Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a melt-in-your-mouth, flavor-packed roast that practically cooks itself, you’ll flip for this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe. It’s got this amazing combination of tangy pepperoncini, savory ranch, and rich butter that comes together in just about an hour—perfect for nights when you want comfort food without babysitting the oven.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight, and honestly, it blew me away. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, and you get a roast that’s unbelievably tender and juicy every time. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for meal prep, this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe is definitely worth a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays an important role in creating that signature Mississippi Pot Roast flavor. I always recommend using the freshest ingredients you can find and grabbing good quality beef chuck roast for the best results.

• Beef chuck roast: This cut’s your best friend for slow, tender pot roast—it becomes fall-apart tender in the Instant Pot.
• Olive oil: For a quick sear that locks in those delicious flavors before pressure cooking.
• Ground pepper: Freshly ground if possible, it adds just the right amount of heat and depth.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle bite that balances the tangy elements perfectly.
• Beef broth: This creates the delicious, savory base your roast simmers in—homemade or low sodium store-bought works.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: The secret seasoning that gives the roast its creamy, herby flavor. I always keep a few packets around for this reason!
• Au Jus Gravy Mix: Adds a rich, beefy depth that complements the roast beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, giving it a velvety finish you won’t want to skip.
• Pepperoncini peppers and juice: The star tangy ingredient that gives the roast its signature zing—don’t substitute!
• Cornstarch (for thickening): And water, to help turn that cooking liquid into a luscious gravy you’ll want to spoon over everything.

Variations

While I adore the classic Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe as is, I love encouraging you to make it your own. Here are a few tweaks I’ve enjoyed that add fun twists or suit special diets.

• Spicy kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or swap in a bit more pepperoncini juice if you like your pot roast with extra heat.
• Low sodium: Use low sodium broth and reduce or omit the Au Jus Gravy mix to control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegetable boost: Toss in baby carrots or halved small potatoes right before cooking for a one-pot meal with extra veggies.
• Slow cooker option: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can cook this on low for 8 hours in a slow cooker. I’ve done this on lazy weekends and loved the convenience.

How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Roast for Flavor

Heat your Instant Pot on the “Sauté” function and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, season the chuck roast generously with ground pepper. Place it in the pot and sear each side until it’s beautifully browned—about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and helps develop that rich, caramelized crust you’ll love. Don’t skip it, even if you’re short on time—trust me!

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Liquids

Remove the roast temporarily and toss in your diced onion, letting it sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then pour in the beef broth, scraping up those brown bits on the bottom—that’s pure flavor right there. Add the Ranch Dressing Mix, Au Jus Gravy Mix, butter, pepperoncini peppers, and their juice. Nestle the roast back into the pot so it’s comfy and covered in that tasty sauce.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 60 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow it to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes—this step lets the meat soak up those delicious juices and stay tender. Then carefully quick release any remaining pressure and open the lid.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the roast to a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the pot liquid. Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté” again and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich gravy. Pour this over your slices for maximum yum.

How to Serve Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness, but green onions or a few extra pepperoncini on the side add a little extra zing too. It really makes this rustic dish feel special without stressing your prep time.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my go-to—they soak up all that amazing gravy. Roasted green beans or sautéed garlic spinach round out the plate nicely. Sometimes I’ll throw together a simple side salad to keep things fresh and light.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve layered slices of the roast on a large platter with roasted root vegetables around it and drizzled extra gravy over everything—always a crowd-pleaser. You can also shred the leftovers for sandwiches or sliders the next day; it keeps all that flavor intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover roast and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If it looks a bit thick when you reheat, just stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I separate the roast and gravy into freezer-safe containers and it reheats just as tasty. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a covered pan on low-medium heat, adding a bit of broth to keep it juicy. You can also use the microwave—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s so straightforward but surprises you with incredible flavor and tenderness every time. If you want a family-friendly, fuss-free meal that tastes like it was simmered for hours, you really should give this recipe a try. I promise once you do, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites, just like it did for me!

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