If there’s one recipe I turn to when I need something easy, hearty, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, it’s this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot classic. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and every time, that fork-tender chuck roast melts into the rich, savory goodness from the pepperoncini, ranch, and au jus combo.
This Mississippi Roast Instant Pot version takes all the magic of the slow cooker favorite and transforms it into a quick, hands-off dinner in under 90 minutes. Whether I’m juggling weeknight chaos or hosting family on a Sunday, this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot never fails. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so simple—you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.
Why Mississippi Roast is So Popular
There’s a reason the Mississippi Roast Instant Pot has taken kitchens by storm—it delivers unbelievable flavor with barely any effort. Born in Mississippi and made famous by home cooks and social media buzz, this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot recipe keeps it simple with just a handful of pantry staples, yet the result tastes like something that simmered all day. The Mississippi Roast Instant Pot version is my go-to when I want comfort food fast; pressure cooking turns a humble chuck roast into tender, fall-apart perfection in just about 90 minutes.
I love serving this over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, letting that rich, tangy gravy soak into every bite. Trust me—once you try this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
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Ingredients
For the Roast:
- Chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- Ranch dressing mix
- Au jus gravy mix
- Butter, cut into cubes
- Pepperoncini peppers, with juice
- Beef broth (optional, for extra liquid)
Substitutions and Variations:
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free ranch and au jus packets
- Lower sodium: Look for reduced-sodium seasoning packets
- Dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter substitute
- Spicier version: Add jalapeños along with pepperoncini
- Herb variation: Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
The chuck roast is key here – this cut becomes incredibly tender under pressure and absorbs all those amazing flavors. The pepperoncini adds a tangy bite that balances the rich, savory elements perfectly.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Preparing the Roast
- Pat your chuck roast completely dry with paper towels on all sides.
- Season the roast generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- If your roast is particularly thick (over 4 inches), cut it in half to ensure even cooking.
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the roast in the pot.
- Sear the chuck roast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the seared roast and set aside on a plate.
This searing step adds incredible depth of flavor to your mississippi pot roast instant pot recipe. Don't skip it!
Adding the Seasonings
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Add the au jus gravy mix, spreading it around the bottom as well.
- Place the seared roast back into the pot on top of the seasoning packets.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and distribute them around and on top of the roast.
- Add the pepperoncini peppers around the roast.
- Pour about ¼ cup of the pepperoncini juice over everything.
The butter will melt during cooking, creating that signature rich gravy that makes this dish so special.
Pressure Cooking
- Add the beef broth if you prefer extra liquid for a brothier result.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure it's properly aligned.
- Turn the pressure valve to the sealing position.
- Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" and set to high pressure.
- Set the timer for 90 minutes for a 3-4 pound roast.
- Once cooking begins, the pot will take about 15-20 minutes to come to pressure.
- When cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, carefully turn the valve to venting to release remaining pressure.
This gradual pressure release helps keep the meat tender and prevents it from becoming stringy.
Shredding and Serving
- Carefully open the Instant Pot lid, tilting it away from you to avoid steam.
- Check that the roast is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Using two forks, shred the meat directly in the pot.
- Mix the shredded meat with all the delicious juices and seasonings.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately over your choice of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
The gravy that forms is absolutely incredible and shouldn't be wasted!
- Step 1: Preparing the Roast
Sear the chuck roast until golden brown on both sides.
- Step 2: Adding the Seasonings
Add seasoning packets, butter, and pepperoncini to the roast.
- Step 3: Pressure Cooking
Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes and let pressure release naturally.
- Step 4: Shredding and Serving
Shred the beef and mix it with the flavorful gravy.
Hints and Tips
Here's a game-changing tip: Let your roast come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and prevents the outside from overcooking while the center catches up.
Another helpful hint – if your gravy seems too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the pot. Use the sauté function to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This mississippi roast instant pot recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly when served without starchy sides. Chuck roast provides excellent protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. The pepperoncini adds probiotics and vitamin C.
For a complete comfort meal, serve over buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Green vegetables like steamed broccoli or green beans make excellent sides that cut through the richness. A simple side salad with vinaigrette also provides a nice acidic contrast.
Wine pairing suggestion: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the rich, savory flavors beautifully.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Mississippi Pot Roast Instant Pot with Potatoes and Carrots: Add 1 pound baby potatoes and 1 pound baby carrots during the last 20 minutes of cooking using the quick release method.
- Mississippi Pork Roast Instant Pot: Substitute a pork shoulder roast for the beef chuck roast. Reduce cooking time to 75 minutes.
- Whole30 Mississippi Pot Roast: Use compliant ranch seasoning (or make your own with herbs and spices) and omit the au jus packet. Add extra herbs like thyme and oregano.
- Low FODMAP Mississippi Pot Roast: Use garlic-free ranch seasoning and check that your au jus mix is onion-free.
For those following specific diets, this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot recipe adapts beautifully. The basic method remains the same regardless of substitutions.
Equipment
The Instant Pot (6-quart or larger) is essential for this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot recipe. The pressure cooking function is what makes this quick weeknight pot roast possible. If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can adapt this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot recipe for a slow cooker – just cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Other helpful tools include good tongs for handling the roast and a meat thermometer to ensure doneness (though it's pretty foolproof with this method). A large serving spoon helps when dishing up all that delicious gravy.
Storage
Store leftover mississippi pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out.
This Mississippi Roast Instant Pot recipe is perfect for meal prep – portion it out with your favorite sides for ready-made comfort meals throughout the week.
The Secret to Tender Mississippi Roast Instant Pot Magic
I learned this the hard way—early on, I couldn’t resist peeking inside the Instant Pot halfway through cooking my Mississippi Roast Instant Pot. Big mistake! The pressure dropped, the magic slowed down, and the roast didn’t melt like it usually does. Now I know: once that lid is sealed, don’t touch it. Let the pressure do its quiet work behind the scenes.
It’s this steady, uninterrupted cook time that transforms the chuck roast into buttery, fall-apart beef. So even if you're tempted (and I always am!), trust the process. Your reward is that unforgettable, tender bite that makes this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot recipe a forever favorite.
FAQ
What is the difference between a pot roast and a Mississippi Pot Roast?
A classic pot roast typically includes carrots, potatoes, onions, and a broth-based gravy. Mississippi Pot Roast, on the other hand, skips the veggies and uses ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and pepperoncini for bold, tangy flavor. It’s a richer, more savory version of traditional pot roast, made famous for its simplicity and taste.
What cut of meat is best for Mississippi Pot Roast?
The best cut for Mississippi Pot Roast is a well-marbled chuck roast. It’s budget-friendly, tender when pressure-cooked or slow-cooked, and soaks up all the savory flavors beautifully. The fat in chuck roast melts down during cooking, creating that signature juicy, fall-apart texture that makes this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot recipe so comforting and irresistible.
How long does a Mississippi Pot Roast take?
A Mississippi Pot Roast typically takes about 90 minutes in the Instant Pot, including natural pressure release. In a slow cooker, it takes 8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high. The Instant Pot version is perfect when you want that slow-cooked taste and texture—fast—without sacrificing flavor or tenderness.
How long to cook 1.5 lb chuck roast in Instant Pot?
For a 1.5 lb chuck roast in the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 45–50 minutes, then allow a 10–15 minute natural release. Smaller roasts cook quicker, but still benefit from resting in the juices afterward to stay tender. Add your seasonings and liquid just as you would for a full Mississippi Roast Instant Pot.
What to Serve with Your Mississippi Roast Instant Pot Dinner
This Mississippi Roast Instant Pot recipe is proof that the best comfort food can come together with hardly any fuss. In just 90 minutes, you’ll have tender, savory beef swimming in rich, peppery gravy—perfect for soaking into mashed potatoes or crusty bread. And if you’re wondering what to pair it with, brighten up your plate with a vibrant side like this Fresh Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe or go all-in on cozy flavors with this sweet-and-savory Peach Bruschetta Recipe. Whether it’s your first time making this dish or your fiftieth, this is one of those recipes that turns a simple dinner into something truly memorable. Try it tonight, and let the magic happen.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Mississippi Roast Instant Pot recipe:
Mississippi Roast Instant Pot Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot 6-quart or larger recommended
- 1 Tongs For flipping the roast
- 1 Meat thermometer Optional, for checking doneness
- 1 Mixing spoon For shredding and stirring
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb Chuck roast Trimmed of excess fat
- 1 oz Ranch dressing mix 1 packet
- 1 oz Au jus gravy mix 1 packet
- ½ cup Unsalted butter Cut into cubes
- ½ cup Pepperoncini peppers With juice
- 1 cup Beef broth Optional, for extra liquid
- Salt & pepper To taste
- 1 tablespoon Oil For searing the roast (olive or canola)
Instructions
- Pat roast dry
- Season roast
- Sear both sides
- Remove and set aside
- Sprinkle ranch and au jus
- Add roast back
- Top with butter/peppers
- Add pepper juice/broth
- Set to high pressure
- Cook for 90 minutes
- Natural release 15 mins
- Shred meat
- Mix with juices
- Serve with sides
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