Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak Recipe | Easy & Flavorful Sandwich

If you love a Philly cheesesteak and the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Mississippi pot roast, then this Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak is the ultimate flavor-packed sandwich! It combines slow-cooked, fall-apart tender beef, infused with ranch seasoning, au jus, butter, and tangy pepperoncini, then layered with melted provolone or gooey Cheez Whiz inside a crispy, toasted hoagie roll.

This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or game-day feasts. Cook it in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch oven, and customize it with caramelized onions, pickled peppers, or spicy jalapeños for an extra kick. The result? A rich, cheesy, and insanely satisfying sandwich that’s guaranteed to impress!

What Is a Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak?

The Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak is a unique combination of two beloved American dishes:

Mississippi Pot Roast, a slow-cooked, fall-apart tender beef dish, made with ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers.
Philly Cheesesteak, an iconic sandwich that features thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a crusty hoagie roll.

By merging these two classics, you get a juicy, cheesy sandwich with a bold, tangy, and buttery flavor that’s irresistible.

Fun Fact: The Mississippi pot roast originated in the 1990s when a Mississippi home cook, Robin Chapman, adapted an old family recipe to make it more kid-friendly. It quickly became a favorite for its rich taste and simplicity. Learn more about its history in this detailed article on Southern Living.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The slow cooker does most of the work!
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week.
✔️ Customizable: Switch up the cheese, bread, or toppings to suit your taste.
✔️ Great for Parties & Game Day: A crowd-pleasing sandwich that’s easy to serve.

Ingredients for the Best Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak

To make an authentic and flavorful Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak, you’ll need:

For the Mississippi Pot Roast:

3-4 lbs chuck roast (or brisket for extra richness)
1 packet ranch dressing mix (adds a creamy, herby flavor)
1 packet au jus gravy mix (deep, savory umami taste)
1/2 cup butter (for that signature richness!)
6-8 whole pepperoncini peppers (adds mild tang and spice)
1/2 cup pepperoncini juice (helps tenderize the meat)
1/2 cup water or beef broth (for moisture and depth of flavor)

For the Cheesesteak Assembly:

Hoagie rolls or sub rolls (lightly toasted for the best texture)
6-8 slices provolone cheese (or Cheez Whiz for a Philly-style twist)
Caramelized onions (optional but adds sweetness and depth)
Pickled banana peppers (optional for a zesty contrast)
Mayo or garlic butter (to spread on the toasted hoagie rolls)

Tip: If you’re unsure which cheese to use, check out this guide on the best cheeses for cheesesteaks to find your perfect match!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak

Step 1: Slow-Cook the Mississippi Pot Roast

Sear the beef (optional but recommended)
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat with a little oil.
- Sear the roast on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- This step locks in flavor and enhances richness.
Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Season it up:
- Sprinkle ranch mix and au jus mix evenly over the meat.
- Pour in the pepperoncini juice and water or broth.
- Add butter slices on top and place the whole pepperoncini peppers around the roast.
Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Shred the beef with two forks and mix it back into the juices for maximum flavor.

Want a faster method? Use an Instant Pot to cook the roast in 60-80 minutes for similar tenderness. Get expert slow-cooking tips from Food Network to perfect this dish!

Step 2: Assemble the Cheesesteak

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toast the hoagie rolls:
- Slice them open and place them on a baking sheet.
- Spread butter or mayo inside for extra flavor.
- Bake for 5 minutes or until lightly crisp.
Melt the cheese:
- Place provolone slices inside the roll and let it melt slightly in the oven.
- Alternatively, warm Cheez Whiz and drizzle it over the beef.
Pile on the shredded beef.
Add your favorite toppings:
- Caramelized onions
- Pickled banana peppers
- Extra provolone or melted cheese

Variations & Customization Options

The beauty of the Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak is its versatility. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, low-carb, or gourmet, there are plenty of ways to make it your own!

Spicy Version

If you love heat, turn up the spice factor by adding:

Sliced jalapeños for a fresh, crisp bite.
Hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot, Sriracha, or Tabasco) mixed into the shredded beef.
Crushed red pepper flakes sprinkled on top for an extra kick.
Spicy pepper jack cheese instead of provolone.

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly

Skip the bread and enjoy your Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak in a healthier, low-carb way:

Lettuce Wraps: Use butter lettuce or romaine leaves as a wrap.
Over Cauliflower Rice: A great way to soak up the beefy juices.
Bell Pepper Boats: Stuff roasted bell peppers with shredded beef and cheese.
Zucchini Noodles: Toss the shredded beef over spiralized zucchini for a keto-friendly alternative.

Cheese Swaps

The cheese selection can completely change the flavor of your cheesesteak! Instead of provolone or Cheez Whiz, try:

Swiss cheese for a mild, nutty flavor.
Sharp cheddar for a bold, tangy twist.
Smoked gouda for a deep, smoky richness.
Mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy bite.
American cheese for a classic melted sandwich experience.

Gluten-Free Options

If you need a gluten-free alternative, skip the traditional hoagie roll and try:

Mashed potatoes – Serve the shredded beef and melted cheese over creamy mashed potatoes.
Gluten-free bread or buns – Many bakeries and stores offer great gluten-free hoagies.
Corn tortillas – Make it a Mississippi Pot Roast Taco!
Rice or quinoa – Serve the shredded beef over a grain bowl.

