and my secret way):

• Use Cornaby’s E-Z Gel (Affiliate Link):  It’s pricier than flour or cornstarch, but I’ve been using it in my personal chef business and I love it!  It’s gluten-free, taste-free, does not affect the color and you can thicken hot or cold liquids just by sprinkling it on.

Then….

• Sprinkle on the parsley… and friends!

Delicious, slightly spicy, meaty goodness you’ll love to serve family and friends!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Enjoy!

Serve Mississippi Beef Short Ribs with:

• Cauliflower White Bean Puree
• Celery Root Puree
• Spinach Parmesan Ranch Twice Baked Potatoes with Parmesan Crumb Topping
• Cheddar and Bacon Twice-Baked Potatoes

More great beef short rib recipes!

• Boneless Short Ribs Recipe (Bourguignon Style)
• Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Barbacoa with Cilantro – Lime Cauliflower Rice
• Cabernet Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cauliflower – Leek Puree
• Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs
• Stout-Braised Beef Short Ribs and Colcannon