We all need a go-to dinner that doesn’t ask for much—just throw it in the pot and wait. This Instant Pot Mississippi pot roast is that kind of meal. It’s rich, savory, and a little tangy with almost no prep. Five main ingredients, one pressure cooker, and dinner’s done.
The first time we made this, it was a total cleanup-the-fridge moment. There was a chuck roast, half a jar of pepperoncini, and some seasoning packets left from the holidays. We tossed them all in the pot with some butter and hoped for the best. The result was crazy tender, flavor-loaded beef we now crave on the regular.
What Makes This Recipe Work So Well
This roast gets its flavor from a weirdly smart combo—ranch seasoning, au jus mix, butter, and pepperoncini. It’s salty, tangy, and rich in all the right ways.
- No chopping – Just dump everything in and press a button
- Fork-tender beef – Thanks to the pressure cooker
- Few ingredients – Most of them shelf-stable
- Versatile – Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or on buns
It’s the low-effort dinner that still feels like something special.
What You’ll Need for Mississippi Pot Roast
This short list is what makes the whole thing shine. No broth, no extras—just let the pressure cooker do the work.
- Chuck Roast – Marbled and meaty, the best cut for pressure cooking
- Ranch Seasoning Mix – Adds that herby, savory layer
- Au Jus Mix – For richness and that deep roast flavor
- Unsalted Butter – Keeps the roast juicy and silky
- Pepperoncini Peppers – Bring the tang and a little kick
- Pepperoncini Brine – Just a splash brightens the whole pot
No slicing or searing needed. Just layer it and lock the lid.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
This method is made for busy nights. Each step gets straight to the point with no extra mess.
- Layer the Ingredients – Place the roast in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the ranch and au jus seasoning evenly over the top.
- Add the Butter and Peppers – Cut the butter into pieces and place over the roast. Add whole pepperoncini and a couple tablespoons of brine.
- Pressure Cook – Seal the lid. Cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for at least 15 minutes.
- Shred the Roast – Open the lid, shred the meat directly in the pot, and stir it in the juices.
- Serve – Spoon it over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or stuff it into sandwich rolls.
That’s it. It makes its own sauce while it cooks, so no need for gravy.
Easy Sides That Go with It
This roast is rich, so sides that are starchy, buttery, or tangy help balance things out.
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Mashed Potatoes | Creamy base that soaks up the juices |
Egg Noodles | Soft and wide, great with shredded beef |
White or Brown Rice | Simple and sturdy for soaking sauce |
Garlic Bread | Crunchy and buttery contrast |
Green Beans | Light, crisp, and cuts through richness |
Coleslaw | Tangy and crunchy to balance the heat |
Dinner Rolls | Great for sopping up the leftovers |
Pick one or two and you’re good to go.
How to Store and Reheat
You’ll probably have leftovers—and that’s a good thing.
Store: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or leftover juices. Cover and heat over medium-low until warmed through.
Freeze: This freezes well. Pack in freezer bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Brisket or bottom round works, though chuck roast gives the best texture.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. The pepperoncini adds tang more than heat.
3. Can I skip the butter?
We don’t recommend it—it’s key for the richness. Try cutting it in half if needed.
4. Do I need to sear the roast first?
Nope. The Instant Pot gives it enough depth without browning.
5. What’s the best way to serve it?
Over mashed potatoes is classic, but it’s also great in hoagie rolls or with rice.
This Instant Pot Mississippi pot roast is one of the easiest ways to cook a roast that tastes like you planned it all week. Make it once and it’s probably going in your regular rotation.
Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chuck roast
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet au jus gravy mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 6 pepperoncini peppers
- 2 tablespoons pepperoncini brine
Instructions
- Place chuck roast in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning and au jus gravy mix evenly over the roast.
- Top with butter pieces and pepperoncini peppers. Add brine around the roast.
- Seal the lid and cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 60 minutes. Allow a natural release for at least 15 minutes.
- Open the lid and shred the beef directly in the pot. Stir to coat with juices.
- Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or on sandwich buns.
Notes
- Swap chuck roast with brisket or bottom round if preferred.
- Add extra pepperoncini for more tang and heat.
- Great for sandwiches, rice bowls, or meal prep.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.