Instant Pot Mississippi Roast: The Easiest and Most Delicious Dinner You’ll Ever Make!

The Mississippi Pot Roast. It’s a dish that has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a flavor punch that will have everyone asking for seconds. And while traditionally made in a slow cooker, this Instant Pot version is even faster and more convenient, without sacrificing any of that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. This recipe provides detailed instructions for preparing Mississippi Pot Roast in an Instant Pot, including ingredient selection, step-by-step directions, and variations.

This recipe will guide you through creating a tender, flavorful Mississippi Roast in your Instant Pot. Get ready to experience a weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Mississippi Roast

• Effortless: Seriously, it’s almost impossible to mess this up. Just dump the ingredients in and let the Instant Pot do its magic.
• Flavor Bomb: The combination of ranch dressing mix, au jus gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter creates a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that’s irresistible.
• Tender and Juicy: The Instant Pot pressure cooks the roast to perfection, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy beef that practically falls apart.
• Quick: Compared to the slow cooker version, this Instant Pot recipe significantly reduces cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even on toasted buns for a delicious sandwich.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This is a guaranteed hit with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You probably already have many of these ingredients in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3-4 pound Chuck Roast: Chuck roast is the ideal cut for this recipe. It’s well-marbled with fat, which renders during cooking, resulting in a tender and flavorful roast. Look for a roast that is evenly shaped and has good marbling.
• 1 packet (1 ounce) Ranch Dressing Mix: This is the dry powder mix. Don’t substitute with ranch dressing.
• 1 packet (1 ounce) Au Jus Gravy Mix: Again, this is the dry powder mix. It adds a rich, savory flavor to the roast.
• 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Peppers and Juice: These provide a tangy, slightly spicy kick to the dish. Use both the peppers and the juice for maximum flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. Some prefer a full cup for a tangier, spicier flavor.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps to create a luscious sauce. Cut the butter into pats for even distribution. Salted butter can be used; however, reduce or eliminate added salt later in the recipe.
• 1 cup Beef Broth: This provides the liquid needed for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and helps to keep the roast moist. Low sodium beef broth is recommended to control the salt level.
• Optional: Salt and Pepper to taste: While the mixes contain salt, you may want to add a little more to enhance the flavor. Taste the sauce before adding any additional salt.
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: To enhance the savory flavors.
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: To enhance the savory flavors.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 6-Quart or Larger Instant Pot: This recipe is designed for a standard-sized Instant Pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Tongs: For handling the hot roast.
• Fork: For shredding the roast.
• Cutting Board: To prepare the roast if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect Instant Pot Mississippi Roast:

1. Prepare the Roast: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. This helps to get a good sear, although searing is optional for this recipe. Trim any large pieces of excess fat, but leave some fat for flavor. You can cut the roast in half or into large chunks if it’s too large to fit comfortably in your Instant Pot.
2. Sear the Roast (Optional): While not strictly necessary, searing the roast adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting. Add a tablespoon of oil (vegetable or olive oil works well) to the pot. Once the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the roast from the Instant Pot and set aside.
3. Deglaze the Pot (If Searred): If you seared the roast, deglaze the pot by pouring in about 1/2 cup of the beef broth and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds flavor to the sauce and prevents the ‘Burn’ notice.
4. Add Ingredients: Place the chuck roast back into the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix over the roast. Add the pepperoncini peppers (including the juice) to the pot. Top with the pats of butter. Pour in the remaining beef broth.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode for 60-75 minutes for a 3-4 pound roast. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the roast. For a very thick roast, you may need to add a few more minutes.
6. Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the roast to retain its moisture. After 15-20 minutes, you can manually release any remaining pressure. Be careful when releasing pressure manually, as hot steam will escape.
7. Shred the Roast: Once the pressure is completely released, carefully remove the lid. Use two forks to shred the roast. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart easily.
8. Serve: Serve the Instant Pot Mississippi Roast hot over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, cauliflower mash, or toasted buns for sandwiches. Spoon the delicious sauce over the roast and your chosen side dish.

Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Mississippi Roast

• Don’t Skip the Natural Pressure Release: This is crucial for ensuring a tender and juicy roast. The natural pressure release allows the roast to slowly relax and reabsorb its juices.
• Adjust the Pepperoncini to Your Taste: If you prefer a milder flavor, use fewer pepperoncini peppers. For a spicier kick, use more.
• Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it after cooking. Remove the roast from the Instant Pot and set aside. Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting. In a small bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce in the Instant Pot and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
• Use Quality Ingredients: While the recipe is simple, using good-quality ingredients will make a difference in the final flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Make sure the roast fits comfortably in the Instant Pot. If it’s too large, cut it into smaller pieces. Overcrowding can prevent the roast from cooking evenly.
• Check for Doneness: The roast should be fork-tender and easily shreddable. If it’s not, return it to the Instant Pot and cook for another 10-15 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to customize your Instant Pot Mississippi Roast? Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Spicy Mississippi Roast: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot for extra heat.
• Sweet and Tangy Mississippi Roast: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to balance the tanginess of the pepperoncini peppers.
• Vegetable Mississippi Roast: Add some chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot for a more complete meal.
• Wine Mississippi Roast: Substitute 1/2 cup of the beef broth with 1/2 cup of red wine for a richer flavor.
• Low-Sodium Mississippi Roast: Use low-sodium beef broth and look for low-sodium ranch and au jus mixes. You may also need to reduce or eliminate added salt.
• Swap the Pepperoncini: If you don’t like pepperoncini peppers, you can substitute them with banana peppers or pickled jalapenos.
• Add some garlic: Add fresh garlic cloves for a more aromatic experience.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Mississippi Roast is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: The classic choice! The creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the savory and tangy roast.
• Over Rice: A simple and satisfying option. White rice, brown rice, or even quinoa work well.
• Over Noodles: Egg noodles or wide noodles are a great way to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• As Sandwiches: Shred the roast and pile it onto toasted buns with some of the sauce for a flavorful sandwich. Add some coleslaw or pickles for extra crunch and tang.
• Over Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb option for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts for a healthy and balanced meal.
• In Tacos or Burritos: Shred the roast and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. Add your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Instant Pot Mississippi Roast is a great make-ahead dish. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

• Make Ahead: Prepare the roast according to the recipe instructions. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the Instant Pot on the ‘Warm’ setting or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
• Storage: Store leftover Mississippi Roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze Mississippi Roast for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Card

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, estimated):

Calories: 450-600
Protein: 40-50g
Fat: 25-40g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Mississippi Roast is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and incredible flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, dust off your Instant Pot and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and rich flavors, all in one pot. Enjoy!

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?

A: While chuck roast is the most recommended cut for Mississippi Roast due to its marbling and tenderness when cooked under pressure, you can technically use other cuts like brisket or round roast. However, be aware that these cuts may require adjustments to the cooking time. Brisket, like chuck roast, benefits from low and slow cooking (or pressure cooking) to break down its tough fibers. Round roast, being leaner, might turn out drier, so consider adding a bit more beef broth to compensate.

Q: Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can definitely make Mississippi Roast without an Instant Pot! The traditional method involves using a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps for preparing the roast and combining the ingredients, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender. You can also make it in a Dutch oven in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 3-4 hours.

Q: My Instant Pot gave me a ‘Burn’ notice. What did I do wrong?

A: The ‘Burn’ notice usually indicates that there isn’t enough liquid in the pot or that food is stuck to the bottom. Here are a few things that could have caused it:
* Insufficient liquid: Make sure you’re using at least 1 cup of beef broth.
* Food stuck to the bottom: If you seared the roast, be sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly by scraping up any browned bits with broth before adding the remaining ingredients.
* Thick sauce: If the sauce is too thick, it can scorch on the bottom. Try adding a little more broth.
If you get a ‘Burn’ notice, turn off the Instant Pot, release the pressure (carefully!), and check the pot. Add more liquid if needed, scrape the bottom, and restart the cooking process.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure your Instant Pot is large enough to accommodate the larger roast and increased ingredients. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly, by about 10-15 minutes, to ensure the roast is cooked through.

Q: What if I don’t like pepperoncini peppers?

A: If you’re not a fan of pepperoncini peppers, you can substitute them with other pickled peppers, such as banana peppers or mild pickled jalapenos. Alternatively, you can omit them altogether, but the roast will lack the signature tangy flavor. Consider adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar to add a touch of acidity.

Q: How can I make this healthier?

A: Here are a few ways to make Instant Pot Mississippi Roast healthier:
* Use a leaner cut of beef: While chuck roast is traditional, you can use a leaner cut like round roast. Just be sure to add a little more broth to prevent it from drying out.
* Reduce the butter: You can reduce the amount of butter or substitute it with olive oil.
* Use low-sodium ingredients: Opt for low-sodium beef broth, ranch dressing mix, and au jus gravy mix.
* Add more vegetables: Add plenty of non-starchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
* Serve with healthy sides: Choose healthy side dishes like cauliflower mash, roasted vegetables, or a salad.