If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth steak experience that practically cooks itself while you focus on other things, this Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe is an absolute game changer. Combining tender, juicy ribeye steaks with the zesty kick of pepperoncini peppers and the comforting richness of ranch and au jus mixes, it’s an effortless dish that delivers incredible flavor without any fuss. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for friends, this recipe hits all the right notes with its simple ingredients and slow-cooked magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in building deep, dynamic flavors and luscious textures. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, with every component working in harmony to elevate the ribeye to tender perfection.
- 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless ribeye steaks: Choose ribeyes about 1-inch thick for optimal slow cooking and juicy results.
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 ounce): Adds a tangy and savory flavor base that complements the meat beautifully.
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (1 ounce): Brings in rich, beefy depth without the need for extra sauces.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick): Melts over the steaks, imparting creaminess and keeping the meat moist.
- 5 to 6 pepperoncini peppers, whole or sliced: Delivers a gentle heat and bright acidity that balances the richness.
- 2 tablespoons juice from the pepperoncini jar: Enhances the tang and adds a subtle, zesty kick.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural steak flavor.
- Optional: 1/2 cup beef broth: For extra moisture and an even more luxurious sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steaks
Start by lightly seasoning your ribeye steaks on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This basic seasoning step is crucial for boosting the natural beef flavor as it slow cooks. Don’t overdo it—just enough to enhance without overpowering.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned ribeye steaks in the bottom of your slow cooker, laying them flat so they cook evenly. Next, sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and the au jus gravy mix evenly over the steaks, ensuring every bite is infused with those classic Mississippi flavors. Nestle generous pats of butter right on top. Then arrange the pepperoncini peppers around the steaks, offering bursts of tang and heat throughout the cooking process.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Set the Cooker
Pour in the pepperoncini juice for that unmistakable zesty punch. If you want your dish extra saucy, add the optional beef broth here too. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow-and-low approach results in incredibly tender and flavorful steaks that fall apart with the fork.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the steaks are tender and perfectly cooked, carefully remove them from the slow cooker along with the luscious pepperoncini and buttery pan juices. Give the sauce a gentle stir to incorporate all the flavors, and get ready to serve this comforting masterpiece that’s packed with flavor and pure satisfaction.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe
Garnishes
To complement these rich and juicy ribeye steaks, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and brightness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top enhances the steak’s crust, while a dollop of sour cream can create a lovely creamy contrast if you want to get a little indulgent.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, mashed potatoes are a natural pairing for this Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe, soaking up all those buttery, pepperoncini-spiked juices. But don’t stop there — fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty, rustic bread also make fantastic companions, helping to round out the meal with different textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cooked ribeye against the grain and serve it open-faced on toasted artisan bread with a spoonful of the au jus sauce for a hearty steak sandwich. Alternatively, pile thin slices over creamy polenta or even atop a fresh spinach salad for a lighter but still satisfying spin on this slow-cooked favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe steaks are fantastic and reheat beautifully. Store them in an airtight container along with some of the cooking juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to stash away portions for a longer period, freeze the cooked steaks in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with some sauce to prevent drying out. For best quality, enjoy within 2 to 3 months. Remember to label your container with the date!
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steaks gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of the leftover juices to maintain tenderness. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking or drying out the ribeye, so you get that glorious, tender texture each time.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak in this Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye is prized for its marbling and tenderness, you can experiment with chuck steaks or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly to achieve the best tenderness.
Do I need to sear the steaks before slow cooking?
Searing is totally optional but can add a deeper, caramelized flavor to the steaks. If you have time, give the ribeyes a quick sear in a hot pan before adding to the slow cooker for an extra savory boost.
Can I adjust the heat level in this recipe?
Yes! The pepperoncini peppers provide a mild heat with tangy flavor, but you can reduce or increase their amount depending on how spicy you like it. Removing the seeds will also mellow the heat.
What can I substitute for ranch and au jus mix if I don’t have them?
While the ranch and au jus packets are key for authentic flavor, you can try using homemade ranch dressing seasoning and beef broth with Worcestershire sauce as a substitute — just be prepared for a slightly different taste profile.
Is this Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your seasoning mixes to be sure they don’t contain any gluten ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together comfort, ease, and incredible flavor in one cozy package. Once you try these tender, buttery steaks infused with the savory tang of pepperoncini and ranch seasoning, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated steak dinners. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy ribeye steaks!
Print
Slow Cooker Mississippi Ribeye Steaks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy tender and flavorful boneless ribeye steaks slow-cooked Mississippi style with ranch and au jus seasoning, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. This easy slow cooker recipe infuses the steaks with rich, savory flavors while making the meat incredibly juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Perfect for a comforting main course served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Steak Ingredients
- 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless ribeye steaks, about 1-inch thick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 ounce)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (1 ounce)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 5 to 6 pepperoncini peppers, whole or sliced
- 2 tablespoons juice from the pepperoncini jar
- Optional: 1/2 cup beef broth for extra moisture
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Lightly season both sides of the ribeye steaks with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned ribeye steaks in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Add Seasonings: Evenly sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the steaks to infuse them with bold, savory flavors.
- Top with Butter and Peppers: Add the stick of unsalted butter on top of the steaks, then arrange the pepperoncini peppers around them for tang and mild heat.
- Pour Juices: Pour the pepperoncini juice and optional beef broth over the contents for added moisture and flavor enhancement.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the ribeye steaks are tender and juicy.
- Serve Hot: Carefully remove the steaks and serve immediately with your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Notes
- Ribeye is a well-marbled cut, making it especially tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- For extra flavor, you can sear the steaks in a hot pan before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers to control the heat level of the dish.
