Easy Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe for Tender Meals

Comfort food reaches new heights with this instant pot Mississippi pot roast that melts in your mouth with rich, tangy flavors.

Tender beef becomes the star of a simple yet incredible meal that promises pure satisfaction.

Ranch seasoning and pepperoncini peppers create a magical combination that turns an ordinary roast into something extraordinary.

The pressure cooker works its magic, breaking down tough meat fibers into succulent, mouthwatering bites.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe a weeknight hero for busy home cooks.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and a delicious dinner.

Serve this crowd-pleasing roast over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Sets This Mississippi Pot Roast Apart

• Packed with bold ranch and au jus seasonings, this Mississippi pot roast delivers intense taste in every single bite without complicated cooking techniques.
• Instant Pot method eliminates hours of traditional slow cooking, transforming a complex dish into an effortless meal that requires minimal hands-on preparation and delivers maximum deliciousness.
• Tender, juicy meat with tangy pepperoncini creates a universally appealing dish that satisfies both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers, making it perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
• Shred the roast for sandwiches, serve over mashed potatoes, or use in tacos, giving you multiple meal possibilities from a single recipe and reducing meal planning stress.

Simple Ingredients for Instant Pot Pot Roast

• Chuck Roast: A tender, flavorful cut of beef perfect for slow cooking and absorbing rich seasonings.

• Ground Pepper, Ranch Dressing Mix, Au Jus Gravy Mix: Spices and mixes that add depth, zest, and savory complexity to the roast.

• Butter, Pepperoncini Peppers, Pepperoncini Juice: Ingredients that provide richness, tangy heat, and moisture to create a succulent and flavorful dish.

• Beef Broth, Olive Oil: Liquids that help create a base for cooking, prevent burning, and add additional flavor to the roast.

• Onion: A vegetable that adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the overall dish.

• Cornstarch: A thickening agent used to create a more dense and rich gravy consistency if desired.

Cooking Steps for Tender Mississippi Roast

Step 1: Prep the Meat

Liberally sprinkle ground pepper across the entire surface of the chuck roast.

The pepper will create a delicious flavor foundation and help develop a beautiful crust during cooking.

Step 2: Create Golden Edges

Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and wait until it reaches high heat.

Pour olive oil into the pot and carefully place the roast inside.

Sear each side for approximately 3 minutes until a rich golden-brown color develops.

This step intensifies the meat’s natural taste.

Step 3: Develop Aromatic Base

Remove the roast from the pot.

Add diced onions to the same cooking surface and sauté for 2 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent burning and allow the onions to become translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

Pour beef broth into the pot.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape all caramelized bits from the bottom, ensuring no delicious remnants are left behind.

This process prevents potential burning and adds depth to the sauce.

Step 5: Layer Seasoning Components

Return the roast to the pot.

Sprinkle ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix directly over the meat.

• Butter
• Pepperoncini peppers
• Pepperoncini juice

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position.

Select high-pressure cooking mode for 60 minutes.

For roasts larger than 3 pounds, increase cooking time by 10 minutes per additional pound.

Step 7: Allow Natural Pressure Release

After cooking completes, permit the pot to release pressure naturally.

This process typically requires 15-20 minutes and helps maintain the meat’s tenderness and juiciness.

Step 8: Enhance Sauce Consistency

For a thicker gravy, remove the beef and create a cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch and water.

Activate sauté mode and stir the slurry into the liquid, simmering for 1-2 minutes until desired consistency is reached.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Pot Roast

• Sear the chuck roast before pressure cooking to lock in rich, deep flavors and create a delicious golden crust that enhances overall taste.
• Adjust pressure cooking duration based on roast weight – add 10 minutes for each additional pound to ensure perfectly cooked, tender meat.
• Create a silky, thick sauce by whisking cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid after removing the roast, transforming the pan juices into a luscious gravy.
• Include pepperoncini peppers and their juice to introduce a tangy, mild heat that complements the rich, savory meat without overwhelming the dish.

