Instant Pot Frozen Steak Recipe

This Instant Pot Frozen Steak recipe delivers fast, foolproof, tender and juicy steaks straight from the freezer with zero thawing required! Add sliced mushrooms and onions right on top for a delicious dinner with minimal prep and even less effort.

Why This Recipe Works

• No thawing needed: Cook steaks directly from frozen without sacrificing flavor or texture. Like my Frozen Ground Beef in the Instant Pot, this is a game-changer for cooking dinner on the fly.
• Hands-off cooking: Just press a button and walk away. No flipping or monitoring. Tend to other business or just relax while dinner cooks.
• Full meal in one pot: Cook mushrooms and onions at the same time using a simple method I mention below.
• Perfectly juicy results: The Instant Pot’s steam environment prevents the steak from drying out, so you get juicy, tender steaks every single time.

Ingredients

Frozen steaks – Cut 1 to 1 ½ inches thick. ribeye, sirloin, or NY strip all work equally well.

Beef broth or water – To help create the steam and keep the steaks tender.
Butter – Optional.

For the Optional Mushrooms and Onions 

Fresh mushrooms – Sliced.

Small yellow or white onion – Sliced thin.

Butter 

Salt and black pepper

Equipment Needed

• Trivet or steamer basket
• Meat thermometer
• 6-inch pan and aluminum foil (optional for onions and mushrooms)

How to Cook Frozen Steak in the Instant Pot

Step 1 – Pour your broth or water into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet over the liquid.

Step 2 – Place frozen steaks directly on the trivet. Add a pat of butter to each if desired.

Step 3 – (Optional) Place the sliced mushrooms, onions, butter, salt, and pepper in the 6-inch pan and cover tightly with foil.

Step 4 – Place the covered pan of vegetables on top of the trivet above the steaks. 

Step 5 – Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on High for:

• 10 minutes for thin steaks under 1 inch thickness
• 12 minutes for standard steaks (1–1.5 inches)
• 14-15 minutes for thicker steaks

The pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before cooking time actually starts .

Step 6 – Quick Release or Natural Release?

• For Medium-rare or Medium steaks: Quick release immediately.
• For Medium-well: Allow a 5-10 minute natural release before doing the quick release.

Step 7 – Use a Meat Thermometer to Check Doneness:

• 130–135°F: Medium-rare
• 135–145°F: Medium
• 145–155°F: Medium-well

If needed, return steaks for 1 or 2 more minutes to reach desired doneness.

*Optional Sear

Drain excess liquid, turn on Sauté, add butter or oil, and sear steaks for 1-2 minutes per side.

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Always use a reliable meat thermometer for temperature accuracy.
• The steak will continue cooking slightly as it rests.
• Cooking time remains the same even if you skip the mushrooms and onions.
• Broth adds extra flavor to the steak, but water will work just as well for tenderness.
• Follow the time charts in this post for both thickness of your steaks and desired doneness.

Flavorings and Variations

• Season steaks with Montreal seasoning or your favorite dry rub before cooking.
• Use a Mexican spice blend or taco seasoning. Then slice and serve with tacos or fajitas.
• Add a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce or steak sauce to the cooking liquid, especially if only using water.
• Top the steaks with garlic herb butter, blue cheese butter, chimichurri, or steak sauce before serving.

What to Serve With Steak

• Mashed Potatoes
• Cheesy Twice-Baked Potatoes
• Oven Smashed Potatoes
• Roasted Broccoli or Mixed Roasted Vegetables
• Rice or Pasta
• Garlic Bread
• Chopped Salad

Storage Instructions

• Allow the steaks to cool completely before storing. Refrigerate leftover steak in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Store mushrooms and onions separately for best texture.
• Reheat gently or slice and enjoy cold in salads or wraps.

FAQs

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce 
• Instant Pot Goulash
• Pressure Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini
• Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi