Why You’ll Love This
Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon is a rich, comforting French-inspired stew made faster and easier using a pressure cooker. Traditionally slow-cooked for hours, this version delivers the same deep flavors of tender beef, savory vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a luxurious wine-based sauce in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want a restaurant-quality meal at home without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
● 2 pounds (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
● 4 slices bacon, chopped
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● 1 teaspoon salt
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
● 1 small onion, diced
● 3 cloves garlic, minced
● 2 tablespoons tomato paste
● 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
● 2 cups dry red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
● 1 cup beef broth
● 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
● 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
● 1 bay leaf
● 2 medium carrots, sliced
● 8 ounces (225 g) mushrooms, halved
● 1 tablespoon butter
● 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Instructions
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Sauté the Bacon
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot. -
Brown the Beef
Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add olive oil if needed, then brown the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. -
Cook Aromatics
Add diced onion to the pot and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. -
Add Tomato Paste and Flour
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables and absorb the fat. -
Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the red wine while scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. This step adds deep flavor and prevents the burn warning. -
Add Remaining Ingredients
Return the beef and bacon to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir gently to combine. -
Pressure Cook
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 35 minutes. -
Natural Release
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10–15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure. -
Finish the Sauce
Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems if using fresh herbs. Stir in butter for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. -
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
● Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
● Cutting board
● Sharp knife
● Wooden spoon or spatula
● Measuring cups and spoons
● Slotted spoon
Tips
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Use the Right Wine: Choose a dry red wine like Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Sauvignon for the best flavor.
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Brown the Beef Well: Proper browning builds a deep, rich base for the stew.
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Add Vegetables Later if Preferred: For firmer vegetables, cook them separately and add them after pressure cooking.
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Make It Thicker: If the sauce is too thin, simmer on sauté mode for a few minutes after pressure cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Bourguignon pairs beautifully with:
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Buttered egg noodles
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Steamed rice
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Crusty French bread
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Roasted green beans or asparagus
A glass of the same red wine used in the recipe also complements the dish perfectly.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooled Beef Bourguignon in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes. Substitute the wine with additional beef broth and add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.
2. What cut of beef works best?
Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes very tender during pressure cooking.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, Beef Bourguignon often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon delivers the deep, classic flavors of a traditional French stew in a much shorter time. Tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich wine-infused sauce come together for a comforting and elegant meal that’s surprisingly simple to make. It’s a perfect dish for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy homemade dinner.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 430
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Protein: 36 g
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Fat: 22 g
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Carbohydrates: 10 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sugar: 3 g
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Sodium: 620 mg
