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Instant Pot Swiss Steak

Make tender, flavorful Swiss steak in your Instant Pot! A classic comfort dish of beef simmered in tomato sauce with peppers and onions, ready in under an hour.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Lbs Bottom Round Steak Fat trimmed and about 1 inch thick, salt and pepper to taste. Cut into 8-ounce slices.
  • 1/4 Cup Flour
  • 2 Tbs Canola Oil
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper Chopped.
  • 1 Onion Medium and chopped.
  • 1/2 Cup Carrots Chopped
  • 1/2 Cup Celery Chopped.
  • 3 Cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1/4 Cup Merlot Wine
  • 1 23 Ounce Can Tomatoes Diced or chopped Italian Style in juice.
  • 8 Ounces Mushrooms Sliced.
  • 1 10 1/2 Once Can Mushroom Soup
  • 1/2 Cup Beef Broth
  • 1 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Tsp Oregano
  • 1 Tsp Paprika
  • 1 Tsp Pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp Kitchen Bouquet Browning liquid.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

  1. Dry the steak well with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Place flour in a shallow bowl and dredge the steak through the flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the pot and, working in batches, cook the steak in the hot oil until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the steak and set it aside.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot. Add the bell pepper, onion, carrot, and celery, sauteing in the hot oil until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms and sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add the wine to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Then mix in the tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire Sauce, the mushroom soup, and the various spices.
  6. Return the steak to the pot and push it down into the tomato mixture.
  7. Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Set the timer for 30 minutes. It will take the Instant Pot up to 15 minutes for the pressure to build. Do not try to open the pot at this point.
  8. Once the cooking is complete, allow 10 minutes for a natural release. After 10 minutes, then execute a quick release.
  9. Unlock the lid once the pin drops and serve.

Notes

Swiss steak, with its tender beef and rich tomato-based gravy, is a dish that pairs beautifully with a range of comforting accompaniments. Because it’s hearty and savory, the best sides complement its texture and sauce without overpowering it.

Classic Accompaniments

  1. Mashed Potatoes:
    The traditional pairing for Swiss steak. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the tomato and onion gravy, balancing the tangy sauce with buttery smoothness. A touch of garlic or sour cream in the potatoes adds depth.
  2. Rice or Egg Noodles:
    Both provide a simple, neutral base that allows the steak’s flavor to shine. Buttered egg noodles are especially popular in Midwestern cooking and give a nostalgic, old-fashioned feel.
  3. Buttered Parsley Potatoes:
    Small, boiled potatoes tossed in butter and herbs are a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes and keep the plate colorful and fresh.
  4. Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls:
    Perfect for sopping up the leftover sauce. A warm baguette or buttermilk biscuit provides texture contrast.

Vegetable Sides

  1. Green Beans Almondine – crisp-tender beans with butter and slivered almonds for freshness and crunch.
  2. Roasted Carrots or Root Vegetables – their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the tangy tomato gravy.
  3. Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus – light, clean flavors to balance the richness.
  4. Braised Red Cabbage – adds a gentle sweetness and acidity that echoes the sauce’s depth.

Pairings

  • Wine: A medium-bodied red such as Merlot, Zinfandel, or Cabernet Franc complements the tomato-based sauce and beef without overwhelming it.
  • Beer: Try a brown ale or amber lager—their maltiness enhances the caramelized flavors of the meat.
  • Cocktails: A Manhattan or Old Fashioned offers a warm, whiskey-forward counterpoint to the dish’s rustic comfort.

Dessert Pairing Ideas

After a rich meal like Swiss steak, light desserts work best—think apple crisp, lemon pudding cake, or vanilla ice cream with berry compote. These cleanse the palate while keeping the cozy, homestyle theme alive.