Instant Pot Swiss Steak
Published March 18, 2022 • Updated February 1, 2026
This is a budget friendly way to feed your family juicy steaks using your Instant Pot
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Turn tough cuts of beef like London Broil and round steak into juicy tender steak using your Instant Pot. Pour over a hearty tomato and mushroom based gravy for an easy low carb Instant Pot steak recipe.
When it’s a busy weeknight, I love using my Instant Pot to make dinner. I can throw everything in there and it does most of the work. This Instant Pot steak recipe is one of those keto dinners that practically makes itself. Others that are my go-to Instant Pot dinner recipes are my taco soup and pulled pork.
Making steak in the pressure cooker is a simple way to turn normally tough, lean cuts of beef such as London Broil, Top Round or Bottom Round, into juicy tender steak. The steak is seared to seal in the juices then braised in a tomato and wine sauce under pressure. A dish that would normally take a few hours to slowly braise to perfect tenderness is ready in about 45 minutes in the Instant Pot.
How to cook steak in the Instant Pot
- Pat steaks dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add oil and sear steaks on both sides until browned.
- Remove steaks and add onion, mushrooms and minced garlic. Stir and cook until almost softened.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth and wine.
- Add in steak.
- Pressure cook high for 30 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the rest of the pressure manually.
Key ingredients
- Steak – To make Swiss steak use traditionally tough cuts of beef like London Broil, Top Round or Bottom Round. Roast or steaks both work.
- Vegetables – This recipe uses mushrooms, onion and garlic but you can customize to your liking. Try adding broccoli, zucchini or celery.
- Diced tomatoes – One can of diced tomatoes is added to help tenderize the beef and for flavor.
- Chicken broth – Liquid is needed to braise the steaks in the Instant Pot. You can use chicken broth, beef broth or vegetable broth. Water will also work if you don’t have any.
- Wine – Red wine is preferred; however, this is an optional ingredient. Wine adds flavor to the sauce.
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Ingredients
2-3 pounds london broil, top round, bottom round steak or roast -
1 teaspoon arrowroot powder, optional
-
2 tablespoons avocado oil
-
1/2 cup diced onion
-
3 oz sliced mushrooms
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/4 cup red wine, optional
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Prepare steaks or roast
Pat steaks or roast dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper. Dust with arrowroot powder or your favorite thickener if using.
- Beef
- Salt & pepper
- Arrowroot powder (optional)
Sear steaks
Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add avocado oil. Once oil is heated through, add steaks to the liner of the Instant Pot. Do not crowd the steaks, leave room for steam to escape in order to get a proper sear and crust on the outside of each steak. You may have to work in batches. Sear on all sides. Remove steaks and set aside.
- Oil
Saute onions and mushrooms
To the liner of the Instant Pot, add diced onions, mushrooms, garlic and thyme. Sauté until almost softened. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth and red wine, if using.
- Onions (diced)
- Mushrooms (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Thyme
- Diced tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Red wine (optional)
Pressure cook
Return steaks to the Instant Pot and submerge within the liquid. Place the lid on the pressure cooker and turn the vent to seal. Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before sliding or pressing the knob to vent remaining pressure.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
How to make swiss steak in a slow cooker?
Sear your steak or roast on all sides in a skillet over medium high heat. Then add to a slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Slow cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is one of my favorite keto comfort food dinners either way you make it.
What's the difference between swiss steak and salisbury steak?
Salisbury steak is made from ground beef and fried and served with a mushroom tomato sauce. Swiss steak is made from steak or roast and braised in a tomato sauce. Often mushrooms are added for flavor.
How to serve swiss steak on the stove top?
Sear the beef on all sides using a dutch oven. Remove beef. Add onions, mushrooms, garlic and thyme. Saute until almost softened. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, wine and steak. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours until beef is tender.
This worked out very well for my family! Thank you for the recipe. The instant pot really helped the meat tenderize.
Hi, could I use xanthum gum instead of arrowroot?
Yes, but it might make it slimy so don't add too much