I always try and brown the meat for a bit of flavor when appropriate. I do that for my carnitas in the dutch oven, then deglaze the bottom of the pot to incorporate in the braising liquid.
@speakerman39 I had to go back and read the recipe as I didn't remember the heat...pepperoncini is pretty mild so it didn't even register (I do like it hot n spicy)....the ranch dressing thing I'm not sure about, tho. I'll probably try it, or a variation, some day