Best Ways to Save and Reheat Pot Roast

• Store leftover pot roast in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the meat completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
• Wrap roast tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place roast in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of beef broth to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Transfer roast to baking dish, add small amount of broth, cover with foil. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring meat stays moist and tender.

What to Serve Alongside This Roast

• Savor Tangy Red Wine Pairing: Bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel cuts through the rich, savory pot roast with its robust tannins and deep fruit notes, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Complement Creamy Side Dish: Whipped garlic mashed potatoes provide a smooth, velvety texture that absorbs the pot roast's tangy pepperoncini sauce, balancing the meat's intense flavors.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a light, zesty contrast to the heavy pot roast, cleansing the palate between succulent bites.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic sourdough bread helps soak up the delicious gravy, allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful cooking liquid.

Flavorful Takes on Mississippi Pot Roast

• Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Version: Replace ranch mix with homemade low-carb seasoning blend using dried herbs, garlic powder, and salt. Eliminate pepperoncini peppers to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use dairy-free ranch seasoning mix or create custom spice blend using dried herbs and garlic powder to maintain similar taste experience.
• Slow Cooker Alternative: Transfer all ingredients to slow cooker instead of Instant Pot. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 5-6 hours until meat becomes fork-tender. Maintain same ingredient proportions for consistent results.
• Spicy Pepper Lover's Variation: Increase pepperoncini quantity and add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Include hot sauce during cooking to create a more intense, fiery version of the classic Mississippi pot roast recipe.

FAQs

• What makes this Mississippi Pot Roast different from traditional pot roast?

This version uses ranch and au jus mix for a tangy, rich flavor profile, and pepperoncini peppers add a unique zesty kick that sets it apart from classic pot roast recipes.

• Can I use a different cut of meat?

Chuck roast works best because it’s well-marbled and becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Other tough cuts like bottom round or brisket can also work, but chuck roast provides the most consistent results.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the ranch and au jus mixes typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to use specific gluten-free seasoning mixes or create your own blend of herbs and spices.

• How spicy are the pepperoncini peppers in this dish?

Pepperoncini are mild with a slight tanginess. They add flavor without significant heat, making the dish suitable for most people who don’t prefer extremely spicy foods.

Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mississippi pot roast delivers mouthwatering comfort straight from Southern kitchens, combining tender beef with zesty ranch and pepperoncini peppers. Hearty slow-cooked goodness melts in your mouth, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3–4 pounds beef (chuck roast)
• 1 large yellow onion
• 5–6 pepperoncini peppers
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini pepper juice

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 (1 oz) packet of Ranch Dressing Mix (approximately 1 ½ tablespoons)
• 1 (1 oz) packet of Au Jus Gravy Mix (approximately 1 ½ tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Generously coat the chuck roast with ground black pepper, ensuring an even layer that will amplify the meat’s inherent robust flavors.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function and heat olive oil until shimmering. Carefully sear the roast for approximately 3 minutes per side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior that promises deep flavor complexity.
3. Transfer the roast and introduce diced onions to the pot, gently caramelizing them until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Deglaze the pot with beef broth, using a wooden utensil to lift and incorporate the flavorful browned remnants from the pot’s bottom, preventing potential scorching.
5. Strategically layer the roast back into the pot, sprinkling ranch and au jus seasoning mixes directly onto the meat’s surface. Nestle butter, pepperoncini peppers, and their accompanying juice around the roast.
6. Secure the lid, positioning the pressure valve to “sealing” mode. Program the Instant Pot to high-pressure cooking for 60 minutes (adjusting 10 minutes per additional pound for larger cuts).
7. Once cooking completes, allow the pressure to dissipate naturally over 15-20 minutes, ensuring the meat remains supremely tender and succulent.
8. For enhanced sauce consistency, extract the beef and whisk a cornstarch slurry into the remaining liquid. Activate “Sauté” mode, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the gravy reaches desired thickness.

Notes

• Enhance the meat’s flavor by generously seasoning the roast with additional spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of pre-packaged seasoning mixes and choosing gluten-free beef broth.
• Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium broth and using less packaged seasoning mix, which can be quite salty.
• Meal prep like a pro by preparing the roast ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg