Instant Pot Swiss Steak

An oldie but a goodie, that’s how I think of Swiss Steak. I remember my mom making this, and using the older style pressure cooker that had a steam release gadget on the top, it turned and whistled a bit as the steam came out. Remember those? Or maybe I’m dating myself there 😳

My first attempt at this recipe idea was with a grass fed organic round steak cut from the local market, it was ok but just lacked that pop of flavor that I like to share. It was cooked for 30 minutes in the instant pot, with the vegetables all placed on top of the meat. It was good, but I definitely planned a second attempt. I talked with someone that made swiss steak using the round steak cut from COSTCO and they thought it was great, so off I go . . . Now that is one big cut of meat!! 3.58 pounds, and about 2 inches thick, but - the good news is, I only had to buy one! 😆 This time the vegetables went on the bottom and I cooked it for 50 minutes, allowing for a natural release of steam. This attempt was good enough to share so here ya go, an oldie but goodie . . .

INGREDIENTS -

Beef round steak, pick the size that works for you! (or 3.58 pounds!)
1 medium onion, chopped, or 1 1/2 cups
2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, I used one regular and one fire-roasted for extra flavor
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 cup cassava flour, or other flour alternative

Now that’s a round steak 😃 This thing was HUGE! Depending on the size of your steak, you may need to cut it into pieces.

Place the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano and flour into a gallon ziploc bag and shake to combine.

Add the round steak to the bag and shake to cover with the flour mixture.

Now I know that part of the concept behind the instant pot is to just use one pot for everything and then you only have one pot to wash when you are cleaning up right? Maybe I just get a bit antsy but I find it easier to use a fry pan to brown the meat at the same time the onions are cooking in the instant pot, I don’t mind washing an extra dish and it takes a little less time. So, whatever works best for you!

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large fry pan to medium high. Add the round steak and brown on each side. At the same time heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in the instant pot on saute mode. Cook the onion for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, brown the steak first in the instant pot on saute mode, remove it and set aside, then saute the onion in the instant pot. When both are done, add the canned tomatoes to the instant pot with the onions and stir lightly to combine. Place the browned steak on top of the tomatoes.

Seal the lid and select manual high for 50 minutes. That is just the right amount of time to roast some baby potatoes and make a salad to include with this meal. Allow the steam to release naturally.

Now you have something new to try in the instant pot, and maybe it will even be a tribute to “mom” for you. Enjoy!!