Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as beloved as a tender, flavorful steak. Ribeye steaks, with their rich marbling and mouthwatering tenderness, are already a favorite among steak lovers. But what if we told you that you could make this delicious cut of beef even more tender and flavorful with minimal effort? Enter the Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks.

What is Mississippi Roast and Why Does it Work for Steaks?

The Mississippi roast is a popular dish originating in the southern United States, known for its simplicity and its deep, savory flavors. Traditionally made with a chuck roast, it involves cooking the meat slowly in a crockpot with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. The slow cooking process helps break down the tough fibers of the meat, resulting in a flavorful, fall-apart tender roast. Over the years, this method has been adapted for various cuts of meat, including steaks.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks

Preparing the Ribeye Steaks

Ribeye steaks are one of the most flavorful cuts of beef, known for their marbling and juiciness. However, for this slow cooker recipe, we want to enhance their tenderness and flavor even further. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Season the Steaks: Start by seasoning your ribeye steaks with a bit of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You don’t need to go overboard with seasoning because the ranch and au jus mix will provide plenty of flavor during the cooking process. If you like, you can add some Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of savory depth.

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2. Sear the Steaks (optional): While not absolutely necessary, searing the steaks before placing them in the slow cooker can add a delicious layer of flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the steaks in the skillet and sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, until browned. This step locks in the flavors and gives the steaks a beautiful caramelized crust.

3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Once seared, remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to your slow cooker. If you skipped the searing step, simply place the steaks directly into the slow cooker. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.

Adding the Mississippi Flavors

This recipe is all about the Mississippi roast seasoning, and there’s no shortage of flavor here:

1. Ranch Seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet evenly over the steaks. If you’re using a homemade ranch seasoning mix, be sure to use about 1-2 tablespoons.

2. Au Jus Gravy Mix: Next, sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over the steaks. This will add a deliciously savory flavor to the dish, and it will help to tenderize the meat as it cooks.

3. Pepperoncini Peppers: Place the pepperoncini peppers directly on top of the steaks. These peppers will infuse the meat with a tangy, spicy kick that is the hallmark of Mississippi-style cooking. Be sure to remove the stems if you’re using whole peppers. You can add more or fewer peppers depending on how much heat you want to impart to the dish.

4. Pepperoncini Juice: Pour the pepperoncini juice (or lemon juice) over the steaks to add a bit of tartness and help keep the steaks moist during cooking.

5. Beef Broth: Add 1/4 cup of beef broth to the slow cooker. This will help ensure that the steaks cook in a moist environment, which is crucial for keeping the meat tender and juicy.

6. Butter: Place 2 tablespoons of butter on top of the steaks. As the steaks cook, the butter will melt and infuse the meat with a rich, velvety texture.

Slow Cooking the Steaks

Now that everything is in the slow cooker, it’s time to let the magic happen. Slow cooking will break down the muscle fibers in the ribeye steaks, allowing them to become incredibly tender.

1. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to low heat for 4-6 hours. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of tenderness. For fall-apart-tender steaks, aim for closer to 6 hours. For steaks that retain a bit more texture, 4 hours will suffice.

2. Check for Tenderness: At the end of the cooking time, check the tenderness of the steaks. If they are not yet tender enough for your liking, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. Keep in mind that the longer they cook, the more tender they will become, so don’t worry if you let them cook a little longer than planned.

Serving the Mississippi Ribeye Steaks

Once the steaks are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here’s how to plate and garnish your Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks:

1. Remove the Steaks: Carefully remove the ribeye steaks from the slow cooker. They should be incredibly tender and may fall apart easily. Use a pair of tongs or a large spoon to lift them out.

2. Serve with Juicy Sauce: Spoon some of the remaining cooking liquid and vegetables (if any) over the steaks. This flavorful sauce, enriched by the ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini juice, will add moisture and richness to the meat.

3. Optional Garnishes: If desired, garnish the steaks with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a burst of color. If you like, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese over the steaks for added richness.

4. Side Dishes: Mississippi ribeye steaks pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a creamy polenta. The rich flavors of the steak will complement almost any side.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Cut: While ribeye steaks are the star of this recipe, other cuts like sirloin or strip steaks can be used if desired. Ribeye is preferred for its marbling and tenderness, but any steak with a good amount of fat will benefit from slow cooking.

2. Avoid Overcooking: While the slow cooker will make the steaks tender, it’s important to not overcook them to the point where they fall apart too much. Keep an eye on the cooking time, and adjust it based on how tender you want the steaks to be.

3. Customize the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like extra heat, you can add more pepperoncini or even some red pepper flakes. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for extra tang.

4. Searing Before Cooking: While optional, searing the steaks before slow cooking will add a deeper, more caramelized flavor to the dish. It’s a step that can make a big difference in the overall taste.

5. Use Leftovers Creatively: If you have any leftovers, the shredded steak makes an excellent filling for tacos, sandwiches, or salads. The Mississippi-style sauce will keep the meat moist and flavorful for days.

Variations of Mississippi Ribeye Steaks

1. Spicy Mississippi Ribeye Steaks: For a spicier kick, add some jalapeño slices along with the pepperoncini. The extra heat will make the dish even more exciting.

2. Vegetarian Version: If you’re not into beef, try this recipe with portobello mushrooms or tofu as a substitute for the steaks. The slow cooking process will allow these ingredients to absorb all the wonderful Mississippi flavors.

3. Gravy and Sides: If you enjoy a hearty, saucy dish, consider making extra gravy from the juices in the slow cooker. Pour it over mashed potatoes or pasta for an indulgent meal.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks recipe is a perfect way to elevate a classic cut of beef. With minimal prep work and a few key ingredients, you can create a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meal that will leave everyone at the table satisfied. The slow cooking process allows the steaks to absorb all the rich, savory flavors from the ranch seasoning, au jus, and pepperoncini, creating a truly memorable dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will become a go-to favorite for steak lovers.

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as beloved as a tender, flavorful steak. Ribeye steaks, with their rich marbling and mouthwatering tenderness, are already a favorite among steak lovers. But what if we told you that you could make this delicious cut of beef even more tender and flavorful with minimal effort? Enter the Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick, bone-in or boneless)
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
• 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 5-6 pepperoncini peppers (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup of the pepperoncini juice (optional for extra tang)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steaks:
   Season the ribeye steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. If you prefer, you can sear the steaks in a skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side to lock in flavor before adding them to the slow cooker, but this is optional.
   
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
   Place the steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
   
3. Add Seasonings:
   Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the steaks.
   
4. Add Butter and Peppers:
   Cut the butter into chunks and place it on top of the steaks. Add the pepperoncini peppers (with or without some of the juice depending on your taste) around the steaks.
   
5. Cook:
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the steaks are tender and fully cooked to your liking. The butter will melt and create a flavorful, savory sauce.
   
6. Serve:
   Once the steaks are done, carefully remove them from the slow cooker. You can spoon the sauce over the steaks or serve it on the side. If desired, garnish with additional pepperoncini peppers or fresh herbs.

Notes

Tenderness: Slow cooking allows the ribeye steaks to become very tender. If you prefer a slightly less tender texture, you can reduce the cook time.

Optional Variations: You can also add sliced onions or garlic for additional flavor. Some people like to add a little bit of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy twist.

Serving Suggestions: Serve these Mississippi Ribeye Steaks with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.