Tender, Juicy, and Unforgettable: The Ultimate Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Prepare for a culinary revelation with this unbelievably juicy and tender Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast! This dish redefines comfort food, delivering melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness with unparalleled speed. While traditional methods can take 4-8 hours, our Instant Pot version has dinner ready in just 60 minutes of active pressure cooking. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, flavorful meal without the long wait.
Mississippi Pot Roast has earned its legendary status for a reason. It’s incredibly simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients, yet it produces a deeply savory and tangy roast that’s fall-apart tender. The magic of the Instant Pot elevates this classic, locking in moisture and intensifying flavors in a fraction of the time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it slow-cooked all day!
Why This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe Works Wonders
Making Mississippi Pot Roast is already renowned for its simplicity, but when prepared in the Instant Pot, it becomes an absolute game-changer. This method transforms a humble chuck roast into succulent, pull-apart tender hunks of intensely flavorful meat, perfectly balanced with a tangy zest thanks to the inclusion of zesty pepperoncinis. You only need six core ingredients, your trusty Instant Pot, and a hearty appetite to enjoy this incredible dinner.
While we also adore the traditional crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast, which slow-cooks to perfection and makes for a fantastic dump-and-go meal before a busy workday, the Instant Pot method offers a significant advantage: speed. If you find yourself short on time but still craving that deeply rich, tender chuck roast, the pressure cooker delivers results far quicker than a conventional oven or slow cooker. It’s ideal for impromptu family dinners or when you simply can’t wait for hours to savor this comfort food classic.
The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot tenderizes the meat remarkably efficiently, breaking down tough connective tissues in about an hour. This ensures your roast is incredibly tender and moist, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the seasonings and liquids. It’s a truly hands-off cooking experience once the lid is sealed, freeing you up to focus on other tasks or simply relax while dinner practically cooks itself.
Essential Ingredients for Your Mississippi Pot Roast
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable dish. You’ll find a complete list of measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the end of this post. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe so special:
THE ROAST – The star of our dish is the chuck roast. When selecting your cut, look for one with good marbling – those streaks of fat throughout the meat. This marbling is key because as the fat melts during cooking, it bastes the roast from within, infusing it with incredible flavor and keeping it exceptionally moist and tender. While not strictly necessary for the Instant Pot method, you can optionally brown the chuck roast in a pan before adding it to the pressure cooker. This step, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a rich, savory crust that significantly enhances the overall depth of flavor and helps to “seal” in the juices. It’s an extra step that culinary enthusiasts often appreciate for that added gourmet touch!
THE PEPPERS – Pepperoncini peppers are the secret ingredient that truly defines the “Mississippi” flavor profile. They contribute a unique tangy, slightly acidic, and subtly spicy bite that beautifully cuts through the richness of the beef. The vinegar from their brine also plays a crucial role in tenderizing the meat, further ensuring a succulent result. Rest assured, they aren’t intensely spicy once they’ve cooked down; what remains is a pleasant, zesty “zip” in both the meat and the luscious gravy. We strongly advise against omitting pepperoncinis or their juice entirely, as they are integral to the dish’s signature taste. If you’re particularly concerned about spice, you can start with just the pepperoncini juice and a few peppers, or even remove some of the seeds, though the cooked peppers are quite mild.
THE SEASONINGS – You’ll need two convenient packets for maximum flavor: a Ranch seasoning packet and an au jus gravy packet. These packets are readily available at most local grocery stores and simplify the seasoning process immensely. The Ranch seasoning brings a savory, herby, and slightly creamy undertone, while the au jus packet provides a rich, beefy depth and helps form that incredible gravy. For those who prefer a homemade approach, you can certainly mix your own ranch seasoning blend using dried herbs and spices. Lastly, a touch of butter is completely optional but highly recommended. It melts down to enrich the gravy, adding a silky texture and decadent flavor that truly elevates the dish.
THE LIQUID – A small amount of low sodium beef broth is essential. It provides the necessary liquid for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and forms the flavorful base of our gravy, complementing the au jus and pepperoncini brine.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible recipe. For a quick overview and a printable version of the recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Begin by placing your 3-4 lb chuck roast directly into the inner pot of your 6-quart Instant Pot. Ensure it fits comfortably without being cramped.
EXPERT TIP (Optional Browning): While the Instant Pot excels at tenderizing without prior browning, searing the roast beforehand can add another layer of rich, caramelized flavor. To do this, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. Carefully transfer the browned roast to the Instant Pot. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth or water and add those flavorful bits to the Instant Pot as well! This extra step is not imperative but highly recommended for an enhanced taste experience.
- Season the Roast: Generously sprinkle the entire chuck roast with both the ranch seasoning packet and the au jus gravy packet. If you’re using butter, cut it into several pats and distribute them evenly over the top of the roast. The butter will melt down, enriching the flavors and contributing to a luscious gravy.
