Name: Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground pepper; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 cup beef broth; 5-6 pepperoncini peppers and ¼ cup of its juice; 1 (1 oz) packet of Ranch Dressing Mix (approximately 1 ½ tablespoon); 1 (1 oz) packet of Au Jus Gravy Mix (approximately 1 ½ tablespoon); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water

If you’ve ever wanted a comfort meal that’s practically foolproof and bursts with rich, savory flavors, you have to try this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day — tender beef infused with tangy pepperoncini and a buttery sauce that’s incredibly satisfying without much fuss. Honestly, this recipe has become my go-to when I want an easy dinner that impresses everyone at the table.

What really makes this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe stand out is how quickly the Instant Pot transforms a tough chuck roast into melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weekday or want a comforting weekend meal with minimal prep, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, it’s so forgiving and straightforward that even if you’re new to pressure cooking, you’ll have great results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Finding the right ingredients is half the battle won with this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe. Each component plays its part to create that signature tangy richness and melt-tender texture. I like to keep the basics stocked so it’s quick to throw together anytime inspiration strikes.

Beef (Chuck Roast): Choose a 3-4 pound chuck roast because it’s well-marbled, which means juicy and flavorful results after pressure cooking.
Olive Oil: Use this for searing the beef — it helps build depth of flavor and a nice crust before pressure cooking.
Ground Pepper: Freshly ground is best for seasoning the roast right before searing.
Yellow Onion: Diced onions add sweetness and a bit of texture to the base of the sauce.
Beef Broth: This liquid creates the flavorful cooking environment that keeps the roast tender and juicy.
Ranch Dressing Mix: It’s the secret flavor bomb—adds herbs and seasoning that bring that iconic Mississippi roast taste.
Au Jus Gravy Mix: Adds richness and depth to the sauce with minimal effort.
Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and richness to balance the tangy peppers.
Pepperoncini Peppers and Juice: These give the roast its signature zing and subtle heat; don’t skip the juice as it adds acidity.
Cornstarch and Water: Optional, for thickening the sauce if you want a gravy-like finish.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe is how wonderfully it adapts to personal tastes and dietary preferences. I encourage you to experiment, whether you like it mild or a little more kick, and make this your own in the kitchen.

Spicy Twist: I sometimes add extra pepperoncini peppers or a dash of cayenne for a little more heat — it wakes up the flavors nicely without overpowering.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for a high-quality olive oil or vegan butter and make sure your ranch mix is dairy-free; it works great for those with sensitivities.
Slow Cooker Swap: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily adapt this recipe by slow cooking on low for 6-8 hours; just note the timing changes.
Herb Boost: I sometimes toss in fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy note that pairs beautifully with beef.

How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chuck Roast to Seal in Flavor

First things first, pat your chuck roast dry with paper towels—that helps get a nice sear. Heat the olive oil on the sauté setting of your Instant Pot until shimmering, then sprinkle the roast all over with ground pepper. Place the roast in the pot and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until it develops a deep, golden crust. This step adds a smoky, caramelized flavor that you don’t want to skip. Once seared, remove the roast and set aside.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

With the Instant Pot still on sauté, add diced onions and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom — that’s where much of the magic happens. Stir in the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix until they dissolve into the broth.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Your Roast to Perfection

Return the seared chuck roast to the Instant Pot and nestle it into the broth mixture. Top with the butter and pepperoncini peppers along with about 1/4 cup of their juice for tang and acidity. Secure the lid, seal the valve, and set it to pressure cook on high for 60 minutes. When the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure. This slow, intense cooking turns the roast super tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce for a Beautiful Finish

If you like a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and add it to the liquid in the pot after removing the meat. Turn the sauté function back on and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. This luscious sauce is perfect spooned over the roast or mashed potatoes.

How to Serve Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe

This dish shows a white oval plate filled with a dark brown, thick sauce layered at the bottom. On top, there is a large piece of cooked meat with a charred black and deep brown crust, which looks tender and shredded in some parts. Scattered around and partially dipped in the sauce are several bright yellowish, smooth pickled peppers adding a pop of color. Two silver forks are stuck into the meat, one lifting a small shredded piece. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple garnish, I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note. Some nights, a little extra crushed pepperoncini on top enhances that tangy bite. It’s a small touch that makes the dish feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

I love serving this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe alongside creamy mashed potatoes because the gravy soaks into them beautifully. Roasted vegetables like carrots and green beans add a bit of sweetness and crunch, balancing the rich beef. And of course, crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try serving the roast on a platter surrounded by roasted fingerling potatoes and colorful carrots for a rustic, farmhouse look. For a casual dinner party, I sometimes shred the meat and serve it on slider buns with a bit of the sauce as a delicious, crowd-pleasing sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always save leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find they’re even better the next day once the flavors have melded. The roast keeps well for up to 4 days, and the sauce remains rich and delicious, making for easy reheated lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Just be sure to cool the meat and sauce completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. When I freeze leftovers, I portion them out in meal-sized servings so they’re quick to thaw and reheat on busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the roast gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This helps the meat stay tender and preserves the flavors better than microwaving. If you’re short on time, the microwave works fine—just heat in 1-minute intervals and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal because of its marbling and toughness that breaks down beautifully, you can also use brisket or even a bottom round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut’s thickness and fat content.
Is it necessary to use both ranch and au jus gravy mix in the recipe?

Both mixes are essential for achieving that classic Mississippi Pot Roast flavor. Ranch adds a herby, creamy taste, while the au jus gravy mix brings depth and richness. If you can’t find them, some people substitute with homemade blends, but the mix packet combo is key for authentic taste.
Can I skip the pepperoncini peppers if I don’t like spicy food?

You can, though the pepperoncini peppers add the unique tang and slight zing this dish is known for. If heat is a concern, try rinsing the peppers or using fewer; alternatively, consider substituting mild banana peppers for less spice but similar texture.
How do I prevent the “Burn” message on the Instant Pot?

To avoid the burn message, always deglaze the pot thoroughly after searing by scraping up those browned bits with broth before pressure cooking. Also, make sure you have enough liquid (at least 1 cup) in the pot, and avoid thick sauces or large amounts of butter against the bottom directly.
Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the amounts, but be mindful of your Instant Pot’s max fill line. You may need to cook in batches to ensure even and safe pressure cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly if the roast pieces are larger or thicker.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself returning to time and again because it just works — no stress, no complicated steps, just real comfort on a plate. I hope you’ll enjoy how easy it is to pull off and how satisfying the flavors are. Give it a try for your next cozy dinner, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.