Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
If you’re craving a meal that’s juicy, full of flavor, and ready in no time, you have to try this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe. Tender beef slowly braised to perfection with classic Southern seasonings, punctuated by the creamy and buttery kick of ranch dressing and pepperoncini peppers, makes for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. The Instant Pot makes the whole process quick and effortless, giving you a succulent dinner any night of the week without the hours of waiting. Let’s dive into this delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality meals fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Comfort Food: Prepares a classic slow-cooked flavor in under an hour with the Instant Pot.
- Effortlessly Tender: The pressure cooker breaks down tough cuts, delivering melt-in-your-mouth beef every time.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and easy add-ins to create rich, layered flavors without complexity.
- Family Favorite: The creamy, zesty sauce makes the pot roast irresistible for kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Serving: Perfect on its own, over mashed potatoes, or even in sandwiches and tacos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe relies on a handful of ingredients that blend beautifully to create that signature taste and texture. Each item is essential for building the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and buttery flavors.
- Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut that becomes tender and juicy under pressure.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Provides herby, tangy seasoning that highlights the beef’s richness.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: Adds savory depth and perfect consistency to the cooking liquid.
- Butter: Melts into the roast for luscious mouthfeel and flavor.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: Brings a mild spiciness and acidity to brighten the dish.
- Beef Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the natural flavors during cooking.
Variations for Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe! It’s easy to tweak based on what’s on hand or dietary preferences, making it perfect for any kitchen adventure.
- Spicy Kick: Swap regular pepperoncini for hot pepperoncini or add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer, make the recipe low and slow in your crockpot for a hands-off approach.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and a homemade ranch mix to control salt content.
- Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, potatoes, or celery right into the Instant Pot for a complete meal.
- Gluten-Free: Choose a gluten-free ranch and gravy mix to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Roast
Pat your chuck roast dry to help it brown nicely, then sprinkle the ranch dressing and au jus gravy mixes evenly over the entire surface. This creates a flavor-packed crust during cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode, add a bit of oil, and brown the roast on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and enhances the beefy flavor.
Step 3: Add Butter and Peppers
Place the butter on top of the roast to melt slowly and add pepperoncini peppers all around for that subtle tangy punch.
Step 4: Pour in Beef Broth
Pour about one cup of beef broth into the pot, being careful not to wash off the seasoning on the roast. The liquid creates steam and pressure to tenderize the meat thoroughly.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for roughly 60 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes. The controlled heat breaks down connective tissue for that perfect texture.
Step 6: Shred and Serve
Remove the roast, shred with two forks, and mix with the cooking juices. The result is a rich, creamy beef you can serve over your favorite sides or use for sandwiches.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- Use the Right Cut: A well-marbled chuck roast yields the best tenderness and flavor when pressure cooked.
- Browning is Key: Don’t skip searing; it deepens the flavor and improves the sauce color.
- Don’t Over-Stir: After adding ingredients, avoid stirring so the seasoning stays on the meat.
- Natural Pressure Release: Letting the pressure release naturally keeps the roast juicy and tender.
- Customize the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, remove the roast and simmer the liquid on sauté mode briefly before serving.
How to Serve Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chopped chives add a pop of color and freshness, while extra pepperoncini on the side gives an optional zing.
Side Dishes
This hearty roast pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making sliders by piling shredded roast on soft buns, or use the meat as a filling for tacos or stuffed baked potatoes for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mississippi pot roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—flavors deepen overnight!
Freezing
This roast freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and keep for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep the meat moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can use brisket or rump roast, though cooking times and texture might vary.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The seasoning mixes already contain salt, so taste after cooking and adjust if necessary before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This particular recipe centers on beef, but you can experiment with hearty vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes in the same method.
How spicy is Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast?
The dish has a mild, tangy heat from pepperoncini peppers, making it flavorful but not overwhelmingly spicy for most palates.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes! Just ensure your Instant Pot can accommodate the larger roast, and slightly increase cooking time if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe is a genuine lifesaver when you want a savory, melt-in-your-mouth dinner without fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this dish consistently wins hearts with its bold, buttery, and tangy flavors. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to comfort meal!
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Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
A quick and flavorful Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast featuring tender chuck roast braised with ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, butter, pepperoncini peppers, and beef broth. This Southern-inspired comfort food delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef in under an hour, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a hearty, savory meal with creamy, tangy, and buttery notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including natural pressure release)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast, well-marbled
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 5 to 7 pepperoncini peppers
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Roast: Pat your chuck roast dry with paper towels to help it brown nicely, then evenly sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix all over the surface of the roast, coating it thoroughly to create a flavorful crust during cooking.
- Sear the Meat: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil to the pot and brown the roast on all sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, to lock in juices and enhance the beefy flavor. Once browned, remove from heat.
- Add Butter and Peppers: Place the butter on top of the roast so it can melt slowly during cooking. Surround the roast with whole pepperoncini peppers to impart a mild tangy heat and acidity to the dish.
- Pour in Beef Broth: Carefully pour 1 cup of beef broth into the Instant Pot, taking care not to wash off the seasoning on the roast. The broth will create the steam and pressure needed to tenderize the meat.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. After the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for at least 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the pot roast from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded beef with the cooking juices for a rich, creamy texture. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, in sandwiches, tacos, or your preferred side.
Notes
- Use a well-marbled chuck roast for best tenderness and flavor.
- Do not skip the searing step to deepen flavor and improve sauce color.
- Avoid stirring after seasoning to keep the crust intact on the meat.
- Always opt for natural pressure release to retain juiciness and tenderness.
- For thicker sauce, remove the roast and simmer the cooking liquid on sauté mode before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz cooked beef with sauce)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Instant Pot, Mississippi Pot Roast, Chuck Roast, Pressure Cooker, Southern Comfort Food, Easy Pot Roast, Beef Recipe