- Add Liquids and Peppers: Carefully pour the ¾ cup of low-sodium beef broth, the pepperoncini peppers, and the ½ cup of pepperoncini juice into the bottom of the Instant Pot, alongside the roast. Try to pour the liquid around the sides of the roast rather than directly over the seasoned meat to help the seasonings adhere better. The broth and pepperoncini juice are crucial for bringing the pot to pressure and infusing the roast with its distinctive tangy and savory flavors.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time to 60 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to build pressure before the cooking cycle begins.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Once the 60-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to natural-release pressure for at least 15-20 minutes. This natural release is vital for ensuring the meat remains incredibly tender and juicy, preventing it from drying out. After 15-20 minutes, you can carefully turn the venting knob to “Venting” for a quick release of any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, carefully remove the lid. The roast should be effortlessly pull-apart tender. Use two forks to shred the beef directly in the pot, allowing it to soak up all the flavorful juices and gravy. Stir everything together, and then serve your magnificent Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast as desired!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Yes, you absolutely can use a frozen chuck roast in your Instant Pot for this recipe! However, you will need to significantly adjust the cooking time. For a 3-4 lb frozen roast, we recommend increasing the high-pressure cooking time to 90-120 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on the thickness and density of your frozen roast. Always cook until the meat is thoroughly pull-apart tender. You’ll know it’s ready when it easily shreds with two forks. Ensure you still allow for a natural pressure release to maintain tenderness.
Leftover Mississippi Pot Roast is fantastic and stores wonderfully. Simply transfer the shredded roast and its delicious gravy into an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for 3-4 days. For best results, ensure the meat is completely submerged in the gravy to keep it moist.
Yes, Mississippi Pot Roast freezes beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option! Once cooked and shredded, let it cool completely. Then, transfer the roast and gravy into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 5-6 months. To reheat, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. When reheating, we highly recommend adding a splash of water or extra beef broth to restore moisture to the beef and gravy. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, in the oven (covered) at 300°F (150°C), or quickly in the microwave until heated through.
If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it after the roast is removed and shredded. Create a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add this mixture to the simmering liquid in the Instant Pot (on Sauté mode) and stir constantly until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a little more beef broth or water until it thins out to your liking.
While the classic Mississippi Pot Roast usually doesn’t include vegetables cooked directly with the meat, you certainly can add them! If you want to include root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, we recommend adding them during the last 10-15 minutes of pressure cooking, or even after the main cooking cycle during the natural release phase, to prevent them from becoming mushy. Alternatively, you can cook them separately and serve them alongside the roast.
The pepperoncinis provide a tangy kick rather than intense heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use fewer peppers, or even just the brine, ensuring you still get that signature tang. For those who love a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a few slices of jalapeño along with the pepperoncinis. Experiment to find your perfect balance!
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Mississippi Pot Roast
Once your Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is cooked to perfection, the serving possibilities are endless! We particularly love serving it with a generous scoop of creamy, comforting mashed potatoes, which beautifully absorb the rich, savory, and tangy gravy. Other excellent traditional pairings include fluffy egg noodles or perfectly cooked white rice, providing a delightful base for the tender shredded beef.
As we’ve highlighted in our slow cooker pot roast recipe, one of the most popular and incredibly satisfying ways to enjoy Mississippi Pot Roast is by transforming it into delectable sandwiches. Simply slice a crusty French baguette or a soft sub roll in half, pile high with the warm, shredded roast, add your favorite cheese (provolone or Swiss work wonderfully), and extra pepperoncinis if you crave more tang. For an ultimate experience, dip each glorious bite into the flavorful gravy – it’s a meal that’s hard to beat!
Beyond the classics, consider pairing your pot roast with fresh green beans, buttery corn on the cob, or even a side of collard greens for a true Southern spread. Don’t forget some warm cornbread or dinner rolls to sop up every last drop of that incredible gravy.
There’s truly nothing more satisfying than simple, flavorful meals that are easy enough for anyone to make, yet impressive enough for any occasion. This Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast fits that bill perfectly. Its comforting flavors and pull-apart tenderness are sure to delight everyone at your table, even the pickiest of eaters, making it an instant family favorite.
More Irresistible Beef Recipes to Explore
- 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
- Fun 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, well-marbled for best flavor
- ¾ cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 packet au jus gravy
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter optional, for richer gravy
- 10 pepperoncini peppers plus 1/2 cup pepperoncini juice, essential for tangy flavor
Things You’ll Need
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6-Quart Instant Pot
Before You Begin
- This Mississippi Pot Roast is incredibly versatile. We love serving it with a heaping scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, tender egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious gravy.
- For an exciting twist, turn leftovers into satisfying sandwiches! Slice a French baguette or a sturdy sub roll in half, fill it with the shredded roast, add your favorite cheese (like provolone or Swiss), and extra pepperoncinis if desired. Don’t forget to dip it in the savory gravy for an unforgettable meal!
Instructions
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Place the chuck roast into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. (Optional: brown the roast in a skillet first for extra flavor, then add to Instant Pot).
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Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and au jus gravy packets evenly over the roast. Distribute butter pats on top of the seasoned roast (if using).
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Pour the beef broth, pepperoncini peppers, and pepperoncini juice alongside the roast into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
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Secure the lid, set the vent to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
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Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 15-20 minutes, then perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. Remove the lid, shred the tender beef with two forks, stir into the flavorful gravy, and serve immediately.
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.