If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth steak experience that doesn’t demand hours of standing over the stove, the Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe is a game changer you have to try. With a few simple ingredients delivering big flavor and that unique tangy kick from pepperoncini peppers, this dish transforms a classic ribeye steak into a tender, juicy delight that practically falls apart on your fork. It’s comfort food elevated by slow cooking magic, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a hearty weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to build layers of flavor, showcasing the ribeye steak’s rich texture and those signature Mississippi touches. Each component is essential, whether it’s lending creaminess, a hint of zest, or that savory seasoning boost.
- 2-3 lbs ribeye steaks: Choose steaks about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for optimal tenderness and slow cooker success.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning: Adds a creamy, herbaceous note that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 packet au jus seasoning: Brings a rich, beefy flavor that enhances juiciness and depth.
- 10 pepperoncini peppers: Pepperoncini peppers lend a gentle heat and tangy bite that’s signature to this recipe.
- ¼ cup pepperoncini pepper juice (optional): Intensifies the zesty tang and infuses the meat with a subtle acidic brightness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (sliced into pats): Melts slowly to coat and baste the steaks, boosting richness and mouthfeel.
- Optional fresh chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh color contrast and a light herbal finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steaks (Optional but Recommended)
While this step isn’t mandatory, searing your ribeye steaks in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes per side locks in their juices and adds an incredible layer of caramelized flavor. Use a little oil or a pat of butter, and don’t worry about cooking them through — the slow cooker will do that gently for you.
Step 2: Layer Your Slow Cooker
Place your ribeye steaks evenly in the bottom of a slow cooker that holds at least 5 quarts. This ensures enough space for slow cooking without crowding, which helps the meat cook evenly and tenderly.
Step 3: Season and Add Flavor
Sprinkle both the ranch seasoning and the au jus seasoning packets directly over the steaks to coat them well. These seasonings combine to create that signature Mississippi flavor—savory, slightly tangy, and oh so satisfying.
Step 4: Add the Pepperoncini Juice
If you have it on hand, pour the pepperoncini juice around the steaks. This step is optional, but it infuses the meat with an additional depth of tang and moisture that complements the peppers and seasoning perfectly.
Step 5: Scatter Pepperoncini Peppers
Arrange the whole pepperoncini peppers around and on top of the ribeye steaks. Their gentle heat and acidity brighten the dish and contribute to its distinct, irresistible flavor.
Step 6: Top with Butter Pats
Distribute the slices of unsalted butter on top of the steaks. As it slowly melts, the butter bastes the meat, enhancing its tenderness and imparting luscious richness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 7: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 5-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours depending on your schedule and the thickness of your steaks. The goal is fork-tender perfection where the meat just falls apart with a gentle touch. Resist the urge to peek too often — slow and steady is the secret!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the steaks for a burst of color and freshness. Serve this comforting dish atop creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic choice, adding a vivid green pop that brightens the presentation and cuts through the richness of the sauce and butter. You could also try thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with soft mashed potatoes that soak up all the buttery juices, or fluffy white rice that balances the rich, tangy flavors. For a veggie side, roasted asparagus or green beans add a fresh and healthy crunch that complements the softness of the steaks.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the ribeye thinly and serving it over buttery polenta or even tucked into toasted sandwich rolls for a hearty steak sandwich experience. Another idea is to plate the steaks with a drizzle of reduced cooking juices and a side of roasted garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and meat together to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, let the steaks cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months frozen, ready to be thawed and reheated for a quick, satisfying meal later on.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave at medium setting to avoid drying out the meat. Adding a splash of the leftover cooking juice or broth during reheating helps maintain tenderness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, sirloin or chuck steaks can also work well with this slow cooker method, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I have to use butter, or can I substitute something else?
Butter is key for richness and mouthfeel, but you can try using ghee or even a flavorful oil like olive oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be subtly different.
What if I don’t have au jus seasoning? Can I leave it out?
You can omit the au jus seasoning in a pinch, but it does add a nice savory depth. Try substituting with some beef broth powder mixed with a bit of garlic powder for a similar effect.
Is it necessary to add the pepperoncini juice?
It’s optional but highly recommended. The juice adds acidity that brightens the dish and tenderizes the meat. Without it, the recipe will still be delicious but slightly less vibrant.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger slow cooker or divide into two cookers to ensure even cooking. Adjust cooking times slightly if your slow cooker is very full.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about coming home to a slow cooker full of tender, flavorful ribeye bathed in buttery, tangy goodness. The Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe offers an effortless way to turn a classic cut of beef into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. I truly hope you dive in, savor every bite, and maybe even make it a new favorite to share with your friends and family!
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Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks recipe features tender, flavorful ribeye steaks cooked low and slow with ranch and au jus seasonings, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. The slow cooking method ensures juicy, fall-apart tender steaks perfect for a comforting meal served over mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
Steaks
- 2–3 lbs ribeye steaks
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 packet au jus seasoning
- 10 pepperoncini peppers
- ¼ cup pepperoncini pepper juice (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (sliced into pats)
- Optional: fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Steaks (Optional): In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the ribeye steaks for a couple minutes per side with some oil or a tablespoon of butter. This step is optional but helps lock in additional flavor. You do not need to cook the steaks through at this stage.
- Place Steaks in Slow Cooker: Add the ribeye steaks to the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet and the au jus seasoning packet evenly over the steaks.
- Add Pepperoncini Juice: Pour the pepperoncini pepper juice around the steaks, if using. This adds tangy flavor and moisture.
- Add Pepperoncini Peppers: Place the 10 whole pepperoncini peppers on and around the steaks inside the slow cooker.
- Add Butter: Distribute the sliced pats of unsalted butter evenly on top of the steaks.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 5-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the steaks are cooked through and fork tender. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the ribeye steaks.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve the Mississippi ribeye steaks over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the flavorful juices and enjoy.
Notes
- Searing the steaks is optional but will deepen the flavor.
- Cooking times vary depending on steak thickness and slow cooker model; check for tenderness.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright, fresh garnish if available.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to complement the rich, buttery sauce.
- The pepperoncini juice adds a tangy kick but can be omitted if preferred milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
