Instant Pot Round Steak with Onion Gravy

If you’re looking for an easy Instant Pot round steak recipe that turns an affordable cut of beef into a tender, flavorful family dinner, this Instant Pot round steak with onion gravy is a perfect choice. The pressure cooker helps tenderize the beef while creating a rich, savory gravy with onions and garlic.

Ingredients

• 4–6 slices round steak
• 2 pouches onion gravy mix
• 2 cups hot water
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional: sliced mushrooms
• Optional: 1 can cream of mushroom soup for creamy gravy

How to Make Instant Pot Round Steak

1. Sear the beef: Set a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the round steak for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot’s Sauté function. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, followed by the sliced onion and smashed garlic. Cook until the onion begins to soften and becomes fragrant.
3. Add the steak: Place the seared round steak into the Instant Pot with the onions and garlic.
4. Make the gravy: Combine the two onion gravy pouches with 2 cups of hot water. Stir well until dissolved.
5. Add the gravy: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the steak and onions.
6. Pressure cook: Secure the lid and cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes using the Meat setting.
7. Release the pressure: Carefully release the steam according to your Instant Pot’s instructions. Open the lid once the pressure has fully released.
8. Serve: Spoon the tender steak and rich onion gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Slow Cooker Instructions

For slow cooker round steak, first sear the beef in a skillet. Sauté the onions and garlic in the same skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker.

Mix the onion gravy with 2 cups of hot water and pour it over the beef. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, keeping the lid closed during cooking.

For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms before cooking.

Oven Instructions

Sear the round steak and sauté the onions and garlic as directed above. Place everything in a covered casserole dish and pour the prepared gravy over the beef.

Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for approximately 2½ hours, or until the beef is tender.

Creamy Mushroom Gravy Variation

For an extra-rich creamy beef gravy, add one can of cream of mushroom soup to the gravy mixture. You can also add fresh sliced mushrooms for a delicious round steak with mushroom gravy.

Best Ways to Serve Round Steak

The rich onion gravy is especially delicious over creamy mashed potatoes because the potatoes soak up every bit of savory sauce. You can also serve this easy beef dinner with:

• Buttered corn
• Egg noodles
• White or brown rice
• Roasted vegetables
• Green beans
• Homemade dinner rolls

Tips for Tender Round Steak

• Sear before pressure cooking: Browning the beef adds deeper flavor to the finished gravy.
• Don’t skip the onions and garlic: They create an aromatic base that makes the gravy much more flavorful.
• Keep the slow cooker covered: Removing the lid allows heat to escape and can significantly increase cooking time.
• Let the pressure release safely: Always follow your Instant Pot manufacturer’s instructions.
• Add mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms pair beautifully with onion gravy and beef.
• For extra creaminess: Stir in cream of mushroom soup for a rich, comforting sauce.

Recipe Benefits

This easy round steak recipe is:

• Budget-friendly: Round steak is an economical cut of beef.
• Easy to prepare: The Instant Pot does most of the work.
• Family-friendly: Tender beef and savory gravy are classic comfort food.
• Make-ahead friendly: The slow cooker version is ideal for busy days.
• Versatile: Make it in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven.
• Perfect for leftovers: The beef and gravy reheat beautifully for another meal.