5 from 25 votes

What is Mississippi Pot Roast?

Funny name, right? But if I have a go-to pot roast recipe, it is this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast.

This is a pot roast recipe that combines the flavors of gravy mix, ranch seasoning mix, pepperoncini peppers, & butter as seasonings for a chuck roast. I can't explain why packets of work well together, but they do!

(And no, this recipe isn't a Mississippi tradition or anything. As a resident of Mississippi, I have no idea where that name comes from.)

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This is one of the most asked-about recipes from my premium Instant Pot freezer meal plans. You're going to see lots of variations for Mississippi pot roast recipes out there - this is the version I've stuck to for years. We love it so much in our family!
  • It's so easy to make. The prep work takes minutes - you dump a few things and lock on the lid.
  • You won't believe the flavor in this recipe. The ingredient combo is kind of strange, but they all come together to make a pot roast that has a tiny bit of spice and loads of richness.

Ingredients

ingredients for instant pot mississippi pot roast.
  • 3 lb beef chuck roast - Pork roast can also be used. Really any cut of meat works - the Instant Pot is great at tenderizing even the roughest cuts of meat.
  • 6 oz jarred pepperoncini peppers, with liquid - don't worry about these making the roast too spicy! They add the perfect hint of flavor.
  • 1 stick butter - No need to melt, just put the stick of butter right in the Instant Pot!
  • 1 pack ranch dressing mix - If you're using a homemade variety or a large shaker, this is the equivalent of about 3 tablespoons.
  • 1 pack brown gravy mix - Also about 3 tablespoons of mix.

Recipe Variations and Additions

  • Different cuts of meat - you can use any kind of roast in this recipe. Pork roasts (Boston butt), sirloin roasts, or even a beef/pork tenderloin are great in this recipe.
  • Add veggies - you can add veggies at the end of cooking to make this a complete meal. Follow the instructions on the recipe card, then add any veggie you'd like (green beans, broccoli, or carrots) and pressure cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Check out a few more great dinner ideas: Rotel Chicken Spaghetti, Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken, and Chili Onion Crunch Pasta.

How to Make Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

steps to make mississippi pot roast in the instant pot.

Step 1: Sear chuck roast.

Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear chuck roast on each side for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned. (Optional: lightly season with salt and pepper on each side.)

Step 2: Add remaining ingredients.

Add pepperoncini peppers and juice to the Instant Pot; use a wooden spoon to scrape up brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Sprinkle gravy mix and dry ranch dressing mix over the roast. Add a stick of butter to the top of the roast.

Step 3: Pressure cook the roast.

Seal the lid and set IP on the manual setting to cook on high pressure, 75 minutes. Once the cook cycle is up, allow pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.

Step-by-Step Video

Slow Cooker Method

While this is an Instant Pot recipe, you can change it from an Instant Pot recipe to a slow cooker recipe.

My “magic number” for a roast (beef or pork) in the Crock Pot slow cooker is 6-8 hours on low. This gives the roast enough time to mellow out and become super tender. You can also add in the optional veggies from the start of cooking when you prepare a roast in the slow cooker.

It comes down to how much time you have to prepare your meal. If you have all day, go for that crockpot slow cooker option. If you're a little strapped for time and need to get something on the table, go with the pressure cooker method.

Can I cook my pot roast in the oven?

I wouldn't recommend prepping a roast in the oven.

I know that's blasphemy for a lot of people out there, but I'd never had luck with roasts in the oven…they always come out dry. If you want to keep your roast super tender and juicy, stick with either the Instant Pot or the Crock Pot.

Perfect Pressure Cook Time for a Roast

The total cook time for this recipe when pressure cooking in the Instant Pot is 75 minutes (plus 10-15 minutes of pressurizing time). I know that sounds like a lot, but I've found that to get a roast (beef or pork) tender, around 90 minutes is the magic number. With more than 90 minutes your roast gets tough, less than 90 minutes your roast might not cook through.

piece of pot roast on a fork.

Less than 90 minutes also doesn't give the Instant Pot time to break up the fat/connective tissue in the meat. Breaking that up is what makes the roast tender. There's a common misconception that the longer you cook the more tender a roast gets…not always true! It can get tough if overcooked.

If you're wondering why your pot roasts are coming out tough, it might be that you're not hitting the right time. If you're cooking any kind of roast (not only Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast), 90 minutes is the number I'd aim for.

How to Serve Mississippi Roast

I prefer this Mississippi Pot Roast with mashed potatoes - it seems to be the best complement to the roast! However, there are plenty of options...

  • If you don't love potatoes, white rice also goes great with Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast.
  • Egg noodles are also great - think of a beef stroganoff.
  • If you're watching carbs or on a keto diet, use mashed cauliflower or cauliflower rice.
shredded pot roast in an instant pot.

Leftover Storage

I like to shred the pot roast leftovers with two forks and store them in the refrigerator on top of mashed potatoes or rice, gravy and all. That remaining cooking juices give the mashed potatoes an extra pop of flavor!

I use these glass storage dishes for leftovers. They are so handy for making leftover makes that you can pop them in the microwave when ready to serve.

Freezer Meal Option

This roast makes a fantastic freezer meal!

Simply put all of the ingredients from the ingredient list above in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, put the contents of the freezer meal and 1 cup of water in your Instant Pot and cook as directed.

Note: the overall cook time will be a little bit longer if your meal is frozen. It will take longer for your pot to come to pressure, since there are frozen contents preventing the steam from pressurizing the pot.

Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast FAQs

A tough roast usually means you didn't pressure cook it enough. This Mississippi Pot Roast recipe cooks for 75 minutes (plus time to pressurize) in the Instant Pot. You can also cook it in the Crock Pot for 6-8 hours on low.

There's hardly any spice in this pot roast. You would think the pepperoncini peppers would make it super spicy, but they're actually just a source of great flavor.

I prefer using a beef chuck roast, but you can also rump roast. Another option for Mississippi Roast is a pork roast (Boston butt). Really, any larger cut of meat works!

You can, but the overall cooking time will be longer - the pot will take longer to come to pressure because the contents take longer to produce steam with frozen foods. If you do use a frozen chuck roast, skip the saute step and just add all ingredients before pressure cooking.

Making this recipe? I'd love to see it! Tag me in your recipe pictures 📸 on social media (@lambertslately). I'd also love if you'd rate the recipe below! ⭐️

Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast

You won't believe the flavor in this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast! With only 5 ingredients needed, this roast is fall-apart tender every time.
5 from 25 votes

Affiliate links used.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 564 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb beef chuck roast pork roast can also be used
  • 6 oz jarred pepperoncini peppers with liquid
  • 1 stick butter no need to melt
  • 1 pack ranch dressing mix about 3 tablespoons
  • 1 pack brown gravy mix about 3 tablespoons

Instructions
 

  • Set Instant Pot to saute mode and add oil. Sear roast on each side for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned.
  • Add peppers to Instant Pot; use a wooden spoon to scrape up brown bits from bottom of the pot. Add gravy mix, ranch mix, and butter to the Instant Pot.
  • Seal the lid and set IP on the manual setting to cook on high pressure, 75 minutes. Once cook cycle is up, allow pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes before releasing remaining pressure.

Notes

  • This roast makes a wonderful freezer meal! Simply put all of the ingredients from the ingredient list above in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, put the contents of the freezer meal and 1 cup of water in your Instant Pot and cook as directed.
  • This can be converted to a slow cooker meal. Add roast ingredients to a slow cooker and set on low for 6-8 hours to have one of the best roasts you'll ever eat.
  • I prefer this roast with mashed potatoes, but you can also serve with rice, mashed cauliflower, or egg noodles.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 564kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 44gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 197mgSodium: 659mgPotassium: 830mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 597IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 5mg
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2 Comments

  1. Hi. I signed up for your email subscription a couple of times, but I am not getting the link. Can I get it?

    1. Sorry about that! Would you mind emailing me at leslie at lambertslately dot com? I'll be glad to help!