Probably the number one, most flavorful pot roasts of all time is the Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast. With butter, ranch, au jus, pepperoncinis, and a nice chuck roast, this is an absolute classic pot roast. This Pressure Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast is faster than the oven or crock pot, and has incredible flavor.
Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
It’s been over a year now since I made this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast for the first time, as Christmas dinner for the family. We ran out! Luckily there were plenty of other things to eat, but everyone wanted more Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast!
I will be making this Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast again this year, because the guys loved it so much. This year is going to be a double batch! I will use a 5 to 6 pound chuck roast. I hope it’s enough.
Cooking a pot roast in your electric pressure cooker is a great time saver. You get a tender, flavorful pot roast in a little over an hour, versus the 3 to 4 hours it normally takes in the oven, or 8 hours in the crock pot. And it tastes just as good! The key to the best flavor, in my opinion, is to brown it at least 5 full minutes on each side before pressure cooking it. You don’t have to, but it adds great flavor, and cuts down on the pressure cooking time. I put my own little spin on it, and added onion, which I think add so much more flavor to the recipe.
You can make this a “Dump and Go” recipe simply by adding everything to the pot in order (except for the flour/butter for the gravy at the end) and cooking on High pressure for about 80 minutes, with a 15 minute natural release. I still recommend slicing the roast first, if you can. If you have a roast that is over 4lbs, and can’t slice it, then increase the cook time to 90 minutes.
You can buy the pepperoncinis whole or sliced. I use whole ones so Paul can pick them out, lol! He just passes them over to my plate. They aren’t hot, and add a salty and tangy flavor. Paul likes the flavor the juice adds, but not the whole pepperoncinis so much.
Robin Chapman, the original creator of the Mississippi Pot Roast, says that this is great in sandwiches, so that’s what we are going to try next!
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Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast with butter, ranch, au jus, pepperoncinis, and a nice chuck roast, this is an absolute classic pot roast. You can make it so much faster in your pressure cooker!
- 3-6 lbs Chuck Roast, cut into 1 lb chunks of even thickness
- 3 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 small Onion, chopped (optional, if you don't use the onion, omit the veg oil, too)
- 9 Pepperoncinis, whole or chopped
- 1/2 cup Pepperoncini Juice from the jar
- 3/4 cup Beef Broth, low sodium (or just water)
- 1 Packet of dry Ranch Dressing
- 1 Packet of Au Jus (or packet of brown gravy mix)
- 1/2 Stick of Butter, unsalted
- 3 Tbsp Flour
- 3 Tbsp Softened Butter, unsalted
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Turn pot on Sauté mode (normal). When the display reads "Hot" add the oil.
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When oil heats up, place meat in one layer into the pot and don't move it for 5 full minutes (Don't brown for less than that).
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Turn meat over and cook for another 5 full minutes.
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Remove the meat to foil or a dish you can cover. Wrap it to keep it warm.
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Deglaze the pot: Add onion to pot and stir, add a bit of the beef broth or a small amount of water if there is not enough moisture to loosen the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pot until the bottom is free of the stuck on brown bits.
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Add the pepperoncinis and their juice, beef broth, au jus and ranch packets, and butter. Stir to combine.
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Turn off the sauté mode.
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Add the meat back into the pot.
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Close lid and set knob to Sealing position.
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Set to Pressure Cook/Manual for 60 minutes.
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When cooking cycle ends, let it sit and count up to 15 min (15 minute natural pressure release, or NPR).
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After the 15 minute NPR, turn off IP, and manually release the remaining pressure until the pin drops, and open the lid to a delicious pot roast!
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Remove the pot roast to a plate and cover.
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Turn the Sauté function back on.
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Mix the flour and butter together until well combined.
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When the liquid is starting to simmer, add the mixture to the pot, stirring well until thickened. Then turn off the pot and add the roast back in.
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Enjoy with mashed or baked potatoes, or over rice.
Alternate "Dump and Go" Method:
Add the roast to the pot (still cut it), then the rest of the ingredients in order (minus the flour and softened butter), and cook on High Pressure for 80 minutes. 15 minute natural release.
