Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is a savory, tender, and flavorful dish that’s cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time it takes in a traditional slow cooker. This pot roast is infused with rich flavors from ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, making it a perfect choice for busy nights when you want a comforting, hearty meal without the long wait.
I first made Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast on a cold evening when I wanted something that would warm me up and satisfy my craving for comfort food. The combination of butter, ranch, and pepperoncini peppers creates a deliciously tangy and savory sauce that soaks into the tender roast, leaving it fall-apart delicious. The Instant Pot cuts the cooking time down to just an hour or so, which is a game changer for anyone who loves this classic dish but doesn’t have the time to slow cook it all day.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and how easy it is to make. You just throw everything into the Instant Pot, set it, and let the pressure cooker do its magic. The roast comes out incredibly tender, and the sauce is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or even dipping crusty bread. Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is a one-pot wonder that’s quick to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Busy weeknights
- Comfort food lovers
- Sunday suppers
- Feeding a crowd
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast will become your go-to comfort food:
- Rich and Savory Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and beef creates a robust, savory taste.
- Tender, Fall-Apart Meat: The Instant Pot ensures that the roast cooks to perfection, leaving you with tender, juicy meat that shreds easily.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe cuts down the cooking time of traditional pot roast by using the Instant Pot.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything is cooked in the Instant Pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced Seasoning: The tanginess of pepperoncini peppers complements the earthy ranch seasoning for a deliciously unique flavor.
- Versatile: Serve the pot roast with mashed potatoes, rice, or on a sandwich for a variety of meal options.
- Great for Leftovers: The leftovers make a delicious sandwich or can be turned into a stew for the next day.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This roast is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties.
- No Fuss: There’s no need to watch over the pot, making it a stress-free meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 50g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Roast:
- 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1 jar (16 oz) pepperoncini peppers, with juice
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Ingredient Highlights
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Add a tangy, slightly spicy kick to the roast while infusing it with flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides a creamy, herby flavor that enhances the dish.
- Beef Chuck Roast: Known for its tenderness, this cut of beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious when cooked under pressure.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Roast:
- Sear the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a little oil and sear the beef roast on all sides until browned. Remove the roast and set aside.
- Add Ingredients: Pour the ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, and pepperoncini peppers (with juice) into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Add the Roast: Place the seared beef roast back into the Instant Pot, on top of the seasoning mixture. Add the butter on top of the roast.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 60 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before releasing the rest of the pressure manually.
- Shred the Meat: Remove the roast from the Instant Pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to coat in the juices.
Serve:
- Serve the Roast: Serve the shredded beef with the sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or on sandwich buns for a delicious meal.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the pot roast on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
- On Sandwich Buns: Use the shredded beef to make a hearty sandwich, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- With Rice: Serve the roast and gravy over a bed of steamed rice for a filling meal.
- On a Salad: Add the shredded beef to a green salad for a flavorful twist.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the roast with roasted carrots, potatoes, or green beans for a complete meal.
- With Pasta: Toss the shredded beef with pasta for a hearty, flavorful dish.
- For Leftovers: Use the leftovers to make beef tacos or wraps.
- On a Baked Potato: Spoon the pot roast and gravy over a baked potato for a comforting dish.
- With Pickles: Add a few extra pepperoncini peppers or pickles on the side for extra tang.
- With Cornbread: Serve the pot roast alongside some freshly baked cornbread for a Southern-inspired meal.
Additional Tips
- Sear the Roast: Searing the roast before pressure cooking will enhance the flavor and create a more complex taste.
- Use Fresh Pepperoncini: Fresh pepperoncini peppers can add an even more vibrant flavor if you have access to them.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a milder roast, reduce the amount of pepperoncini peppers or use sweet peppers instead.
- Shred the Meat Well: Shredding the meat while it’s still hot will ensure it soaks up all the flavorful juices.
- Use a Thick Cut: For best results, use a thick, well-marbled beef roast to ensure tenderness.
Recipe Variations
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast: Cook on low for 8 hours in a slow cooker for an equally tender roast.
- Spicy Mississippi Pot Roast: Add more pepperoncini or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Smoky Mississippi Pot Roast: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based roast, like a seitan roast, to recreate this dish without meat.
- BBQ Mississippi Pot Roast: Add a splash of barbecue sauce to the sauce mixture for a sweet and tangy variation.
- Mississippi Pot Roast with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix to reduce the salt content.
- Garlic Mississippi Pot Roast: Add minced garlic or garlic powder for an extra burst of flavor.
Special Equipment
- Instant Pot: For quick and easy pressure cooking.
- Tongs: For searing and removing the roast from the Instant Pot.
- Forks: For shredding the beef after cooking.
- Spoon: For stirring the sauce mixture and serving the roast.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but chuck roast yields the best results. - How long does this roast last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I freeze the roast?
Yes, this roast freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Can I make this roast without ranch seasoning?
Yes, you can make your own seasoning blend with dried herbs and spices such as parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill. - Can I make the roast spicier?
Yes, increase the amount of pepperoncini peppers or add hot sauce for extra heat. - Can I skip the butter?
The butter adds richness to the sauce, but you can skip it if preferred. - Can I cook the roast for longer?
If you want the meat to be even more tender, you can cook it for up to 90 minutes, but be careful not to overcook it. - Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this roast in a slow cooker by cooking it on low for 8 hours. - What can I substitute for au jus gravy mix?
Use homemade beef broth and seasoning for a similar flavor. - Can I use a different kind of pepper?
You can substitute with banana peppers or sweet peppers for a milder taste.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is a flavorful, tender, and juicy pot roast that cooks up quickly in your Instant Pot, making it the perfect dish for a busy day when you crave a hearty meal. The combination of savory beef, tangy pepperoncini peppers, ranch seasoning, and au jus gravy mix creates a melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s bursting with flavor. The Instant Pot ensures the roast is cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time it takes in a traditional slow cooker.
The roast becomes incredibly tender and falls apart easily, with the rich and savory flavors of the seasoning and peppers infusing the meat. It’s great served over mashed potatoes, rice, or in sandwiches, and makes for fantastic leftovers.
I’d love to see your Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious, tender pot roast. Don’t forget to comment and tell me how you made this dish your own with your favorite twists or extra seasonings!