Instant Pot Swiss Steak: Tender, Flavorful, and Effortless!

Swiss steak, a classic comfort food, usually requires hours of braising to achieve its signature tenderness. But with the magic of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this savory dish in a fraction of the time! This recipe delivers incredibly tender, flavorful Swiss steak with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Forget the long simmering process – the Instant Pot transforms tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth goodness in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Swiss Steak Recipe

* **Tender and Juicy:** The Instant Pot pressure cooking method breaks down the tough connective tissues in the beef, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy steak.
* **Rich and Flavorful Sauce:** A combination of diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, and beef broth creates a delicious and savory sauce that perfectly complements the beef.
* **Quick and Easy:** Compared to traditional Swiss steak recipes, this Instant Pot version significantly reduces cooking time.
* **Minimal Effort:** Simply sear the beef, sauté the vegetables, and let the Instant Pot do the rest!
* **Versatile:** Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

What is Swiss Steak?

Swiss steak is a method of preparing tougher cuts of beef, typically round steak or chuck steak, by pounding or rolling it to tenderize it before braising. The name “Swiss” comes from the technique, which is similar to the way Swiss cheese is made, involving pounding or rolling the meat. The meat is then dredged in flour, browned, and simmered in a tomato-based sauce until tender. It’s a classic example of how to transform an inexpensive cut of meat into a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **2 pounds round steak or chuck steak, about 1-inch thick:** Round steak is a classic choice, but chuck steak also works well. Look for a cut with good marbling for the best flavor.
* **1/4 cup all-purpose flour:** Used for dredging the beef, helping it brown and thickening the sauce.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavor of the beef and the sauce.
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a touch of spice.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** For searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
* **1 large onion, chopped:** Provides a base for the flavorful sauce.
* **1 green bell pepper, chopped:** Adds sweetness and color to the sauce.
* **1 red bell pepper, chopped:** Adds sweetness and color to the sauce.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Contributes a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
* **1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained:** The base of the tomato sauce.
* **1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce:** Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
* **1 cup beef broth:** Provides moisture and flavor for braising.
* **1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce:** Adds a savory and umami flavor.
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano:** Adds an earthy and aromatic flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried thyme:** Complements the oregano and adds a subtle herbal note.
* **Optional: 1 bay leaf:** Adds a subtle aromatic flavor to the sauce. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish:** Adds a touch of freshness and color.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Instant Pot (6-quart or larger):** The star of the show!
* **Large cutting board:** For prepping the vegetables and meat.
* **Sharp knife:** For chopping the vegetables and trimming the meat.
* **Meat mallet or rolling pin:** For tenderizing the steak.
* **Large bowl:** For dredging the steak in flour.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Tongs:** For searing the steak.
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** For sautéing the vegetables and stirring the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Instant Pot Swiss Steak

Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect Instant Pot Swiss Steak:

**1. Prepare the Steak:**

* Trim any excess fat from the round steak or chuck steak. Cut the steak into serving-sized pieces (about 4-6 pieces). This allows for more even cooking and easier serving.
* Place each piece of steak between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the steak to about 1/4-inch thickness. This tenderizes the meat and helps it cook more evenly. Pounding also creates more surface area for browning.
* In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour. The flour coating helps the steak brown nicely and also contributes to thickening the sauce.

**2. Sear the Steak:**

* Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot and let it heat up for a few minutes until it shimmers. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.
* Carefully place the floured steak pieces in the Instant Pot, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the temperature and prevent proper browning. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Browning the steak adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
* Remove the seared steak from the Instant Pot and set aside. Deglaze the pot by adding a splash of beef broth and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent, stirring occasionally. This step helps develop the flavor base of the sauce.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The garlic adds a pungent and aromatic note to the sauce.

**4. Build the Sauce:**

* Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. The tomatoes and beef broth create the base of the savory sauce.
* Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, and dried thyme. If using, add the bay leaf. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients. The Worcestershire sauce adds umami, while the herbs add aromatic depth.

**5. Pressure Cook the Swiss Steak:**

* Return the seared steak to the Instant Pot, arranging it in a single layer in the sauce. Ensure the steak is mostly submerged in the liquid. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
* Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 30-40 minutes on high pressure. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your Instant Pot model. For thinner steak, 30 minutes may be sufficient. For thicker steak, 40 minutes may be needed.
* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent the steak from becoming tough. After 10-15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Use caution when manually releasing pressure to avoid burns from the steam.

**6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):**

* Remove the steak from the Instant Pot and set aside. If using, remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
* Select the “Sauté” function again. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. This slurry will help thicken the sauce.
* Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

**7. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Return the steak to the Instant Pot and coat it with the thickened sauce.
* Serve the Instant Pot Swiss Steak hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional). Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Swiss Steak

* **Don’t skip the searing step:** Searing the steak adds a crucial layer of flavor. Make sure your Instant Pot is hot enough before adding the steak.
* **Deglaze the pot thoroughly:** Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot is essential for a flavorful sauce.
* **Adjust the cooking time:** The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your Instant Pot model. Check the steak for tenderness after the initial cooking time and add more time if needed.
* **Don’t overcook the steak:** Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Start with a shorter cooking time and add more time if needed.
* **Thicken the sauce to your liking:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry. If you prefer a thinner sauce, skip the thickening step altogether.
* **Add vegetables of your choice:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery.
* **Use high-quality beef broth:** High-quality beef broth will add more flavor to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Swiss Steak is delicious served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

* **Mashed potatoes:** A classic pairing!
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all work well.
* **Noodles:** Egg noodles or pasta are a great option.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious choice.
* **Green beans:** A simple and classic side dish.
* **Salad:** A fresh salad adds a light and refreshing element to the meal.
* **Crusty bread:** For soaking up the delicious sauce.

Variations

* **Spicy Swiss Steak:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Mushroom Swiss Steak:** Add sliced mushrooms to the Instant Pot along with the other vegetables.
* **Wine-Infused Swiss Steak:** Add 1/2 cup of red wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.
* **Creamy Swiss Steak:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a creamy sauce.
* **Slow Cooker Swiss Steak:** If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also make Swiss steak in a slow cooker. Simply follow the recipe instructions, but cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the Swiss steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop before serving.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Swiss steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat Swiss steak in the Instant Pot on the “Warm” setting or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Recipe Card

**Instant Pot Swiss Steak**

A classic comfort food made easy with the Instant Pot! Tender, flavorful, and ready in under an hour.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds round steak or chuck steak, about 1-inch thick
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Optional: 1 bay leaf
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Trim excess fat from steak. Cut into serving pieces. Pound to 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge steak in mixture.
3. Turn on Instant Pot to “Sauté”. Add olive oil. Sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. Add onion and bell peppers to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well. Add Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and thyme. Add bay leaf (optional).
6. Return steak to Instant Pot, arranging in a single layer. Secure lid and set valve to “Sealing”.
7. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set for 30-40 minutes on high pressure. Natural release for 10-15 minutes, then manual release.
8. Remove steak and bay leaf (if used). Select “Sauté”. Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Slowly pour into sauce, stirring, until thickened.
9. Return steak to Instant Pot and coat with sauce. Garnish with parsley (optional). Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

**Notes:**

* Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness.
* Thicken sauce to desired consistency.
* Add other vegetables as desired.

Enjoy Your Delicious and Easy Instant Pot Swiss Steak!

This recipe is a testament to the power of the Instant Pot to transform everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort. The tender beef and flavorful sauce are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying Swiss steak dinner in no time!