If you’re craving tender, juicy, and flavorful comfort food, this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Perfectly cooked in a fraction of the time traditional methods require, this recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with a rich blend of spices, ranch seasoning, and tangy pepperoncini juice. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family feast, this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast guarantees a savory, satisfying experience that feels homemade with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: In less than two hours, you get tender, flavorful pot roast without hours of slow cooking.
- Mouthwatering Flavor: The unique combination of ranch seasoning, au jus, and pepperoncini peppers creates a bold, rich taste.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for dinners, meal prep, or leftovers that taste even better the next day.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it in your Instant Pot, freeing up your time for other tasks.
- Whole Family Friendly: Sure to satisfy picky eaters and hungry guests alike with its tender texture and savory sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe relies on simple but powerful ingredients, each playing a key role in building its incredible flavor, tender meat, and rich sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this crowd-pleaser.
- Chuck Roast: The ideal cut for a juicy, tender pot roast that shreds beautifully after pressure cooking.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds a creamy, herb-infused punch that’s essential to this recipe’s signature taste.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: Delivers a savory depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps balance the tangy and savory flavors.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Bring a mild heat and tanginess that elevate the dish’s complexity.
- Beef Broth or Water: Provides the necessary moisture for pressure cooking and helps create the delicious sauce.
Variations for Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
One of the best things about this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to adjust for dietary restrictions or simply switch things up, there are plenty of delicious options to try.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or use spicy ranch seasoning for a bolder heat level.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, cook the roast low and slow all day for similar results.
- Low Sodium: Choose low sodium broth and seasoning mixes to make it heart-healthier without losing flavor.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms or jackfruit, using vegetable broth for comparable richness.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in carrots, potatoes, and onions for a complete one-pot meal packed with veggies.
How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Step 1: Prepare the Chuck Roast
Pat your chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season it lightly with salt and pepper. This helps the meat brown better and locks in flavor during pressure cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a bit of oil, then brown the roast on all sides until a golden crust forms. This step adds flavor depth and seals in juices.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Sprinkle the ranch and au jus seasoning packets over the roast. Add butter and place the pepperoncini peppers on top. Pour in the beef broth, making sure it covers the bottom but doesn’t submerge the roast fully.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Roast
Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Remove the roast carefully and shred it with two forks. Stir the meat into the sauce in the pot to soak up all the juices. It’s ready to serve with your favorite sides!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Choose Quality Meat: Chuck roast with good marbling gives the best texture and flavor after cooking.
- Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the meat first enhances both appearance and taste vastly.
- Use Natural Pressure Release: This helps keep the meat tender and juicy instead of tough.
- Adjust Liquid Amounts: Using the right amount of broth prevents dryness and keeps the sauce silky.
- Let It Rest: After shredding, letting the meat sit a few minutes in the sauce lets flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese make perfect garnishes that add burst of color and extra flavor to your pot roast.
Side Dishes
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or roasted vegetables to soak up that irresistible sauce and complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the shredded pot roast on slider buns with pickles for mini sandwiches, or use it as a hearty filling in tacos or burritos for a flavor-packed dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast with its sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days—flavors tend to deepen after resting.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! Portion the meat and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient meals down the line.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened to maintain that perfect juicy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While chuck roast is preferred for its marbling and tenderness, brisket or rump roast can work but may require adjusting cooking times.
Are pepperoncini peppers spicy?
Pepperoncini have a mild tangy heat that adds flavor without overwhelming spiciness, making them perfect for this recipe.
What if I don’t have au jus mix?
You can substitute with beef broth and a bit of garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to mimic the savory richness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ranch and au jus seasoning mixes are gluten-free, but always double-check your brands to ensure no hidden gluten.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! Just make sure your Instant Pot is large enough or cook in batches to maintain proper pressure and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks looking for rich, flavorful meals without hours spent in the kitchen. The tender meat, bold seasonings, and easy preparation make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Grab those simple ingredients and your Instant Pot, then get ready to wow everyone at your dinner table with this delicious, comforting classic.
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Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is a quick and easy comfort food favorite, delivering tender, juicy beef infused with ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Prepared in under two hours, this savory pot roast offers rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix (about 1 ounce)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 to 5 pepperoncini peppers with juice
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chuck Roast: Pat your chuck roast dry with paper towels, then season it lightly with salt and pepper to help the meat brown better and lock in flavor during pressure cooking.
- Sear the Meat: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a bit of oil, then brown the roast on all sides until a golden crust forms. This step adds flavor depth and seals in juices.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Sprinkle the ranch and au jus seasoning packets over the roast. Add butter and place the pepperoncini peppers on top. Pour in the beef broth, making sure it covers the bottom but doesn’t fully submerge the roast.
- Pressure Cook the Roast: Secure the lid, set the pressure valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the roast carefully and shred it with two forks. Stir the shredded meat back into the sauce in the pot to soak up all the juices. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Choose quality chuck roast with good marbling for best texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip searing the meat, it greatly enhances taste and appearance.
- Use natural pressure release to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Adjust liquid amounts properly to avoid dryness and maintain silky sauce consistency.
- Let the shredded meat rest in the sauce for a few minutes to meld flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
