If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, then this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is just what you need. This recipe combines tender, juicy beef with the tangy kick of pepperoncini peppers and the comforting richness of Ranch and Au Jus seasoning mixes, all cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns a simple set of wholesome ingredients into a truly magical meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is all about simplicity paired with incredible depth of flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the savory base, adding tangy brightness, or creating that luscious gravy to soak up with your favorite sides.

Beef chuck roast (3-4 pounds): The star of the dish, chuck roast offers perfect marbling and tenderness when pressure cooked.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve a beautiful golden sear on the roast, adding extra flavor and texture.
Ground pepper (1 teaspoon): A simple seasoning that enhances the natural beefy flavor without overpowering.
Yellow onion, diced (1 large): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce base.
Beef broth (1 cup): Forms the flavorful liquid medium that keeps the roast moist and tender.
Ranch Dressing Mix (1 oz packet): Brings that signature tangy, herby flair that makes this pot roast special.
Au Jus Gravy Mix (1 oz packet): Amplifies the beefy umami and contributes to a rich gravy.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds smoothness and richness to the pot roast’s sauce.
Pepperoncini peppers (5-6) and ¼ cup juice: Introduces a mild heat and bright acidity that perfectly balances the rich beef.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon) and water (1 tablespoon): Combined to make a slurry that thickens the gravy beautifully at the end.

How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

Step 1: Season the Beef

Start by generously seasoning both sides of your 3-4 pound beef chuck roast with the ground pepper. This straightforward step ensures every bite is perfectly flavored and lays the foundation for the roast’s robust taste.

Step 2: Sear the Meat (Optional)

For an extra layer of richness, set your Instant Pot to [Sauté] mode and heat the olive oil until it reads “Hot.” Place the roast in the pot and sear each side for about 3 minutes until it’s golden brown. This caramelization locks in juices and deepens the flavor. If you’re short on time, skip this step—just add a few minutes to your cooking time later.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

After removing the roast, toss in the diced onion and sauté it gently for about 2 minutes. This softens the onion, releasing its natural sweetness to create a delicious base for your pot roast’s savory sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the beef broth and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot. This step is crucial—it prevents scorch warnings during pressure cooking and infuses the liquid with concentrated beefy goodness.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Return the seared roast to the pot, then evenly sprinkle the Ranch Dressing Mix and Au Jus Gravy Mix on top. Dot with butter, then arrange the pepperoncini peppers and pour in their juice over everything. These layers combine to make the trademark flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness you expect from an Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast.

Step 6: Pressure Cook the Roast

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select [Pressure Cook or Manual] and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes if your roast weighs 3 pounds, or 70 minutes for a 4-pound roast. This low-and-slow style pressure cooking breaks down connective tissue for fall-apart tenderness.

Step 7: Natural Pressure Release

Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes. This gentle cooldown keeps the meat juicy and prevents it from drying out. Wait for the pressure pin to drop before opening the lid carefully.

Step 8: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

Remove the roast and set it aside to rest. Mix cornstarch and water into a smooth slurry, then turn the Instant Pot to [Sauté] mode again. Whisk in the slurry and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a velvety gravy perfect for spooning over your roast.

Step 9: Serve

Shred or slice your beautifully tender Mississippi Pot Roast and drizzle it with the rich, tangy gravy. It’s ready to become the centerpiece of your meal, lovingly accompanied by your favorite sides.

How to Serve Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of green that brightens the plate visually and adds a fresh herbaceous note to balance the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make ideal partners for soaking up the luscious gravy. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad add textural contrast and keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving shredded Mississippi pot roast in warm tortillas or slider buns for an unexpected but delicious twist. Or pile it atop creamy risotto or buttered egg noodles to make the flavors shine in a new way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the meat and gravy together to maintain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

This pot roast freezes beautifully. Portion the roast and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the pot roast low and slow either on the stove or in the microwave, ideally with a splash of broth to keep everything juicy. Stir occasionally and heat until warm throughout.

FAQs

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

Chuck roast is preferred for its well-marbled fat and connective tissue that break down under pressure, creating tender meat. You can try brisket or rump roast, but cooking times may vary.

Do I have to sear the meat before pressure cooking?

Searing is optional but recommended for added flavor. If you skip searing, just increase the pressure cooking time by a few minutes to ensure tenderness.

What can I substitute for pepperoncini peppers?

If you can’t find pepperoncini, mild banana peppers work well too. They offer a similar tangy heat that’s key to the dish’s signature flavor.

How do I prevent the Instant Pot from giving a burn warning during cooking?

Deglazing the pot by scraping up browned bits after sautéing onions helps prevent this issue. Also, make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot before sealing the lid.

Can I make this recipe without the Ranch and Au Jus seasoning mixes?

Those mixes give Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast its distinctive taste and richness. You could create a homemade blend of seasoning powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and beef bouillon, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is truly a gem for anyone who loves effortless cooking without sacrificing flavor. Its tender texture combined with the tangy, buttery sauce will quickly make it a favorite on your dinner rotation. You owe it to yourself to try this recipe—it’s comfort food magic made simple.