Ultimate Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast: Tender & Flavorful in Just 60 Minutes
Prepare to experience the most incredibly tender, juicy, and flavor-packed Mississippi Pot Roast, made effortlessly in your Instant Pot! This beloved comfort food classic usually requires hours of slow cooking, but with the magic of pressure cooking, you can achieve melt-in-your-mouth perfection in as little as 60 minutes. Forget the long waits; this recipe delivers a rich, savory, and slightly tangy pot roast that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick Sunday dinner.
Why This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe Is a Must-Try
The Mississippi Pot Roast has earned its place as a quintessential comfort dish, and making it in the Instant Pot takes its convenience to an entirely new level. This recipe transforms an ordinary chuck roast into irresistibly tender, pull-apart hunks of beef bursting with savory, tangy flavor, all thanks to a handful of simple ingredients and the efficiency of your pressure cooker.
While we also adore the traditional crockpot Mississippi pot roast for its hands-off, slow-cooked perfection – a fantastic “dump-and-go” option before a long workday – the Instant Pot method is truly revolutionary. It drastically cuts down cooking time from 4-8 hours to just 60 minutes of active pressure cooking. This means you can enjoy a hearty, deeply flavorful pot roast much faster than conventional oven or slow cooker methods allow, making it an ideal choice when you need a delicious meal on the table without the long wait.
The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also infuses the flavors deeply into the meat, resulting in an incredibly moist and tender roast every time. The subtle tang from the pepperoncinis balances the richness of the beef and gravy, creating a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. With just 6 key ingredients, your Instant Pot, and a craving for something truly delicious, dinner will be ready before you know it!
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Pot Roast
One of the beauties of Mississippi Pot Roast is its simplicity. You only need a few staple ingredients to create a truly spectacular meal. Below, we’ll delve into each component to ensure you get the best results. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, make sure to check out the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Choosing Your Roast
ROAST – A high-quality chuck roast is the star of this dish. When selecting your cut, look for one that is well-marbled with fat. This marbling is crucial because as the fat melts during cooking, it bastes the meat from within, infusing it with incredible flavor and keeping it exceptionally moist and tender. A 3-4 lb chuck roast works perfectly for this recipe, providing ample servings for a family. While not strictly necessary, an optional step for an even richer flavor is to brown the chuck roast in a pan with a little oil before adding it to the Instant Pot. This quick sear creates a beautiful crust and locks in moisture, thanks to the Maillard reaction, contributing to a deeper, more complex flavor profile in your final dish.
The Tangy Kick: Pepperoncini Peppers
PEPPERS – Pepperoncini peppers are the secret ingredient that gives Mississippi Pot Roast its signature tangy bite and balances the richness of the beef. These mild chili peppers, typically found pickled in brine, contribute a unique flavor that isn’t overly spicy. The vinegar from their brine also acts as a natural tenderizer for the meat, helping it become fall-apart tender. Once cooked for an hour under pressure, any hint of strong spice mellows considerably, leaving behind only a delightful “zip” in the gravy and the roast itself. If you’re sensitive to heat but still want the flavor, you can use just the pepperoncini juice, but we highly recommend including the peppers for the full, authentic experience. Do not skip the pepperoncinis or their brine – they are absolutely essential to this recipe!
The Flavor Foundation: Seasonings and More
SEASONINGS – The iconic flavor of Mississippi Pot Roast comes from a simple yet powerful combination of seasoning packets. You’ll need Ranch seasoning packets, readily available at most grocery stores. Alternatively, for those who prefer, you can easily make your own homemade ranch seasoning mix. Don’t forget the au jus gravy packet, which provides a savory base and helps create that rich, luscious gravy. To further enrich the gravy and add a velvety texture, a couple of tablespoons of unsalted butter are completely optional but highly recommended. Finally, a small amount of low-sodium beef broth provides the necessary liquid for the Instant Pot to come to pressure while adding another layer of beefy flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast (Step-by-Step)
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Begin by placing your chosen chuck roast (approximately 3-4 lbs) into a 6-quart Instant Pot. Ensure it fits comfortably within the pot.
EXPERT TIP – As mentioned, you can optionally brown the meat in a separate pan with a little olive oil before adding it to the Instant Pot. This step enhances the flavor and color of the roast through the Maillard reaction but is not essential for achieving a tender and delicious outcome if you’re short on time.
