Mississippi Pot Roast Instant Pot: A Flavor-Packed Family Favourite Made Faster
If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s unbelievably tender, packed with flavour, and incredibly easy to make, the Mississippi pot roast is the ultimate comfort meal. Traditionally prepared low and slow in a crockpot, this beloved Southern-style classic can take up to 8 hours to cook. But with the Mississippi pot roast instant pot method, you can enjoy that same melt-in-the-mouth goodness in a fraction of the time — without sacrificing depth of flavour.
Whether you’re planning a cosy family dinner or want delicious leftovers for busy weeknights, this pressure-cooked pot roast is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s explore what makes this recipe so irresistible and how you can make it perfectly every time.
What Is a Mississippi Pot Roast?
Mississippi pot roast has only been around since the 1990s, yet it has cemented its place as a modern comfort food icon. Created by Robin Chapman in Mississippi, the recipe became popular through church cookbooks, potluck dinners, and eventually social media platforms like Pinterest.
What makes this pot roast unique is its simple combination of:
✔ Chuck roast
✔ Ranch seasoning
✔ Au jus gravy mix
✔ Pepperoncini peppers
✔ Butter
These five ingredients transform into a rich, savoury, slightly tangy roast that falls apart with the touch of a fork. The gravy created during cooking becomes the perfect topping for mashed potatoes, rice, or warm dinner rolls.
Why Make Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot has revolutionised home cooking — and pot roast is where it shines. Here’s why:
✅ Faster cooking time: Full tenderness in around 60–90 minutes.
✅ Same deep flavour: Pressure cooking intensifies the savoury richness.
✅ One-pot cooking: Sear, pressure cook, shred — all in one appliance.
✅ Fool-proof: Minimal prep with amazing results every time.
It’s the ideal way to enjoy a slow-cooked classic on a busy night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this mouthwatering Instant Pot meal, prepare the following:
| Ingredient | Suggested Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Chuck Roast | 3–4 lbs | Well-marbled for maximum tenderness |
| Ranch Seasoning Mix | 1 packet | Homemade or store-bought |
| Au Jus Gravy Mix | 1 packet | Adds savoury depth |
| Pepperoncini Peppers | 6–8 whole peppers | For tang and enhanced flavour |
| Pepperoncini Juice | ¼ cup | Optional but recommended |
| Butter | 4–6 tablespoons | Unsalted preferred |
| Beef Broth or Water | 1 cup | Needed for pressure cooking |
| Olive Oil or Cooking Oil | 1–2 tbsp | For searing the meat |
Optional add-ins: baby carrots, potatoes, onions, or fresh herbs to elevate the dish further.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Follow this simple process to achieve tender, juicy perfection:
1️⃣ Sear the Roast
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat oil. Brown the chuck roast on all sides — 2–3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavour and creates a richer gravy.
2️⃣ Pour in Your Liquid
Add beef broth or water to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom to prevent burning. This prevents a “burn” error and enhances flavour.
3️⃣ Add Seasonings and Toppings
Sprinkle the ranch and au jus mixes over the beef. Place pepperoncini peppers around the roast and add the butter on top. For extra zest, pour in some pepperoncini juice too.
4️⃣ Pressure Cook
Seal the lid and set to High Pressure for:
⏱ 60 minutes for a 3 lb roast
⏱ 75–90 minutes for 4+ lbs roast
Once done, let pressure release naturally for 15–20 minutes. This ensures the meat stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
5️⃣ Shred & Serve
Remove the roast and shred with two forks. Return it to the Instant Pot to soak in the luscious gravy before serving.
What to Serve with Mississippi Pot Roast
This rich and velvety dish pairs perfectly with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed rice
- Roasted or mashed cauliflower (for a low-carb twist)
- Green beans, glazed carrots, or asparagus
- Freshly baked bread or rolls
If adding vegetables directly into the Instant Pot, place them under the roast or cook separately to prevent mushiness.
Variations & Customisations
Make this dish your own with these delicious twists:
🌶 Spicy version: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
🍄 Mushroom upgrade: Add sliced mushrooms for earthiness.
🧄 Garlic lovers: Add 4–6 whole garlic cloves to the pot.
🥕 One-pot dinner: Add carrots and potatoes beneath the roast before cooking.
🍳 Slow cooker alternative: Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
You can also swap the meat:
- Pork shoulder for Mississippi pork roast
- Chicken thighs for a lighter option
Storage & Reheating Tips
One of the best parts of making pot roast? The leftovers!
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months in portion-sized bags or containers.
Reheat:
Warm gently using:
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals
- Stovetop at low heat with a splash of broth
- Instant Pot Sauté mode for quick reheating
It tastes even better the next day as the flavours deepen overnight — win-win!
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why is my roast still tough?
It likely needs more cooking time. Add 10–20 extra minutes of pressure cooking.
Can I skip searing the meat?
Yes — but you’ll lose some richness and texture. Searing is worth the extra few minutes.
Do I have to use butter?
Butter is key to the signature flavour, but you can reduce the amount if preferred.
What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast is ideal because of its marbling and ability to break down tenderly under pressure.
Final Thoughts: The Easiest Comfort Food Win
With bold flavours, minimal ingredients, and effortless cleanup, this recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimum effort. By using the Instant Pot, you enjoy quicker cooking without compromising on taste or tenderness. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a hearty weekend meal, this pot roast is sure to earn a top spot in your regular dinner rotation.
So the next time you’re craving something warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying, give this Mississippi pot roast recipe a try you’ll be amazed at how quickly dinner magic can happen.