
Easy Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe for Busy Families
If you’re looking for an easy Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe with pepperoncinis and Au Jus mix, this one’s made for real life—hearty, full of flavor, and simple to throw together on a weeknight.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew after practice or just want something satisfying without standing over a stove, this recipe is a dependable go-to.
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What Is Mississippi Pot Roast and Why Is It So Popular?
Mississippi Pot Roast has earned its spot as a comfort food favorite across the South and beyond.
It’s known for its rich, savory flavor with just the right kick from pepperoncinis.
Traditionally made in a slow cooker, this Instant Pot version of Mississippi Pot Roast brings all the same flavor in a fraction of the time.
The combination of chuck roast, Italian dressing mix, Au Jus mix, butter, and pepperoncinis might sound simple, but when it all cooks down together, it turns into something special—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Who Will Love This Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe?
This one’s for the folks who want big flavor without a lot of work.
If you’re a busy parent trying to get dinner on the table after work, or you’ve got folks to feed on a Sunday afternoon, this quick and easy Mississippi roast recipe is going to save you time and effort.
It’s also a solid choice for beginners who are new to using the Instant Pot. The steps are straightforward, and you end up with a meal that tastes like you spent all day cooking.
When to Serve Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot
This is a flexible dinner option that works for just about any time:
- Weeknight meals – Cooks in just over an hour with minimal prep.
- Sunday supper – Comforting and hearty enough to anchor a weekend meal.
- Meal prepping – Leftovers store well and can be repurposed.
- Game day food – Shred it and serve it on slider buns with provolone for easy pot roast sandwiches.
- Weekends – It’s also a solid option for holiday weekends when you want something homemade without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
Where to Serve It: More Than Just a Dinner Table Favorite
While most folks serve Mississippi Pot Roast with mashed potatoes or over rice, there are a few other easy ways to enjoy it:
- Sandwich-style – Load it onto hoagie rolls and melt some provolone on top for an easy Mississippi roast sandwich.
- Over baked potatoes – A great way to stretch the meal and add a different texture.
- Taco-style – Shred the meat and use it in soft tortillas with a little slaw for a Southern-style twist.
- With egg noodles – Toss the shredded roast over buttered noodles for a comforting dinner bowl.
This recipe works wherever you need a hearty, filling, and low-effort main course.
Why the Instant Pot Is the Best Way to Make Mississippi Pot Roast Fast
Making Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot cuts the cooking time way down without sacrificing flavor.
Instead of letting it cook all day in the slow cooker, you can have dinner on the table in under two hours—from start to finish.
The pressure locks in flavor, tenderizes the roast perfectly, and helps that butter and seasoning mixture really soak into every bite.
Plus, the Instant Pot lets you sauté right in the same pot—so you’re not dirtying extra pans just to sear the meat or cook the onions.
How to Serve and Store Leftovers
This roast is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Some folks like to mix the shredded roast into egg noodles or rice, while others pile it onto buns for next-day sandwiches.
However you serve it, this easy Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot keeps its bold flavor and tender texture.
A Southern Staple Made Simple
If you’re looking for a hearty, foolproof Instant Pot dinner with bold flavor and minimal effort, this Mississippi Pot Roast with pepperoncini and ranch seasoning deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
It’s simple, flexible, and always hits the spot—whether you’re feeding your family on a Tuesday night or pulling together something satisfying for a weekend meal.
Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ lbs. chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2 chunks
- 1 ½ tbsp. olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ tbsp. minced garlic
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice from jar
- ¾ cup beef broth
- ½ tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
- ½ package of Italian dressing mix
- ½ package of Au Jus mix
- 6 pepperoncinis, whole
- 4 tbsp butter sliced
- 2 ½ bay leaves
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Directions:
Set Instant Pot to Saute and once it reads Hot, add oil.
Brown meat one chunk at a time for 5 minutes on each side. Once done, set aside.
Add water and scrape to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
Add onion and garlic, stirring for 1 minute.

Pour in beef broth, pepperoncini juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir in salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian dressing mix, and Au Jus mix.
Turn off Saute mode.

Add in chuck roast, butter slices, pepperoncinis, and bay leaves.

Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing.
Press Manual for 70 minutes on High and let natural release for 15 minutes after the timer beeps.
Release the remaining pressure and remove the lid.
Remove bay leaves and shredded meat with 2 forks.
Set Instant Pot to Saute.
Mix cornstarch and water into a small bowl and stir into sauce to thicken.
Turn off the Instant Pot and serve as sandwiches or over mashed potatoes.


Frequently Asked Questions for Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Can I make Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot with frozen beef?
Yes, you can use frozen chuck roast in the Instant Pot, but you’ll need to skip the searing step and increase the cook time by about 20 minutes. Just be sure to allow for a longer natural pressure release to help the meat get tender.
What cut of beef is best for Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast?
A boneless chuck roast is the best cut of beef for Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot. It has enough fat and marbling to stay juicy and tender under pressure cooking.
How do I make Mississippi Pot Roast without ranch seasoning?
If you want to make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast without ranch mix, you can substitute it with a blend of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. This gives a similar flavor using pantry staples.
What’s the best way to serve Mississippi Pot Roast for dinner?
Easy Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot is most commonly served over mashed potatoes, but it’s also great on sandwich rolls, over rice, with egg noodles, or stuffed into baked potatoes.
Can I make this Mississippi Pot Roast dairy free?
To make dairy free Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot, simply leave out the butter or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The flavor will still be rich thanks to the seasonings and broth.
How spicy is Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast with pepperoncinis?
The pepperoncinis add a mild heat and tangy flavor, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount or remove the red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Can I double the Mississippi Pot Roast recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can double this Mississippi Pot Roast recipe in the Instant Pot if your pressure cooker is at least 8 quarts. Make sure not to overfill past the max line, and keep the cook time the same.
How long does it take to cook Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot?
This quick Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe takes about 70 minutes on high pressure with an additional 15-minute natural pressure release. Total time including prep is just over 1.5 hours.
Is Mississippi Pot Roast keto friendly or low carb?
Yes, Mississippi Pot Roast in the Instant Pot is naturally low carb and keto friendly when served on its own or with cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or low-carb vegetables.
How do I thicken the Mississippi Pot Roast gravy in the Instant Pot?
To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the cooking liquid after removing the meat. Let it simmer on sauté mode until thickened. This makes a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for serving.
Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2 chunks
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ tbsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup pepperoncini juice from jar
- ¾ cup beef broth
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ package of Italian dressing mix
- ½ package of Au Jus mix
- 6 pepperoncinis whole
- 4 tbsp butter sliced
- 2 ½ bay leaves
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
Set Instant Pot to Saute and once it reads Hot, add oil.
Brown meat one chunk at a time for 5 minutes on each side. Once done, set aside.
Add water and scrape to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
Add onion and garlic, stirring for 1 minute.
Pour in beef broth, pepperoncini juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir in salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Italian dressing mix, and Au Jus mix.
Turn off Saute mode.
Add in chuck roast, butter slices, pepperoncinis, and bay leaves.
Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing.
Press Manual for 70 minutes on High and let natural release for 15 minutes after the timer beeps.
Release the remaining pressure and remove the lid.
Remove bay leaves and shredded meat with 2 forks.
Set Instant Pot to Saute.
Mix cornstarch and water into a small bowl and stir into sauce to thicken.
Turn off the Instant Pot and serve as sandwiches or over mashed potatoes.
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