- Evenly sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning and the au jus gravy mix over the chuck roast. If using, place the two tablespoons of unsalted butter on top of the roast. This allows the butter to slowly melt and mingle with the seasonings as it cooks.
- Carefully pour the low-sodium beef broth, pepperoncini peppers, and their flavorful brine (about 1/2 cup) along the side of the roast, into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Avoid pouring directly over the seasonings on the roast to help them distribute evenly.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the sealing valve is set to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the 60-minute cooking cycle begins.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for at least 10-15 minutes. This is crucial for keeping the meat tender and juicy. After this natural release, you can carefully turn the sealing valve to “Venting” to quick release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, open the lid.
Carefully remove the roast from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef until it’s in tender pieces. Return the shredded beef to the pot, toss it with the rich gravy, and serve as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Mississippi Pot Roast
Yes, you absolutely can use a frozen chuck roast in your Instant Pot for Mississippi Pot Roast. The Instant Pot is excellent for cooking from frozen. However, you will need to significantly increase the cooking time to ensure the meat thaws and cooks thoroughly. As a general guideline, add an extra 20-30 minutes of high-pressure cooking time per pound for a frozen roast. The goal is pull-apart tender meat, so continue to cook until it reaches that desired texture. Always ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches a safe 145°F (63°C) after resting and before shredding.
To keep your leftover Mississippi Pot Roast fresh and delicious, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain good for 3-4 days. The flavors often meld even further overnight, making it just as good, if not better, the next day!
Yes, Mississippi Pot Roast freezes beautifully! This makes it an excellent meal prep option. Once cooked and cooled, transfer the shredded pot roast and its delicious gravy into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. It can be frozen for 5-6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. When reheating, we recommend adding a splash of water or extra beef broth to restore moisture and prevent it from drying out. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, in the oven (covered with foil), or quickly in the microwave until warmed through.
Absolutely! After shredding the meat and returning it to the pot, if you find the gravy too thin, you can easily thicken it. Create a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. With the Instant Pot set to “Sauté” mode, slowly whisk the slurry into the hot gravy. Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to over-thicken.
While the classic recipe is perfect, you can customize your Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast! For a complete meal, consider adding hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes (cut into large chunks), or even onions to the Instant Pot along with the roast. These will cook down beautifully and absorb the rich flavors. You can also experiment with different cuts of beef, though chuck roast is typically the best for shredding. Some people enjoy adding a touch of garlic powder or onion powder to the seasoning mix for extra depth.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Pot Roast
The versatility of Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast makes it a truly satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in many ways. We particularly love serving this tender, flavorful beef with a heaping scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all the rich gravy beautifully. Other fantastic accompaniments include fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or even polenta, creating a hearty and comforting plate.
Beyond traditional pairings, this pot roast is also incredible when transformed into sandwiches. Take inspiration from our slow cooker pot roast recipe and create mouthwatering Mississippi Pot Roast sliders or full-sized sandwiches. Simply slice a crusty French baguette or a soft sub roll in half, layer with the warm, shredded roast, add your favorite cheese (provolone or Swiss are great choices), and a few extra pepperoncini peppers if you love that tangy kick. Serve these alongside a small bowl of the rich gravy for dipping – it’s an irresistible meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or game day.
This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast truly delivers on its promise of a simple, flavorful meal that is easy enough for any home cook. Its rich flavors and tender texture are sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Explore More Delicious Beef Recipes
If you’re a fan of comforting and hearty beef dishes, we’ve got you covered! Here are some more of our favorite beef recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen:
- Classic Crockpot Roast Beef
- Hearty Homemade Goulash
- Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew
- Tender Beef Brisket and Gravy
- Rich Crockpot Beef Burgundy
- Quick Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- Easy Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders
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Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4 lb chuck roast 3-4 lbs
- ¾ cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 packet au jus gravy
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter optional
- 10 pepperoncini peppers plus 1/2 cup pepperoncini juice
Things You’ll Need
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Instant pot
Before You Begin
- We love serving Mississippi pot roast with a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. You can even make Mississippi pot roast sandwiches out of it. Slice a French baguette or sub roll in half, add the shredded roast, your favorite cheese, and extra peppers if desired. Dip in the gravy for a delicious meal!
Instructions
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Place the chuck roast in the instant pot.
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Sprinkle with seasonings and butter.
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Pour the beef broth, pepperoncinis, and pepperoncini juice along the side into the bottom of the instant pot.
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Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
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Natural release pressure, shred, return to pot and serve as desired.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.