Adapted from original recipe by Robin Chapman.
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Sounds delicious!! In the instant pot as we speak. I am new to instant pot cooking though and have wondered if when recipes mention using natural pressure release for a number of minutes do I let it go to warm or turn it off during natural pressure release. Thanks for the recipe! I know it’s great in the crockpot so I don’t expect any less 🙂
Hi Andrea! You can let it go to Warm, and take advantage of the counter so you don’t need to use a clock to guess how long it has ben naturally releasing. It won’t actually warm the food unless the temperature drops below 140 degrees. Enjoy!
Great! Thanks a bunch!
This was excellent! I chose your recipe after reading a few others. I think sautéing the meat first (exactly how you said) must be key. It was so tender and had so much flavor. I’ve never been a fan of pot roast, but I am now! My family loved it also! Hubby had seconds and wanted thirds but had to step away! lol He said make sure you keep this recipe!
Thank you Victoria! Yes, browning the roast adds so much more flavor. I’m so glad you and your family liked it! My hubby is also a fan of this one!
Yummy, yummy, yummy! Made it tonight and thank you for the very clear directions! I made it gluten free by using a homemade au ju mix and gluten free flour for the gravy (which btw, this made the best gravy I’ve ever eaten!!!)
Made as directed. Terrific result. Never in a million years would thought of pepperoncinni. Will be making this one over & over.
Awesome, Joe! I know, pepperoncinis! Those things you get with a pizza and toss aside! Who knew! Thank you for your review!
Hi there – quick question – Going to try the Mississippi pot roast today but my wife bought a 2lb roast. your recipe calls for 3-4lbs. should i modify the quantity for the rest of the ingredients? Also – ive been sharing your website with others on FB when i can!
Hi MJ, no, I would keep it the same. You can make mashed potatoes and have some nice gravy! If you did alter the recipe, you would need to decrease it by 1/3.
Just thinking that a rib roast would be a waste to do Mississippi (or pot roast) style. While It may end up good, you’ll be paying triple per pound. I’d think chuck or brisket being most appropriate. I bet this would work with oxtail, shank and even back ribs or short ribs too
Hi Mark, I definitely have chuck roast as my number 1 choice for this recipe! If you ever make this with one of the other meats you mentioned, please report back! I’d like to know how it turns out!
I’m new to instant pot cooking and would like to try your recipe. The only thing I am wondering about is that every other recipe out there calls for a 90 minute pressure cook and your’s is only for 55 minutes. Can you explain why your recipe takes less time? Is it because of the pre-browning perhaps?
Hi Leila. Thank you for your question. Yes, browning a roast does cut down on the cook time. Not only that, I have you cut the roast into 1 pound chunks. Since pressure cooking time is calculated by the thickness of the meat, why not cut the roast into smaller pieces so it cooks faster?! Same with veggies, such as potatoes. Larger pieces, or whole potatoes will take longer to cook than smaller pieces, such as in my potato salad recipe. Now, having said that, every cut of meat will be different (different amounts of fat & connective tissue). It’s all about the connective tissue breaking down to make it tender. For a chuck roast, a longer cook time is beneficial, up to a certain point. But if you cook it and it isn’t tender enough for you, put the lid back on and set it for another 10-20 minutes. I recommend trying it this way first, and seeing how you like it!
Thanks so much for the detailed reply. In researching further I have found several other recipes with similar cooking times as yours including the IP recipe booklet (for beef roast) that came with the appliance. I’m going to do exactly as you suggest and I’ll be sure to come back to report my results.
Hi Leila, I hope it works for you, remember the browning for the full recommended amount of time really helps. Can’t wait to hear your results!
Sandy, it turned out perfectly! I made it exactly according to your directions and it was truly delicious. My husband loved it. I posted the link to your recipe/blog on the Facebook ‘Instant Pot Beginner Recipes and Tips’ group so you will, surely, be getting some new visitors before too long. BTW, this was my very first time using my new IP…thank you!
Leila that’s amazing! Your first time using your IP?! Way to go! I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know how it turned out, and the awesome review! I also appreciate you sharing the recipe with the FB group. That exposure means a lot to me, so thank you.
This was insanely good. Thank you for the browning guidance, “… don’t move it for 5 full minutes (Don’t brown for less than that).” I’ve never taken that long before. It makes a big difference!
Hi Dexter! I’m so happy that you liked this, and had great results! The browning really does make a difference. I have made this without browning, and it did take longer. The flavor was still good, but it was lacking some depth. Thank you for your review!
I just received my, Instant Pot in the mail Friday!
My husband asked me, have I thought about what I’m making first. I told him, The Mississippi Roast!
My daughter has made this for us a few times in a crock pot. I loved it!
I will be using your recipe in my IP!
I’ll comment back after I make it, tomorrow !
Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ve made this in the crockpot and had the best luck following your recipe for converting it my InstaPot! The comments were very helpful, especially explanation about the time differences in other recipes! Very informative! My only big complaint was trying to get the roast out of the pot as it LITERALLY FELL APART it was SO tender! LOL! 😉👊😁. Keep the InstaPot recipes coming please!!!!
I hope you love it as much as we do, Traci! Keep me posted!
Made this tonight for dinner. Wow!!! This is one of the best pot roast meals I’ve ever had…and I’ve had a gagillion. I followed the recipe except for the onions. I had a 3.2 lb. chuck roast and it was about 2.5 inches thick. I agree browning the roast adds a depth of flavor. The peppers add a nice kick and a slightly tangy flavor to the meat and gravy. Unique and yummy. I cooked for 65 minutes with a 15 min NPR. The meat was very tender and delicious. I made a gravy with a slurry of corn starch and cold water which was a wonderful compliment to the steamed rice. This is definitely a do over…and….over meal! Simple ingredients but a what a flavor packed roast. Can’t wait to have sandwiches with the leftovers!
Hi Nita, so glad you enjoyed your meal! I appreciate you taking the time to write a review. I also have a Mississippi Chicken that is just as good! Take care!
I have a 2lbs roast. Do I cook it for 55 min still or do I need to reduce the cook time?
Hi Ashley, I would cut the roast in half and cook for 45 minutes with a 10 minute natural release, if using a chuck roast.
What about a 2.17 lb beef round, same cook time?
Hi Nancy, If you cut the roast in half first, per instructions, yes. If you cut the roast into smaller pieces, then you can cut the cook time.
Oh my gosh! This is so good. I love this instant pot!
Made it tonight and SOOOO amazing! The most tender pot roast I’ve ever made or eaten! My tweak next time will be low-sodium broth. I added thickly cut carrots for 10 min after removing meat, probably could do just 7 or 8 min. My roast was 3.35 lbs and I did need to brown/sear in 2 batches so it would be in one layer. Plenty of leftovers for our family of 3! 🙂
Hi Tracy, I’m so happy that you liked this recipe! A tender, flavorful pot roast is a great thing! Thanks for the review!
If I was using this recipe to make sandwiches, how many servings does it and it being? People eat more when you put it on a plate or over something like mashed potatoes or rice. But if you’re using a smaller role, I assume you have to use less meat. So what do you think it might end up being? Number of servings wise?
Oh my gosh, I was using talk to text. This is such horrible English. I truly apologize. Let’s see if I can correct it a bit. I was basically asking how many servings it might end up being if you were making sandwiches. And I meant if you were using a roll or a thicker bread, a guest may not take quite as much meat. Per sandwich.
Also, any suggestions on good toppings? Any specific kind of cheese, or lettuce, or anything else?
I have never made sandwiches from this recipe. I think some cheddar cheese might go well on them, and maybe a basic coleslaw for some creamy crunch. You might get 8 servings from a 3lb roast. I’m not sure. I would cook a larger roast if you are serving a lot of people. Better to have too much!
Hi. The number of servings for sandwiches (which sounds like such a great idea!) will depend on the size of the roast you use. If you use a 3lb roast, and each serving is 8oz, you will get 6 servings. If the serving size is 6oz, you will get 8 servings. It depends on how large the sandwiches are, etc. But 6oz to 8oz per person is a good estimate.
This was flippin amazing! I loved the pepperocinis however the 6yr old did not lol..she still ate it tho! I used a almost 3 lb roast and worked out great.
That’s great, Traci! Thank you for the great feedback! I love that your little one liked it, too!
Okay to cut off the stems of the peppers? pic shows stems and recipe doesn’t mention. Also anyone put in potatoes and carrots in pot to cook with the roast with this recipe?
Yes, you can cut the stems off, or buy the sliced pepperoncinis.
This recipe seems to be delicious. I can’t wait to try this out. My husband and kids will love this so much. Saw lots of great recipes about instant pot. Bookmark yours and will share with my friends too.
If I double the recipe, should I increase the cook time?
Hi Jessica, not unless the chunks of meat are larger. If you cut the roast into 1lb pieces, you should be fine!
I made this tonight and it was my FIRST time using my Instant Pot. It was SO good and easy! Thank you! The flavor from the pepperoncinis was really tasty and it made some of the best gravy we’ve ever had. We are going to use the leftovers in sandwiches in a couple of days. Thanks for sharing this one, it’s a keeper!
Hi Beth, what a great first IP recipe to try! I’m happy that you liked it. Thank you for the review!
I can’t wait to try this. A few questions-I’m new to IP! So, you cut the 1lb chunks and sear them separately then put all back in to cook, but they all can’t be on the bottom. Just throw them in? Some of the meat will be covered with the broth mixture and some will be exposed…is that okay? Also, what do you think about sliced pepperoncinis. I don’t have any whole on hand and was hoping to not have to go to the store.
The sliced pepperoncinis are just fine, some people prefer them. As for the meat being exposed, I do try to get it on one level if possible, but it doesn’t always work. It still comes out great. The liquid/juices from the meat come out while cooking, and you have the juice from the pepperoncini jar, and the broth/water, and all of that usually covers the meat just fine.
Love reading everyone’s comments about how great your IP Mississippi pot roast is and am eager to try. But my husband doesn’t like any type of peppers or hot spices. I’m wondering if the pepperonies are the key ingredient to making such a fabulous dish
Hi Mary Jane! The Pepperoncinis are not hot, but they are a little salty and tangy. Maybe have your hubby taste one, and let him know it will be even milder once it is cooked. You could also just use the juice and omit the actual pepperoncinis. But even leaving them out all together, this is still very delicious!
I made this last night with mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli and it was delicious! The whole family loved it. I only had the sliced pepperocini, so used them. I was curious how this was going to taste as this was an interesting group of flavors, but the reviews were enough to convince me to try it. Glad I did! I actually can’t wait to make it again.
Hi Tammy! I remember thinking the same thing the first time I made it. So glad I did, and so glad you did! Thank you for your review!
Made this for the first time tonight and the whole family loved it!! We’ll definitely make it again soon!
Hi! I’m glad you and the family enjoyed this! Thanks for the review, Kimberly!
Do you cook the roast directly in the pot, or up on the trivet? None of the recipes I’ve found for pot roasts ever specify. I just worry a bout any length of time burning the meat if directly on the bottom. Thanks!
Hi John, I put it directly in so it can get all of that flavor. This recipe is all about flavor!
Look forward to making this tonight in my IP. I have made it a few times in my crockpot & family loves it! I love your idea of browning for a full 5 mins & adding a small onion. YUMMMM!!!
Have you ever made this with potatoes and carrots? Do I add them at the same time as the roast?
Hi Marisa, yes, you can cook veggies with this recipe. Set the cook time for the roast about 6 minutes less than called for. When it’s done, do a 10 minute natural Release of the steam, then release the remaining pressure, open, and add the veggies. Then set the time for 6 minutes, if your veggies are generously sized. If you cut them smaller, only do 4 or 5 minutes, depending on how soft you like them. Then when done, do a quick release of the pressure.
I make this roast all the time, it’s a favorite in my home. We always eat it the first day as roast, the next day I make sandwiches with it. I use a nice soft hoagie roll, which I toast, I caramelize onions and shred the meat, add some good Swiss cheese, and then put under the broiler in the oven until cheese is melted and browned just a bit. The leftover gravy we use as a dipping sauce for our sandwiches. My husband and kids love the sandwiches.
