If you’ve ever wondered how to turn simple cube steak into a melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful dinner, my Instant Pot Cube Steak recipe is exactly what you need.
I remember the first time I tried this Instant Pot Cube Steak—it was the aroma of the seared steak mingling with the earthy mushrooms and caramelized onions that had me hovering around the kitchen, eager to taste it.
The tenderness of the meat, paired with perfectly cooked baby potatoes and a savory broth, makes it feel like a dish you’d expect from a fancy steakhouse, but in reality, it’s so simple and fast thanks to the Instant Pot.
Every bite is rich, comforting, and full of flavor, and the best part is you can have it ready in under an hour, leaving more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Why Instant Pot Cube Steak is the Ideal Recipe
I’ve tried many methods for cooking cube steak—pan-frying, slow-cooking, even baking—but the Instant Pot truly elevates this humble cut.
The pressure cooking process locks in juices and tenderizes the meat without the long simmering times that traditional methods require. What I love most about this Instant Pot Cube Steak recipe is how everything cooks together in one pot.
The potatoes absorb some of the beefy goodness, the mushrooms soak up the savory juices, and the onions release a subtle sweetness that ties it all together.
Key Ingredients in Instant Pot Cube Steak Recipe
When I first prepared this Instant Pot Cube Steak, I was surprised at how a few simple ingredients could transform into such a rich, comforting meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
-4-6 cube steaks – I prefer well-marbled cuts for the best tenderness.
-1 pound baby potatoes, halved – they soak up the flavors beautifully.
-8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced – add earthiness and depth.
-1 medium yellow onion, sliced into half-moons – releases subtle sweetness while cooking.
-1 cup beef broth – the foundation of the savory liquid.
-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – adds a gentle, warming heat.
-¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – for balanced seasoning.
-½ teaspoon salt – enhances all the natural flavors.
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Instant Pot Cube Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This Instant Pot Cube Steak recipe features tender cube steaks cooked with baby potatoes, cremini mushrooms, and sweet onions in savory beef broth, seasoned with cayenne, salt, and pepper for a quick, flavorful, comforting meal.
Ingredients
4–6 cube steaks
1 pound baby potatoes halved
8 ounces cremini mushrooms thickly sliced
1 medoim yellow onion sliced into half-moons
1 cup beef broth
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Coat the bottom of the Instant Pot with vegetable oil (this is optional but to prevent the BURN message from appearing).
Add the cube steak, and season. Feel free to layer the steak slices, but season them all.
Add potatoes, mushrooms, sliced onion, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. And finally the beef stock or broth.
Secure the lid, and make sure that the vent is set on SEALING position. Press on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on high pressure, and set at 20 minutes. Allow the pressure cooker to come to pressure (this will take around 10 minutes), and start cooking for 20 minutes.
When the time is up, quickly release the steam. To plate, take the steak out, as long as the veggies. You will be left with the liquids at the pot, you can thicken that to make a gravy by pressing on SAUTE and adding 1-2 tablespoons of corn starch slurry (see notes), and mixing until the gravy is thickened.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: instant pot
- Cuisine: American
How to Instant Pot Cube Steak Recipe Step-by-Step
Here’s how I prepare it each time, making sure the cube steak comes out tender and flavorful:
-Coat the bottom of the Instant Pot with vegetable oil. I usually do this to prevent the dreaded BURN message, but if you’re confident, you can skip it.
-Add the cube steak and season it with salt, black pepper, and cayenne. I like to layer the steak slices, making sure each one is properly seasoned for consistent flavor.
-Add the baby potatoes, thickly sliced mushrooms, and onion half-moons on top of the steak. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the vegetables.
-Pour in the beef broth, making sure everything is slightly submerged. This broth will cook the meat and vegetables while creating a delicious base for a future gravy.
-Secure the lid and set the vent to the SEALING position. Press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on high and set for 20 minutes. The Instant Pot will take around 10 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
-Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the steam. Carefully remove the lid, and take out the steak and vegetables to plate.
-To make a gravy from the remaining liquid, press SAUTE and add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch slurry. Stir until the gravy thickens, and pour over the plated steak and vegetables.
For more comforting, cozy meals, try my Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe, Creamy Turkey Dinner Soup Recipe In 15 Min, or Perfect Fall Acorn Squash Soup Recipe for a complete culinary experience.
Instant Pot Cube Steak Recipe Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
Conclusion
Making Instant Pot Cube Steak has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s the perfect balance of tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth that you can enjoy with minimal effort.
Each time I plate it, the aroma alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and the first bite never disappoints. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table, this recipe is a must-try.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.