Comfort food meets the keto lifestyle in this delectable Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast recipe. This dish boasts tender, juicy beef infused with tangy and savory flavors, all while remaining low in carbs. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and will quickly become a favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of pepperoncini, Au Jus mix, and ranch seasoning creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
- Tender: The Instant Pot ensures the chuck roast becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth.
- Easy: With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Keto-Friendly: Naturally low in carbs, this pot roast fits seamlessly into a ketogenic diet.
- One-Pot Wonder: Easy preparation and cleanup make this a convenient meal option.
What is Mississippi Pot Roast?
Mississippi Pot Roast is a beef roast cooked with pepperoncini peppers, butter, and seasonings, traditionally including a packet of ranch dressing mix and a packet of beef gravy mix. This keto version uses real, healthy ingredients to replicate the flavor without the added carbs and additives. The recipe originated in Mississippi and gained popularity for its simplicity and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- Chuck Roast: A 3 to 4 pound boneless chuck roast is ideal for achieving that fall-apart tenderness. Rump roast can also be used.
- Beef Broth: Opt for a good quality beef broth to enhance the overall flavor. Add an extra 1/2 cup when using an Instant Pot.
- Pepperoncini: Use a whole jar of pepperoncini peppers, including the juice, for a tangy and slightly spicy kick. You can use sliced or whole peppers, and adjust the amount to your preference.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: A packet of Au Jus gravy mix adds a depth of savory flavor to the roast.
- Ranch Seasoning: Use your favorite brand of ranch seasoning for that classic ranch taste.
- Olive Oil: For searing the meat and locking in moisture.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the beef.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the chuck roast into 4 evenly sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Beef: Turn on your Instant Pot to the saute setting and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Searing the meat helps to lock in the moisture and add flavor. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the seared beef back into the Instant Pot. Add the beef broth, the entire jar of pepperoncini (juice and peppers), Au Jus mix, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. After it’s done cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Shred the Beef: Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid. The roast should be fork tender and shred easily at this point. Shred the meat and discard any pieces of fat.
- Serve: Serve the Mississippi Pot Roast hot with the juices from the pot.
Helpful Tips
- Thicker Gravy: For a thicker gravy, remove the meat and peppers from the pot, leaving behind the broth. Turn the Instant Pot back to saute and simmer the broth until it reduces and thickens.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you’re concerned about the spiciness, you can reduce the amount of pepperoncini and juice by half. Most of the spicy heat will be cooked out of the peppers, leaving a tangy, peppery flavor.
Other Cooking Methods
Crock-Pot Instructions
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this recipe in a slow cooker. Follow all the same instructions, but cook on low for 8 hours.
Oven Instructions
This recipe also works well in the oven. Cook it in a Dutch oven for about 3 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving Suggestions
- Keto Cauliflower Mash: A perfect substitute for mashed potatoes, providing a creamy and comforting side dish.
- Keto Green Beans: A simple and healthy side that complements the richness of the pot roast.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to rice that soaks up the flavorful juices from the roast.
- Other Veggies: Serve with any other keto-friendly vegetables you enjoy.
How to Shred Pot Roast
Because the roast is so tender, it’s easy enough to shred with a couple of forks. Meat shredders can also be used to tear the meat apart. Another super easy way to shred any kind of meat is by putting it in your stand mixer with the paddle attachment. It shreds the meat quickly, so don’t turn it on for too long.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Storing and Reheating
- To Store: After the shredded keto pot roast has cooled, place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Add a couple of tablespoons of beef broth to add some moisture. You can also reheat in the microwave.
- To Freeze: Store the Mississippi roast in freezer bags or another sealed container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for a couple of months.
Nutritional Benefits
Beef is a nutrient-dense food, packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. This keto Mississippi Pot Roast is also high in protein, helping you feel satisfied and maintain lean muscle mass.
Variations
- Pork: Swap out the beef for pork for a different flavor profile.
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning: For a healthier option, use a homemade ranch seasoning mix instead of a packet. The seasonings in this is basically a homemade ranch seasoning plus some beef bouillon.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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