Hi Genny, yummm, I finally made sandwiches from this, and you are right, they are amazing! I will try your suggestion of the caramelized onions and Swiss. Oh goodness… Thank you for your review!
I made this a while ago after seeing it quite often in the IP groups. I was disappointed. It turned out quite salty and I didn’t use any extra salt other than salting the sides of the roast like I usually do for other dishes. I’m not sure if I would make it again.
Hi Amanda, I’m so sorry to hear that. Yes, this is a bit of a salty dish, and salting the meat makes it more so. I use low sodium broth, or just water, and unsalted butter, and that helps. I wouldn’t salt the meat in the future if you do try it again.
Made this tonight using a rump roast. It was delicious!! My husband loved it, too!! I added carrots and potatoes when the roast was finished, then cooked in Instant Pot another 15 minutes. Fabulous!
Yay! Lucy, I’m so happy that you and your hubby liked this recipe! I have to make this at least once a month, lol! Thank you for your nice review!
Hi Sandy! I love slow cooker Mississippi Roast but haven’t tried it in my instant pot. I am using a 2.5lb frozen roast from butcher box. How long should I put it in for? I set it for 90 minutes but I’m not sure if it will defrost fast enough. What do you think?
Hi Darcy, 90 minutes will be more than plenty for only 2.5lbs. I would try it for 70 and see how it goes. 90 minutes will hopefully not overcook it. Please let me know how it comes out.
Hi. I was wondering how long you would cook a 3lb frozen chuck roast? The recipe looks amazing and of course I forgot to defrost the roast.
Try 80 minutes, since it will be in one piece. It really depends on how big/thick the roast is.
I did a little spin on this! I used garlic infused sunflower oil to saute and then used homemade beef bone broth. It smells amazing in my house right now! My fiance moved in yesterday and this is our first meal I am cooking for him tonight. With potatoes and broccoli!
Congratulations, Elizabeth! What a great way to start the first of many family meals between you two! Love your spin! Thank you for your review!
Thank you 🙂 my boys are so excited!
I’ve made this roast several times! It’s excellent. Everyone wants the recipe! Thanks!!
Hi Helen! I’m so glad you liked this recipe! Thank you for the review!
We loved this recipe thanks for sharing!! Even my picky kids liked it and my husband gobbled up the seconds!
Yummy! I’m so happy to know that the whole family liked this! Thank you so much for your review!
Just finished eating this with mashed potatoes green beans and soft buttered rolls…. DELICIOUS!!!! My husband said he would love to eat this every night!
I have made this many times in a slow cooker while on Keto! It’s delicious! This is the first time I’m making it in the IP! My IP is fairly new to me! I omitted the onions though and used xanthum gum in place of the flour for the gravy! It smells so good! I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for the very clear directions!
Thank you for sharing this instant pot recipe! I made it tonite & it was delicious! I followed your recipe except for the ranch dressing mix, which I didn’t have on hand, so I googled a substitute. The substitute for the mix consisted of parsley, black pepper, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, & dill weed. Also my pepperoncini was homemade by a friend. I followed your advice on adding veggies at the end too. My husband loved it! It was sooo good! Thank you! I took a pic to share but don’t know how I could post it. No biggy though because I had already put it in a Tupperware container before I thought to take it! 🍽🍷
Hi Kandee, that’s so awesome! I love that you made your own ranch mix! Thank you for your review!
Yummylicious, through and through. Admittedly, I was thinking I was pure burning that pot roast up when I was searing it on each side of those hunks for 5 minutes each… (yes, I set the timer). But honey, it added a depth of flavor and color that I’ve never had when making a Mississippi Pot Roast before….. I’m a convert! Made exactly as instructed, but instead of flour to thicken the pan juices, used a scant half teaspoon of glucomannan…. most excellent pot roast I’ve made. Husband was thrilled.
Hi Debbie!I’m so glad you liked the roast being browned first! Thank you for letting me know!I appreciate your review!
