Beef round steak can be a tough and chewy cut of meat, but cooking it in an instant pot results in fork-tender steak every time. The instant pot’s pressure cooking function helps break down the collagen in round steak to make it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have delicious instant pot round steak on the table in under an hour. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to cook round steak to perfection in your instant pot or other electric pressure cooker.
Benefits of Cooking Round Steak in an Instant Pot
There are several advantages to using an instant pot or other multi-cooker for round steak rather than traditional stovetop or oven braising methods
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Speed – Pressure cooking round steak takes only 20-30 minutes total cook time compared to hours of simmering on the stovetop or baking in the oven. You can start with frozen steak and still have dinner ready in under an hour.
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Tenderness – The pressurized environment helps break down connective tissues in tougher cuts of meat like round steak, resulting in fork-tender meat.
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Flavor – Cooking the steak in liquid allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors while also producing a tasty gravy
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Convenience – Simply throw everything in the pot, lock the lid, and walk away. The instant pot does all the work for you with no need to watch a stove or oven. Cleanup is easier too in just one pot.
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Versatility – Round steak cooked in the instant pot can be shredded for tacos, sandwiches or served whole with the gravy on mashed potatoes or rice.
Tips for Choosing a Round Steak
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Look for USDA Choice or Select grade round steak rather than Commercial grade which will be tougher.
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Top round steak or eye of round are good options. Bottom round is more affordable but also tougher.
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Choose steaks that are 3/4 to 1 inch thick for even cooking. Thinner cuts may overcook.
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Allow about 1/2 pound of steak per person. A 1-1/2 to 2 pound steak is good for a family of 4.
Ingredients Needed
Cooking round steak in the instant pot requires just a few simple ingredients:
- Round steak
- Onion soup mix
- Butter or oil
- Water or broth
- Salt and pepper
- Flour or cornstarch (optional)
Onion soup mix adds a ton of flavor. You can make your own by combining dried minced onion, beef bouillon powder, garlic powder, thyme, parsley and pepper.
The flour or cornstarch at the end helps thicken the gravy.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Round Steak Recipe
Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful round steak every time:
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Cut the Steak – Trim off any excess fat then cut the round steak into serving-size pieces about 1 inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Sear the Steak – Select the Saute function on the instant pot and add 2 Tbsp oil or butter. Working in batches if needed, sear each side of the steaks for 2-3 minutes until browned.
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Sauté the Aromatics – Add 1 cup diced onion and saute 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30 more seconds.
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Deglaze the Pot – Pour in 1/2 cup water or broth and stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
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Add Liquid and Seasonings – Pour in 1 more cup of water or broth, then stir in 1 pkg onion soup mix and season with salt and pepper.
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Pressure Cook – Place seared steaks on top of the ingredients in pot. Lock the lid and pressure cook on High for 20-25 minutes. Let release pressure naturally 10 minutes then quick release.
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Make the Gravy – Remove steaks and tent with foil. Make a slurry by mixing 2 Tbsp flour or cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water. Stir into liquid in pot, select Sauté and cook until thickened.
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Serve and Enjoy – Place steaks on plates and top with gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles.
The steaks will be fall-apart tender after cooking. The flavorful gravy takes this meal to the next level. Leftovers make amazing French Dip sandwiches too!
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Round Steak
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Pat the steaks dry before searing to help them brown better.
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Use broth instead of water for more flavor infused into the meat.
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Skip searing if you want an even quicker meal.
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Add mushrooms, carrots or potatoes to the pot to make it a one-pot meal.
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Shred any leftover steak to use for tacos, sandwiches or casseroles.
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Thicken the gravy on the Saute function after cooking if it seems thin.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or serve with mashed potatoes.
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For food safety, discard any leftover gravy after 4 days in the fridge.
Round Steak Instant Pot Recipe Variations
Once you master the basic instant pot round steak recipe, you can customize it with different seasonings and ingredients.
Italian Round Steak
- Use Italian dressing mix instead of onion soup mix
- Add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms
- Serve over pasta or creamy polenta
Ranch Round Steak
- Sprinkle steaks with ranch seasoning before searing
- Use chicken broth and add 1 tsp dried parsley
- Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream when thickening gravy
Steak Fajitas
- Use fajita seasoning on the steaks
- Add strips of red and green bell pepper
- Shred steak and serve in tortillas with toppings
French Onion Round Steak
- Replace diced onion with sliced onions and cook until caramelized
- Deglaze pot with red wine or balsamic vinegar
- Top meat and mashed potatoes with gravy and fried onions
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of steak works best? Top round or eye of round steak works well. Avoid super