Instant Pot Cubed Steak Gravy

This Instant Pot Cubed Steak and Gravy recipe is designed for quick and tender results with minimal fuss. Thanks to the pressure cooker, you get fork-tender beef with a rich, savory gravy that practically makes itself. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first tried this recipe when I was short on time but craving comfort food and now it’s my go-to for busy nights. The gravy always turns out deeply flavorful and the steak is fallapart tender every time.

Ingredients

• One and a half cups water: This adds the necessary liquid for pressure cooking and combines with soups to create the gravy
• One can of French onion soup: Offers a rich, savory base with caramelized onion flavor choose a good quality brand for best taste
• One can of cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and body to the gravy helping it coat the steak beautifully
• One packet of Au Jus gravy mix: Brings a beefy boost and helps thicken the sauce once cooked
• Four cubed steaks About two pounds: This tougher cut becomes tender thanks to pressure cooking choosing steaks with good marbling improves flavor and juiciness
• Quarter cup water: Combined with cornstarch to make the slurry which thickens the gravy at the end
• Three tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the gravy creating a perfect silky finish

Instructions

Make the gravy base:

Pour one and a half cups water one can French onion soup one can cream of chicken soup and one packet Au Jus gravy mix into the Instant Pot insert and whisk together to combine the flavors and start your gravy base

Add the cubed steaks:

Place the cubed steaks into the pot making sure each piece is well coated with the gravy mixture so every bite will be flavorful and moist

Seal and pressure cook:

Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to Sealing then set to Manual on High pressure and cook for twenty minutes factoring in five to ten minutes for the cooker to come to pressure

Handle a burn notice if it appears:

If you get a burn notice stay patient a few minutes and it should start cooking; if not carefully release the pressure open the lid scrape the bottom to remove stuck bits and add a little more water to loosen the sauce then try again

Quick release and open:

Once cooking finishes perform a Quick Release by carefully turning the valve to Venting and wait until all the steam has released before opening the lid to avoid burns

Sauté and remove steaks:

Switch the Instant Pot to the sauté function and remove the cubed steaks to a plate temporarily to avoid overcooking during gravy thickening

Make the cornstarch slurry:

In a small bowl stir the quarter cup water and three tablespoons cornstarch together to form a slurry that will thicken the gravy

Thicken the gravy:

Slowly pour the slurry into the gravy in the Instant Pot while whisking constantly and keep whisking until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency

Return steaks and serve:

Once the gravy has thickened return the cubed steaks to the pot to warm through and absorb the sauce then turn off the Instant Pot and serve immediately

I love the way the French onion soup adds a subtle caramelized onion depth to the gravy without needing fresh onions. It reminds me of cozy family dinners when this dish was a regular on our table and everyone leaned over their mashed potatoes to savor every bite

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and add a splash of water if the gravy thickens too much after refrigeration

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have French onion soup you can substitute with beef consomme or beef broth but expect a milder onion flavor. Cream of chicken soup can be swapped for cream of mushroom or another cream soup for a different twist on the gravy

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines served over creamy mashed potatoes because the silky gravy soaks perfectly into them. You can also serve it with fluffy rice or buttered noodles and a simple side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots to round out the meal

Serve over mashed potatoes for the best comfort food experience. Enjoy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What is cubed steak?

Cubed steak is a cut of beef tenderized by a machine to create small indentations, which helps break down tough muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture.

→ How does pressure cooking affect cubed steak?

Pressure cooking significantly reduces cooking time while making the meat tender by breaking down connective tissues quickly, yielding a juicy and soft outcome.

→ Can I substitute French onion soup in the sauce?

Yes, beef consommé or beef broth can be used as a substitute to maintain a rich and savory flavor in the gravy.

→ How do I thicken the gravy after cooking?

Combine cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the hot gravy to thicken it gradually while stirring.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this meal?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles complement the cubed steak beautifully by soaking up the flavorful gravy.

→ What if I get a burn notice on the cooker?

If a burn alert appears, wait a few minutes as it may clear once the cooker reaches pressure. If not, release the lid carefully, scrape the bottom, add liquid if needed, and resume cooking.