From a Mississippi gal, just a note for anybody who might wonder, you can definitely use other types of roast for this recipe. I buy whichever cut is on sale and have used rump, sirloin tip and shoulder roasts as well as chuck. One difference I make is that I do NOT cut up the roasts. I grew up with my grandmother and mother using a pressure cooker and that was the only way they ever cooked a roast. Like they did, I ALWAYS brown any type of beef I cook, you are SO right about that!
I always sauté diced/sliced onion and if I have any on hand, celery and/or bell pepper after I’ve browned and removed my roast. Then I set the roast on top of the sautéd veggies and proceed with the rest of the recipe instructions. The main thing is DON’T BE AFRAID to try things. I’ve been cooking for over 30 years and have learned any bad experiments just teach you that some things work out better than others. Happy eating!
Hi Tee, thank you for sharing your experience & tips! We can all learn from each other! Thanks for the review!
How would you adapt this recipe for a 3 quart Instant Pot ultra?
Hi Peggy, I would use a smaller roast, and try half of each flavor packet and butter, pepperoncinis, juice, etc. But it needs to cook for the same amount of time. If you don’t find it flavorful enough, you can add more of the flavor packets next time.
LOVED this recipe, which was my maiden voyage with my Instant Pot! Used a small rump roast and due to the the thickness of the meat, cooked 20 minutes longer. The gravy was to die for.. My husband raved about it. Best beef roast I’ve had in years! Thanks!
Full disclosure – I do not like pepperoncinis. Can’t stand them. So I was hesitant to try this recipe but people kept telling me you can’t taste them, so I said “Okay” and if I hated it, I was pretty sure my husband would love it anyway and the recipe wouldn’t be a total loss.
I. Loved. It. They were right, I can’t taste the pepperoncinis AS pepperoncinis (unless I eat a pepper) but they give this recipe a flavor that’s hard to describe. I’ve made it twice now. This second time, I substituted pork shoulder for the beef and, let me tell you, it was just as awesome (and I think I liked it even more with the pork). Totally recommend this recipe and, if you’re afraid of the peppers, don’t be.
Hi Jeanette! My hubby is like you in that he doesn’t like them either! That’s why I choose whole pepperoncinis when I make this. He can pick them out (and give them to me) and enjoy the flavor that the roast and gravy gets from them. We also loves this recipe! I finally tried it with pork shoulder and it’s awesome! Thank you for your review!
I’m new to using an IP and wondered if a 2.75 lb roast requires a reduction in cooking time? Or less seasoning?
Thanks,
Julie
Hi Julie, as long as you cut the roast as I suggested, the cook time will remain the same. Pressure cooking is all about the size/thickness/density of the food item you are cooking. So if the roast is 5 pounds or 2 pounds, it won’t matter as long as the chunks you cut are the same size as I directed. I think I said 1 lb chunks for this recipe. I hope that helps!
Made your recipe for Missippi Pot Roast and followed the recipe to the tee. It was wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you liked it Mary!
Hi, the recipe was delish, but we found it too salty. Any suggestions on reducing the salt? Maybe leave out the pepperochinini juice?
Hi TJ, some folks are saying it is salty, so I would use water or low sodium broth, replace the au jus with the 30% less sodium McCormick Brown Gravy Mix (or use a low sodium condensed beef broth or consommé). I haven’t found a low sodium ranch packet yet, but you could look for one, or make a homemade blend. I hope this helps!
I made this tonight on my maiden voyage with my instant pot. Oh my. It was sooooo good. I made the gravy using coconut flour and the flavor was amazing. Thanks for a great recipe, this one will definitely be made again and again!
Hi Jessica! I love that you used coconut flour. I haven’t used that in a long time. Thank you for your review!
I’ve made Mississippi Pot Roast in the slow cooker several times so I was really happy to find your recipe when I was searching for IP recipes. This was only the 2nd thing I’ve made in my new IP. It turned out even better than when I made it in the slow cooker! I had some carrots and small potatoes on hand so I threw them in also. Everything cooked perfectly. Your instructions to brown the meat worked great. The gravy is the best I’ve ever made. And there is a lot of gravy which is a nice bonus. Thanks so much!
Hi John, that’s awesome! I’m glad you liked it. We also like all of the gravy! Thank you for your review!