Best Side Dishes for Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak

Pair your savory, cheesy sandwich with a delicious side to round out your meal:

✔️ Crispy French Fries – The classic choice! Serve with a side of ranch or spicy aioli.
✔️ Sweet Potato Fries – A sweet and salty contrast to the savory sandwich.
✔️ Coleslaw – Adds freshness and crunch to balance the rich flavors.
✔️ Garlic Butter Roasted Veggies – A healthier option that pairs well with the beef.
✔️ Onion Rings – Because fried onions + cheesesteak = heaven!
✔️ Mississippi Mud Potatoes – Try these Mississippi Mud Potatoes for a cheesy, Southern-style side dish.
✔️ Mac & Cheese – Because you can never have too much cheese!
✔️ Pickles or Pepperoncini Peppers – A tangy, acidic contrast to the rich flavors.

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Here’s how to avoid common mistakes when making the Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak:

🔴 Beef is too dry?

Add extra broth or pepperoncini juice when reheating.
Make sure to cook it on LOW for the full time—rushing the process dries it out.
Shred the beef in its own juices to retain moisture.

🔴 Sandwich is too soggy?

Toast the hoagie roll before assembling to prevent it from getting soggy.
Drain excess liquid from the shredded beef before adding it to the sandwich.
Avoid adding too many wet toppings (like extra sauces) that might soak the bread.

🔴 Cheese isn’t melting properly?

If using provolone, place the sandwich under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
If using Cheez Whiz, heat it on the stovetop or microwave before drizzling it over the beef.

🔴 Not enough flavor?

Try using beef broth instead of water when slow-cooking for more depth.
🔴 Too salty? – Use unsalted butter and add extra water next time.
🔴 Beef won’t shred? – It needs more time to cook—give it an extra hour.

Make sure to use pepperoncini juice—it enhances the tangy, zesty notes.

Adjust seasoning by adding extra ranch mix or garlic powder to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak

Here are some of the most common questions people have about making the Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak:

1. What is the best cheese for a Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak

The best cheese for this sandwich depends on your preference:

Provolone – A classic, mild, and creamy cheese that melts well.
Cheez Whiz – A Philly cheesesteak staple for a gooey texture.
Mozzarella or Swiss – For a mild, slightly stretchy melt.
Pepper Jack – If you like a little spice.

Check out this guide on the best cheeses for cheesesteaks for more details!

2. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While chuck roast is the best for tenderness and affordability, you can also use:

Brisket – Rich in flavor but takes longer to cook.
Short ribs – Extra juicy but more expensive.
Top round or sirloin – Leaner cuts, but they may require added moisture.

3. How long does Mississippi Pot Roast last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, it will last:

In the refrigerator: 4-5 days.
In the freezer: Up to 3 months.

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or pepperoncini juice to keep it moist.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can:

Cook and store the shredded beef separately in the fridge.
Reheat with a little broth or juices before assembling your sandwich.
Toast the hoagie rolls and melt the cheese fresh before serving.

5. What kind of bread works best for this cheesesteak?

The best bread for a Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak is:

Hoagie rolls – Traditional and holds up well to juicy beef.
Ciabatta bread – Crispy on the outside, soft inside.
French baguette – Crunchy and sturdy.
Brioche buns – For a softer, slightly sweet variation.

6. Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Use the Instant Pot for a faster version:

Sear the roast using the Sauté function.
Add seasonings, pepperoncini, and broth.
Pressure cook on HIGH for 60-80 minutes, then let it naturally release for 15 minutes.
Shred the beef and serve!

Find expert slow-cooker tips here.

7. Can I make a low-carb or keto version?

Yes! For a low-carb Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak, try:

Lettuce wraps instead of bread.
Portobello mushroom caps as a bun alternative.
Serving the shredded beef over cauliflower rice.

8. How do I make my roast extra tender?

For the most fall-apart tender beef:

Cook on LOW for at least 8 hours (slow cooking breaks down the fibers).
Use chuck roast for the best results.
Shred the meat in its juices to absorb more flavor.

9. What are the best toppings for this cheesesteak?

Classic and creative topping ideas:

Caramelized onions – Adds sweetness.
Pickled banana peppers – Brings a tangy bite.
Jalapeños – For heat.
Sautéed mushrooms – Adds umami flavor.
Garlic aioli – A gourmet touch.

10. What sides pair well with Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak?

Great side dishes include:

Crispy French fries
Sweet potato fries
Coleslaw (for a fresh contrast)
Onion rings
Mississippi Mud Potatoes – A rich, cheesy potato dish. Try this Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe for a perfect pairing!

Final Thoughts

The Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak is a must-try sandwich that’s bold, juicy, cheesy, and easy to make. Whether you stick to the classic slow-cooked version or customize it with different cheeses and toppings, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Pair it with crispy fries, coleslaw, or onion rings for a complete meal, and if you love hearty, indulgent recipes, be sure to check out this Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe for another Southern-inspired comfort dish.

If you’re a fan of sandwiches, you might also enjoy the Mortadella Sandwich Recipes for a gourmet deli-style meal or explore Waffle Sandwich Recipes for a unique take on handheld comfort food.

Mississippi Pot Roast Cheesesteak – The Ultimate Fusion Sandwich

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